722.608 tranmission characteristics - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Rafi · #1 10-16-2004, 07:58 AM

I need your input. I am not familiar with 722.6 transmission characteristics and I bought the car used recently 99 E300 turbodiesel with 94 K mi. I do not know its history beyond Carfax. there were no issues on Carfax.

This is my experience, after you back up and move the shifter to drive and if the car is still rolling back a bit, the transmission engages forward very abruptly like you hit a wall on the back, but if you come to a complete stop then move the shifter there are no issues, is this normal? Also the shift from 1 to 2 can be abrupt specially if the accelerator is pressed hard. The rest of shifting is OK and down shifting is OK.

Would changing of ATF help any or what should I do?

Southern · #2 10-16-2004, 11:04 AM

The first issue I would not know about - I would never shift any car into drive with the car still rolling back. I cringe when I see other people do this to their cars.

The second issue I would suggest that you drive the car for two weeks and let the trans computer adjust to your driving habits. You might consider having the trans fluid level checked expecially if you don't know the history of your car.

There are mixed thoughts about changing the trans fluid on the 722.6 transmissions. I am from the old school and don't believe that any fluid is "fill for life". I changed my trans fluid/filter around 80K miles and the fluid looked dirty as well as a thin layer of sludge on the bottom of the pan. Keep in mind that the 722.6 requires special trans fluid (around $12/liter) and a special tool to measure the fluid at a specific temperature.

arkie · #3 10-16-2004, 11:20 AM

Took my '98 ML320 to German Auto Tech in West Memphis, AR yesterday for diagnosis of CEL. I asked him about the transmission oil, and Mercedes' claim that it is "filled for life". This guy has been working on MB for over forty years - he says that "life" means 100K miles as far as MB is concerned. He had changed the fluid in another '98 that very day and he said it was BLACK. I am at 92K, and I will pay the bucks to have it changed at 100K.

arkie · #4 10-16-2004, 11:24 AM

Also, on the changing FWD/RVS while rolling - DON'T do it. It overloads the internal mechanisms of the tranmission. Its especially hard on the clutches. I am 100% convinced that any transmission that has to be replaced before 100K (that didn't have some factory defect) has probably suffered from the forward/reverse-while-rolling ABUSE.

Rafi · #5 10-17-2004, 01:52 PM

Thanks for the input. Why is it considered abuse if you let it roll back slightly ? I have done it in all my cars and I had no problems. This car if you are standing on a hill and let go of the break the car does not roll back by itself. I was wondering if it was just my car or all 722.6 do it? I will shift after a complete stop. What about the 1 to 2 harder shift, is that an issue? I was hopeing the other experts would chime in as well, you know who you are.

In regards to fill for life the answer I got varied responses from 100 K to 150 K mi. Once I figure out how I can get it done, I will have it done, I have the right ATF fluid from MercedesShop. The optional dip stik. I have read the ATF posts and 722.6. I will go to the dealer as a last resort. I hate to see the guy with white lab coat coming may way, I know I am about to get a proctological exam. Whats up with that, white lab coat in a garage.

dtf · #6 10-17-2004, 07:02 PM

I have the same car. I am assuming that you have the W/S button on S when describing the abrupt shift from 1 - 2. I agree with rjnonnie and wait a few weeks until you and the car become used to each other. My wife is the primary driver of our car while I drive the '94 wagon. I find that it is a little abrupt when juicing it (which I do all the time

) and sometimes I put down rubber from a standstill

. Fun car to drive, let it get to know you. Some common problems are starting to show in this car like glow plugs, MAF (mass air flow) meter, some motormounts, plastic fuel lines crack - also have the spring perch for each front tire checked. I think MB fixed this by '99 but just to be safe...BTW the car is pretty good in the snow with Hakkapeliitta's on it. Don't worry about the lab coat - I've seen a guy work on my car with a hair net, nitrile gloves and a lab coat.

Hatterasguy · #7 10-17-2004, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rafi

Thanks for the input. Why is it considered abuse if you let it roll back slightly ? I have done it in all my cars and I had no problems. This car if you are standing on a hill and let go of the break the car does not roll back by itself. I was wondering if it was just my car or all 722.6 do it? I will shift after a complete stop. What about the 1 to 2 harder shift, is that an issue? I was hopeing the other experts would chime in as well, you know who you are.

In regards to fill for life the answer I got varied responses from 100 K to 150 K mi. Once I figure out how I can get it done, I will have it done, I have the right ATF fluid from MercedesShop. The optional dip stik. I have read the ATF posts and 722.6. I will go to the dealer as a last resort. I hate to see the guy with white lab coat coming may way, I know I am about to get a proctological exam. Whats up with that, white lab coat in a garage.

The way I understand it you need a special tool that plugs into the cars computer to measure the fluid temp. It has to be exactly 80C to get a proper reading on the dipstick. It really is a dealer only job.