When?
 

<<Wow, I am so amazed at all the controversy as whether to change the fluid on the "sealed for life" transmission. I came to this thread in curiosity about "when" to change the transmission fluid in my 1999 SL500.
<<BIG SNIP>>
Taking all this into account, I cannot believe that any transmission is "sealed for life". Parts do wear and contaminants can pass through filters, and if the contaminants do not pass through the filter, the filter will begin to slow the flow of fluid. Then there is the argument why Mercedes had the "sealed for life" transmission in the first place.>>>

What amazes ME is that this discussion persists since MB changed their stance on this about 2006, when they notified their dealers that the "lifetime" fluid is to changed at about 39000 miles. I have seen that document so it is not "something I heard."

Since the 5-speed automatic (electronically controlled) in my at-the-time '01 C320 had no torque converter drain plug, only about half of the fluid could be drained and I settled for that. The dealer offers a trans flush for a huge price but I declined.

My 2008 C300's 7-speed auto HAS a TC drain plug and I will be changing it's fluid at about 39K miles which is a long way off.

I'll check again on trans service. 39000 is just too hard to believe they'd come up with an odd number like that, HOWEVER I could understand if they actually are calculating a service based on individual car useage, in which case they might have told you YOUR car will need a trans service in 39000?
I wouldn't say it'll do any harm to change it, if done properly. Even a flush, as long as it is being flushed and filled only with the MB (or MB approved/equivilant) fluid.
Gilly

Gilly

The new service requirement does indeed call for one transmission fluid change @ 60 000 km ( approx. 39 k miles ).

P.S. where have you been, I thought you died & went to hell. :D

39k
 

<<Gilly ....The new service requirement does indeed call for one transmission fluid change @ 60 000 km ( approx. 39 k miles ). P.S. where have you been, I thought you died & went to hell. >>

Which is during the warranty period and after that who cares. Reminds me of the oxygen sensor light in my accursed 201 that came on at about 40K miles after which the bulb was removed by the dealer.

Which is during the warranty period and after that who cares. [/QUOTE]

Hey, no arguments from me.
On my truck, I change the fluid every 50 k ......and it now has 420 k on it. ;)

Rechecked back at the dealership yet again, NO there is still no change interval, per this guy who would/should know. Anyone wanna check their service booklet on a new MB and just kinda check it out? This was from a guy "up front", maybe the guys in the shop know it but he doesn't, but MB keeps the up front people pretty well schooled in what's going on.

I'm doing OK. I get an email if there is a post to a thread I'm subscribed to, but usually I'm just doing other things. Getting a new cycle this spring, have been busy getting a decent downpayment saved up.
Gilly

@ Gilly

The above mentioned trans.fluid change is indicated in my Owners/Service Manual.

P.S. What " Cycle " are you looking at.
Must be a motorcycle,.........since you're too old for a bicycle. :D

Yeah, a moto-type cycle. Not too old for a bike, got one of those too. I might put "a few" more miles on the moto per year though.

Can you do a scan on that page and post it here?

Gilly

Can't scan it, but I'll give you the info:

Service Booklet - 2007 Passenger Cars
C-Class, CLK & SL
page 86
Job # 2702
Once at 60 k km " Automatic transmission - oil & filter change.

Might be a Canada thing...........
Gilly