Transmission fluid replacement schedule
 

99 E430 - What is the recommended frequency of fluid replacement for the transmission? Is there a filter involved as well?

Thanks

Every 30,000 miles and yes there is a filter to change. I had mine done at the 60K service by my independent shop and the charge was $65.00 plus18.70 for the filter and $16.00 fior the fluid +$7.15 for the pan gasket

A 99 W210 would have the 5spd auto. That is a "filled for life" trans, however MB won't say what "life" means. I would say every 60k-80k, the dealer's only seem to charge $250. You have to use special MB fluid and a MB filter, also the fluid level must be checked when the fluid is at 80c. The dealer has a tool they stick in the dipstick tube to measure the fluid temp.

DO NOT DO NOT change the fluid on the transmission every 30k miles. You will be doing nothing but wasting money. The tranny that the first poster has in his car is the 722.4. It is a completely different bird than the 722.6 that was introduced in 1997 and that you have in your vehicle.

That being said, MB does not recommend any fluid changes for the life of the transmission. The general consensus here is to change about every 60k-80k miles. The only approved fluid is a special MB sythetic fluid and is about $13-$14 per quart. A change including torque converter drain will run at least 8 quarts. Yes, the filter is replaceable.

Changed mine last week @ 60k miles. Sent a sample off to Blackstone for analysis. It came back good. I got the fluid for $8.00/liter. Filter kit was $27 and the shop dipstick was $39. I will probably change it again at 120k for my peace of mind.

The problem with the "filled for life" is that MB never said who's life!!!

Cheers,
Steve

Are we saying that the original transmission fluid is good for say 250K miles ? given there's no dip stick for the transmission fluid, and the manual does not even mention what the intervals should be....

were it not for the fact that the conduit connector at the top right of the trans always starts to leak before 60k miles we may have had a chance to see what "filled for life" means.but when the leak is stopped it is obvious how dirty the fluid is and it is usually followed by a complete service.

is there a tell tale sign when the conduit breaks ? does the car come up with a warning sign ? as preventative maintenance, where is it located so I can keep an eye out for any leaks etc.
thnx.

IMHO fluid and filters are a Lot cheaper then transmissions.. I'm sure I toss away synthetic fluids that are doing just Fine, but having fresh fluid in there in peace of mind that I'm doing everything I can to keep said componentry alive.

I'd stick w/ 30K fluid and filter changes, it's cheap insurance.

Jonathan

It might be, if its not you will be rebuilding your trans sooner, and 722.6's cost a bundle!:eek:

MB has backed away from the filled for life ATF.

Anyone know what a 722.6 wholesales at these days? Last I heard it was about $3,000. Yeah its a real good idea to try to milk a few bucks worth of fluid in one of those.:D

I think that change it every 30k is reasonable if you plan to keep the car.

MB said lifetime ATF because they only guarantee the transmission working 100k.... After warranty period, no guarantee on it. If MB made lifetime ATF, does it means lifetime guarantee on the transmission from MB:D

Nope, still filled for life, unless the new ones have a schedule for change, I can check later. On the 722.6 MB has not revised the maintenance schedule, maybe some DEALERS have, but just because they miss the money, MB never told them to.
Think about it, how would MB make the most money, a recommended service (with purportedly "MB-only" expen$ive fluid, plus filter and gasket) every 30K or so, or selling trannies to , oh I don't know, lets say 10-15% of the fleet?? (and even that is on the high side I'd say, vocal minority in action) I think they'd opt to sell the service work, they make alot of profit on that fluid I'm sure, $10-12 a liter? How much do you think THEY pay??

Gilly

Heres my DIY thread on changing the fluid. Pay particular attention to the colour of the old fluid that had done around 170,000 miles:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?p=218282

I would recommend every 60,000 miles but its important to consider what kind of driving you do - if its mainly around town, changing gear regularly, then you may want to revise that estimate downwards.

Well, their cost to replace one of these transmission is most @ least in the 5-6K range.. I'm sure they are making their usual brutal mark up on the transmission and they have some wiz that can knock it out in a matter of a couple of hours.

Be that as it may, I change the fluid in my 96 S600 every 15-20K (doesn't' get driven much)...costs me 110-120 even w/ my discounts but I'd Much prefer that then R&R'ing that bloody box.

Jonathan

Right, but look at the economy of scale or whatever it's called, in others words recommend servicing them ALL every 30K vs replacing relative few of them. On a PERSONAL level yes if I thought it would really keep the transmission from failing (which I contend it WON'T), sure change it. From MBs outlook, they would stand to make MORE money by recommending the fluid change.
Gilly