1998 e320 722.6 Transmission Fluid & Filter Change. Should It Be Done At All? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jamesopiela · #1 01-06-2020, 08:32 PM

I have a 1998 e320 with 188K miles and a 722.6 transmission. I have heard stories over the years that Mercedes made a mistake by saying these transmissions never need a fluid and filter change. I also hear "experts" say that if there is no problem with the transmission, don't touch it because changing the fluid could cause problems. So, who's right and wrong?? Please don't come up with a political answer and say both answers are correct. There is a slight slip from first to second gear, but if changing the fluid could make the situation worse I won't do it. How could these transmissions be so sensitive?? I don't get it. Does anyone have a good, logical answer??

engatwork · #2 01-07-2020, 05:50 AM

Change it and make sure you use the correct fluid. Also, on this application, the conductor plate may eventually need to be changed when it starts doing weird things while shifting.

Ricks 84 380 · #3 07-10-2020, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesopiela

I have a 1998 e320 with 188K miles and a 722.6 transmission. I have heard stories over the years that Mercedes made a mistake by saying these transmissions never need a fluid and filter change. I also hear "experts" say that if there is no problem with the transmission, don't touch it because changing the fluid could cause problems. So, who's right and wrong?? Please don't come up with a political answer and say both answers are correct. There is a slight slip from first to second gear, but if changing the fluid could make the situation worse I won't do it. How could these transmissions be so sensitive?? I don't get it. Does anyone have a good, logical answer??

From 2000 on it doesn't matter, older ones, yes, but there are tranny shops that will make up a batch of new oil with the same or close too, what is in there now.

oldsinner111 · #4 07-11-2020, 09:43 AM

I use mobil syncthiec for my 722.605 No problems since 2009. Did have front seal replaced when I put a newer motor.Never changed electrical plug,but drilled holes in coffin box in case of wicking.

rwd4evr · #5 11-08-2020, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ricks 84 380

From 2000 on it doesn't matter, older ones, yes, but there are tranny shops that will make up a batch of new oil with the same or close too, what is in there now.

The 98 e300d I took my motor from sure had some crazy looking fluid in the trans. It was green and resembled oil more than trans fluid. Really had me confused for a few minutes thinking it had an oil cooler in the radiator. It could've had some tranny in a bottle additive I suppose.

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tym477 · #6 05-16-2022, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamesopiela

I have a 1998 e320 with 188K miles and a 722.6 transmission. I have heard stories over the years that Mercedes made a mistake by saying these transmissions never need a fluid and filter change. I also hear "experts" say that if there is no problem with the transmission, don't touch it because changing the fluid could cause problems. So, who's right and wrong?? Please don't come up with a political answer and say both answers are correct. There is a slight slip from first to second gear, but if changing the fluid could make the situation worse I won't do it. How could these transmissions be so sensitive?? I don't get it. Does anyone have a good, logical answer??

You definitely can Change it and wouldn’t come up with any issue if you use the correct fluid.

tym477 · #7 05-16-2022, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldsinner111

I use mobil syncthiec for my 722.605 No problems since 2009. Did have front seal replaced when I put a newer motor.Never changed electrical plug,but drilled holes in coffin box in case of wicking.

Yeah Perfect Fluid