Todays question concerns automatic transmissions...

Who changes their own trans fluid and filter? Why do you do it? Some helpful examples;

I change my own fluid because...

1.)Perfectionist syndrome- the only way to know something is done perfect is to do it myself...
a. No bozo to overtighten anything because he has more braun than brains...
b. No bozo to leave something loose or missing because his attention was focused on what a great time he had last night...

2.)To save money syndrome- Money paid to overpriced/overrated technicians would be better utilized in the go-tank [fuel tank]...

I pay someone else to change fluid/filters because...

1.)I can't stand the thought of trans fluid running down my forearms...
a. Doesn't that stuff cause cancer?
b. I gladly pay others to do my dirty work!

2.)I am sorry but I do not know how to do it?!

Trans fluid and filter?

1.) What the heck is that?

2.)I thought only the engine needed fluid/filter changes...

3.)I just stick the key in and drive it! I do not know what makes it go or stop correctly! Why doesn't someone take the time to write a free book telling everyone how it all works?!

As everyone can see there is no right or wrong answer, just everyones valued opinion...

I used to change my own tranny fluid until I bought a car with the 722.6 five speed box. Now it's easier to set the fluid level perfectly using SDS. Given the price of a new 722.6, I won't take any chances.

On the 190E, I do it. It's messy, but not difficult.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

I used to have an 88 740 Volvo Turbo, then an 88 BMW 528e on which I did all maintenance, including tranny fluid change. On this one, after everything I've read about the 722.6 tranny, I'm afraid I'll be going to the dealer for this particular maintenance item.

I do it because I can.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

blackmercedes - I do not undertand do you change it yourself? and what is SDS and how it tells you the level? I also do have a 722.6 but I am cluless. I am reaching 100K Mi and was wondering when to change the fluid.
I know it is fill for life but what is a life of a car? I am under the impression it may be 120K mi.

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2010 ML350 Bluetec
2012 Mustang Convertible

I DO NOT change the 722.6 tranny fluid myself. I have the dealer do it because you should use the SDS (Star Diagnostic System) to set the fluid level with the fluid temp at 80C.

Fill for life is a relative term. You could leave it in there forever if you like. Most folks change their 722.6 fluid and filter every 100,000km's (about 60K-miles) or so. Some people have had great life out of their tranny without changing the fluid, but others have faced disaster. It's up to you.

The life of a car is 120,000 miles? Not a Mercedes! Care for it and expect at least twice that, at least!

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

blackmercedes - thanks for clarification. By life of car there has to be a definition of what that means from the manufacturer, I know the life of a car depends on the car and treatment. But by manufacturer definition it has to be some specific duration or milage.

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2010 ML350 Bluetec
2012 Mustang Convertible

Just had my new indie go through my W124...he recommended (and performed) the tranny fluid/filter replacement.

I also hold fast to the "if it's not broke, don't fix it" mantra...but I had the tranny act weird a couple of times in the past year, and thought it might be a good idea to have a bit of preventative maintenance done in that area...and as blackmercedes quipped, the price of a new MB tranny is enough to scare you into reality!

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

I do it myself! And because I can do it is the reason. I see no reason to pay someone else to pull a pan and change the filter and put the pan and new gasket back on! When I can do it and it takes me less than a half hour or so to do! Also do my own oil as well. Now that is on the 190E. The C class goes to the Stealer for all services until the warranty is done. Then when I have to pay for it I can not justify an oil change that costs more than $100! When I can do it myself for less than $30! But it is covered now so no since in doing myself, and I would not get cool loaners if I did it myself.

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

I used to but I don't anymore because things have picked up at school and also the building management was about to kill me

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2008 BMW 335i Coupe

Thanks to all who shared their expertise...

I do it myself but for some reason this is a job that I really hate, so it may be off to a mechanic the next time it's due.

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2020 GMC Sierra Denali
2007 Tiara 3200