In the middle of changing filter and fluid on an 86 560sl. First thing I noticed is the burned smeel of the fluid-color looks ok. Time for a change.

Question is: I see a drain plug on the transmission housing underneath where the torque converter would be. Is this the drain plug for same? I thought I would have to rotate the crank to get at the drain plug but it is right there looking at me on the housing.
Thanks.

jBoggs

A burnt smell is not good. But make sure it is the "burnt" smell. compare it to the new fluid. The old fluid does take on a worn smell after use. This may be what you are smelling. If unsure bring a sample to the Mercedes dealer and see what they think. 2 noses are better than one.

Torque converter. Yes that is the torque converter drain. Drain all the fluid from there also. Then go to Las Vegas and see if you can get the slot machines to do the same thing for you there

Make sure your staying extremely clean when you have the tranny open. You don't want to introduce any kind of particles into the tranny. Lint free rags also.

Dave

__________________
1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

There is a drain plug on the pan and on the torque converter as well. Rotate the crank to introduce the torque converter drain plug to the window in the housing. Use a remote starter, socket on the crank or another way. Surgical cleanliness is a must. Use a piece of chamois instead of a rag because even a small piece of lint can cause the need for a trans rebuild.

__________________
Steve
1985 Mercedes 500SL Euro (Gray market)
1995 BMW 520i Euro (Gray market)
1992 BMW 525it Wagon
1994 Honda Del Sol Si