MB Approved Service Products - power steering fluid

[Duke2.6]

I have a copy of "Factory Approved Service Products November 2001", published by MB USA, LLC. I pulled this off the Web, and I think the reference was from this site, but I don't have the URL.

There are TWO power steering fluid products specified in this document depending on model.

S, CL, C-classes: 001 989 24 03 10, and this is also specified for "Active Body Control Fluid" on these models

E,CLK, SL, SLK-classes: 001 989 88 03 (The power top, load leveling, and hydropneumatic suspension fluid specified for CLK and SL is the above "03 10" product)

The "88 03" product was used when a dealer resealed my steering box in 1992. It's on the invoice, and I was given a bottle with the remainder of what was not used, and I still have it, so I am going on what appears to be a reasonable assumption that the "88 03" product is what was used in models of my vintage.

Of particular interest - all cases where the "88 03" product is specified for power steering systems is accompanied by the following note:

"or an approved Dexron III ATF, see page 6"

Page 6 lists over a dozen Dexron III products, but since Dexron III is a GM spec, I can't imagine that any Dexron III is unsuitable even if they don't have specific MB approval.

Most advice on this forum specifically recommends NOT to use ATF, but his flys in the face of the MB recommendation.

Any comments or other information?

Duke