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  #1  
Old 07-25-2003, 09:30 PM
The Least of These
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Exton, PA
Posts: 559
W210 . 606 trans service questions

I am getting ready to do, not only my first trans service on this car, but my first trans service ever. A few questions for the guys:

1) Is this a DIY on this trans?
2) Is there a trans drain plug or should I Top-Side?
3) How do I get all the fluid from the torque converter too?
4) Any advise on issues I am not aware of?
5) I am planning on using the MB fluid - Mobil1 instead?


Thanks all...

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1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction
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  #2  
Old 07-25-2003, 09:58 PM
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Location: Evansville WI
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This would be a 722.4 transmission. Use the Mobil1 only if it says it meets specs for DexronIII/Mercon. Mercedes doesn't sell ATF for this one, just the newer 722.6 transmissions.

It would be a pain to do this job on the ground, be better off doing it on a hoist, otherwise it can really make a mess of the driveway or garage.

There is a drain plug on the trans pan and the torque converter, you need to be able to rotate the engine to get the torque converter drain plug facing downwards. There is an aluminu drain plug seal on the torque converter and a copper one on the pan drain plug, both should be replaced.

You'll need about 7 ot 8 quarts of ATF to fill it after the job. Pour in 3 quarts, then start the engine and put in the rest of it. I'd put in 6 total to start with (the initial 3, plus another 3 after starting), then check the level.

Gilly
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  #3  
Old 07-25-2003, 10:29 PM
The Least of These
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Exton, PA
Posts: 559
Thanks, Gilly. what is the difference between M1 and the MB fluid for the newer trans. The reason I was goning to go with the MB stuff was because the fluid in the car is not red like all the other fluids I have seen. It looks like a honey, clean oil color. I believe M1 is red - any sigificant difference?

All I have at home are jack stands and a floor jack. Should I leave this job to my indy?

I am kind of cancerned about the fluid because I just bought the car and have all the records from the PO however - no mention of the trans ever being serviced. Since I travel 800 to 1000 miles a week I thought I better do it ASAP.
__________________
1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction
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  #4  
Old 07-25-2003, 10:44 PM
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The MB fluid for the 722.6 is very specifically for that particular transmission, don't use it in something else. Both the 722.6 fluid and Mobil1 are synthetic. if the Mobil1 says that it meets specifications for DexronIII/Mercon, then it's OK to use. The MB fluid does not meet specs for DexronIII/Mercon, so don't use it.

I don't know why your tranny fluid doesn't appear to be red, all ATF should look red as far as I know, even the MB synthetic stuff is red. With age it typically gets darker looking.

Personally, I think if you are even questioning if you should do it or not, you probably shouldn't.

Gilly
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  #5  
Old 07-26-2003, 09:01 AM
The Least of These
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Exton, PA
Posts: 559
The local dealership (MB of West Chester, PA) confirmed that they do not carry MB fluid for the non-electronic trans. They offered me Federal for $2 a qt and said that this is what they use.

Since they now have a free Starbucks coffee bar, I thought I would let it slide and said I putting in M1!!

Gilly, I am a relatively competent home mechanic. I have several MB brakes/rotors, radiators, t-stats, shut off valves etc... under my belt on 123's and 124's, just never the trans service. Why would you not recommend me give the trans a shot? Special tools? Access? Safty?

I fiqure I will topside out the pan fluid, find the TC drain plug and drain, pull off the pan, replace filters (simple RR, right?)

Please tell me if I am wrong on any of this or if I have unrealistic preconcieved notions of simplicity.
__________________
1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction
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  #6  
Old 07-26-2003, 06:11 PM
The Least of These
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Exton, PA
Posts: 559
Well, although it seems as though not too many people are facinated by this topic, I thought I might give you an update.

I successfully drained and removed the trans pan, filter an gasket. There was not too much to it. Actually, I think the hardest part was removing the shielding from under the car. The pan is held in by six bolts, all are easy to remove. I got the filter out (held in place by 3 phillips head screws) to find that the MB dealer gave me the wrong one - I ran out of time - wife started calling...

I turned the engine to see the drain plug on the torque converter. Although, I am afraid now to remove the drain plug because when I attempted to do this on the trans pan it was like jelly and I destroyed the plug - ANY ADIVISE IS APPRECIATED !!!

Any way I will pick it back up again tommorrow.
__________________
1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction
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  #7  
Old 07-26-2003, 10:59 PM
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In general, if someone is second-guessing their ability to do a job, there is an underlying reason for it, and that's why my "personal" opinion was to not do it at home. It's just my opinion though, not "a direct order", OK? We all have opinions and by golly, I get to have mine too.

On the TC drain plug, take a punch which will fit into the 5mm allen hole (hex shaped hole) in the plug and just give it a few good raps with a hammer prior to trying to loosen it with your hex socket, that usually will aid in loosening the plug.
The dealer should have sold you 2 seal rings as well, one aluminum and one copper. The aluminum one goes on the TC drain plug, the copper one goes on the pan drain plug, and I recommend you replace that ruined plug as well.
Torque on the drain plugs are both 14nm, and the pan bolts are only about 8nm, I usually use 10nm, very light torque on the pan bolts.

Gilly
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  #8  
Old 07-27-2003, 10:54 PM
The Least of These
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Exton, PA
Posts: 559
Thanks for the help, Gilly. After getting the correct parts I managed to finish the job. As it turns out I did not damage the pan drain plug as suspected. The plug is covered by some type of tough rubber material - this is what was damaged. I put in a new one anyway.

For posterity I will answere my initial question:

1) If you have a 5mm allen wrench and other common home tools this is a DIY

2) There is a trans drain plug. Yes you should top side. I say this for two reasons: 1) I believe you will get more fluid out than if you drain. 2) You will not need to remove the likely stubborn drain plug coating - 1st time trans service.

3) Put a wrench on the nut on the crankshaft pully and rotate the engine until you see the 5mm hex nut on the TC. Remove and drain.

4) Issues:

a) The dealership in my case was not aware of the fact that this was not a non-electronic transmission. Even after I provided them with the VIN # and the ID number Gilly mentioned - I still got the wrong part.

b) Be sure to ask for the copper drain plug washer and the aluminium TC plug washer

c) Pan only holds about 2 qts of fluid. In my case there was another 4 in the TC.

d) The trans pan bolts are very loose. Be careful not to overtighten as the pan can damage the soft rubber gasket

e) There is a 5mm drain plug on the pan - do not be fooled by the rubber coating if the trans has never been serviced before

f) When adding fluid, only add 3.5 qts at first. Then turn the car on and allow the vaccum to draw the fuid form the pan and into circulation. Otherwise the fluid will come out of the dipstick!!

5) MB fluid for this trans was not availible from my dealership - see above. I did use M1 because it is synthetic like the factory fill was

6) The cork gasket from the old trans filter stayed with the trans when I removed the filter. I did not notice this until it caught my eye when putting on the new filter. Be sure this is removed with the old filter

Step by step:

1) topside out the trans pan fluid
2) turn engine and drain TC - replace correct washer
3) remove six bolts holding trans pan
4) remove 3 philips head screws holding filter
5) replace filter
6) clean and replace pan with new gasket
7) Add 3.5 qts of new fluid
8) start car and idle for a minute
9) top-off
10) be care to follow correct fluid level instructions per manual

Well, that is the truth the best I can see it. I hope this is helpful for someone in the future.

Please correct me if any of the above is inacurate. Thanks.
__________________
1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction
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  #9  
Old 07-29-2003, 11:34 AM
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Location: Ocean Isle Beach, NC
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Just an FYI, as of September of '99, there is no longer a torque converter drain plug.

Len
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  #10  
Old 07-29-2003, 08:49 PM
dtf dtf is offline
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Did you do it from under the car or raise it like Gilly suggested?
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dtf
1994 E320 Wagon (Died @ 308,669 miles)
1995 E300 Diesel (228,000)
1999 E300 Turbodiesel ( died @ 255,000)
2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 AC 4X4 (115,000 miles) rusted frame - sold to chop shop
2011 Audi A4 Avant (165,000 miles) Seized engine - donated to Salvation Army
BMW 330 xi 6 speed manual (175,034 miles)
2014 E350 4Matic Wagon 128,000 miles
2018 Dodge Ram 21,000 miles
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  #11  
Old 07-29-2003, 09:13 PM
The Least of These
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Exton, PA
Posts: 559
I actuall drove the car up on two home made ramps - sounds scary but a really quite safe. Just 3 2x8's with a 45* angle cut into the widths of each, nailed with the flat sides together staggered about 8 inches. I drive the car right up. One man deal and very secure!!

This provides a total of about 5 inches of lift which was plenty for me to do the job. Just do it while the engine is cold. I did it while everything was hot because wanted to get as much fliud as posible. I must have burned my forearms on the exhaust pipes a dozen times!!

__________________
1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction
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