Ok guy's, I did a seaech and really did not find what I wanted. I plan to service the trans on the 96 E300D next week and I would like some opinions on MB factory ATF verses a quality synthetic ATF. The reason I bring up synthetic is that we use it in the tranny's on our Ford F550's with the 7.3 power stroke at work. We have documentation that it lowers the temp trans significantly and if you have ever fooled with one of these with any kind of load they will fry a trans in a heart beat (just get stuck once). I have no reason the believe the trans on the MB is running hot but with it pushing 285K on the odometer I want to make sure it last as long as the engine with out an overhaul.

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Keith Schuster
2006 E350 98K miles
2013 Ford Explorer 15K miles

Just my opinion.

I offer no data or great logic other than synthetic is a better product.

And new cars and transmissions cost a lot of money to replace. I put in synthetic on all my stuff. Including my snowblowers, lawn mowers ect.


And if availble my KY jelly (please excuse the off color joke...I have been at work too long)

I say go for the good stuff

I switched a 84 with 240K to synthetic and a 87 with 105K with no leaks or complaints.

IT cost alot more money but that does not bother me. Because in sometimes you get what you pay for. I do believe that to be true with the oil and related products. Again, buy mobil or amsoil or redline. Avoid the others as their products are not as good with similar prices.

good luck

bob



however, It is up to you. Cost vs Benifit. I like having the best available product in my cars. My cars are not that expensive to warrent the cost but I dont want to have to buy any new ones. I have never had an engine or trans failure and most likely it was more to do with how I drive (like a pansy) than the oil i used. I also dont practice extended oil changes. I change my engine oil at 4000 to 5000 and trans at 30000. I geuss that i really like those people at mobil. To be honest I just like screwing around with my old cars. If I was really reasonable I would just buy a new tdi and that would be it...But where is the challange in that. My driveway and garage would have alot less stains and my wife and I would have more time to spend together. I enjoy braking old parts and using the profanity that my father tought me when I was just a todler. It is even better when the neighbors bring their children inside because I am braking more perfectly good parts. To make a long story even longer if you want to buy the best oil and put it in a car that only you find value in go for it. Thats what I do.

I can agree with that

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Keith Schuster
2006 E350 98K miles
2013 Ford Explorer 15K miles

I fully agree with Bob, synthetic is the best way to go and it pays itself off in the long run, I went synthetic for engine and tranny since the early 90s and never looked back, have been using Mobil-1 ATF/ Gear Lube, engine oil and grease on all my vehicles with really good results.