722.6 Transmission Fluid Change Observations - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

deltajetfixer · #1 01-25-2005, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhdoc

I just called my MB dealer and spoke with the service rep, mind you he is not a mechanic, but the guy who is SUPPOPSED to know what he's talking about. I asked about doing a fluid/filter change in my supposedly "lifetime fluid" transmission and he told me flat out "it can not be done". Basically he told me the only way to get the fluid out is to take apart the transmission which is "very expensive" (his words, not mine).

The "Service Rep" is either ignorant or a liar. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and figure he's grossly misinformed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhdoc

I did read somewhere here that some of the "lifetime fluid" transmissions do not have a drain on the torque converter and maybe mine (98 E300) is one of them, so I will not pass complete judgement on him until I find out for sure whether my TC is drainable or not...it's just interesting to hear the dealer say "even if you insist upon it we will not do it".

The torque converter drainplug was omitted somewhere (it's in a Technical Service Bulletin) in 1999 "...to cut costs...", or similar wording to that effect.Your 1998 should have one.

nhdoc · #2 01-25-2005, 08:20 PM

I noticed the place I usually buy parts from online not only has the transmission filter, pan gasket, drain seal but also the dipstick tool, locking pin and MB fluid at $8 per liter so I will probably just order the materials and do it all myself when the weather improves some.

I usually order from these guys:

http://www.maximumautoparts.com/

Free shipping on orders over $50 and I get them the next day in NH.

aklim · #3 01-25-2005, 09:16 PM

1999 S500 with 722.6 Automatic Transmission Filled for life?

Gillly copied the bullietin for us. Pay special attention to the 2nd paragraph.

The Automatic Transmission fluid is said to be filled for life. We never specified who's life. (Yes, they actually wrote that in this!-DG)

rwthomas1 · #4 01-25-2005, 09:35 PM

Here is the easy way to change all the fluid in any auto transmission: Get two clean 5 gallon buckets and 10-12feet of rubber fuel line that is sized to fit over the ends of the transmission cooling lines that run to the radiator. Disconnect the cooling lines at the radiator and connect a length of the abovementioned hose to each line. Place the other ends in the bottom of the clean buckets. Now start the car and then immediately shut it down. One of the hoses should start spraying transmission fluid into its bucket. That is the discharge bucket. It is helpful the have someone else watch the hoses and signal to shutdown once the discharge hose is determined. Now fill the other bucket with the correct transmission fluid capacity plus about 10%. Start the car and let it idle. The old transmission fluid will discharge into one bucket and the fresh fluid will be sucked out of the other. When almost all the new fluid is sucked up shut the car off and reconnect the cooling hoses to the radiator. The fluid is now changed. Check the level and test drive the car. Obviously if you want to change the filter this should be done afterwards but this is the only way I know to get all of the fluid changed in a transmission with no torque converter drain plug. RT