Transmission Fluid change w124 and more - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

andrei · #1 09-22-2006, 02:04 PM

hello,
i just recently purchased a MB 300E 1989 98K, doing maintance for last months by myself. I'm planning to change a transmission fluid (automatic) but after reading a manual got a little bit scared doing it (removing the pan and turning engine crankshaft), so i called a couple dealerships and the price they told me was 250-300$ (~170-200 for the labor). I have already bought a filter and a gasket (18$ both). The question i have is it a reasonable price, or its an easy DIY? Besides bleeding the old fluid, do i need to flush the transmission with any special stuff? Or maybe any other car shop is qualified enough to do it? And which ATF FLuid should i use?

the second question i have is about rear differential oil, i don't know i a previous owners ever replaced it (98.000 miles currently) and how important is it?

also i'm thinking of replacing two front engine mounts, because i have a little shakes/vibration on the idle, is there any way to check them?

the antenna mast is working fine but does not response to the control switch on the board (manual retract). also the standard Becker audio has a very weak reception, is it possible to install some sort of amplifier? and actually, i wouldn't mind replacing the original antenna with something shorter and just one solid piece, is such option possible?

thanks a lot for your answers,
andrei

lee polowczuk · #2 09-22-2006, 03:49 PM

no problem with transmission..

you have to drain the torque converter first.... figure 66% of the fluid will come from there.... it's in front of the transmission pan... in a bell housing.. will have a allen type screw that you have to take out...just like the pan.

don't flush.. i just use mobile 1.

i have never changed differential fluid in any car i have ever owned... so it will be interesting to see others way in..

The tranny drain should take you about an hour and a half tops.... it is likely you will spill 4-5 ounces from the pan unless you have a second set of hands to help you lower it..

it's not that much more difficult than draining your oil...

Kestas · #3 09-22-2006, 04:02 PM

You're in luck. The MB has a drain on the torque converter. This should be an easy DIY for under $40. I believe your transmission is spec'd for Dexron II and you can use Dexron III. You'll have to rotate the engine to find the torque converter drain plug. Without going into too much detail... Drain both the pan and torque converter. Change the filter. Refill with the same amount (~7 qts?). When refilling, put in only 4 qts, then start the engine and add the remaining amount. Refill it shy about a quart so you can measure the fluid level warm after a long drive.

Differential... remove the fill plug FIRST!! If you remove the drain plug and can't refill it, you're in deep doo-doo. I recommend using synthetic fluid such as Mobil 1 75W-90. Buy two quarts. It'll take a bit more than one quart to refill it.

You can check the motor mounts by opening the hood and watch for motor movement when you shift back and forth between Drive and Reverse.

Since the car is new to you, check the rest of the fluids and filters. Consider replacing the fuel filter, steering fluid filter, and replacing the brake fluid, steering fluid, and coolant.

Do a search on these topics, you'll get lots of well written discussion and details on these projects.

Alkraut · #4 09-22-2006, 04:56 PM

Is the transmission fluid replacement procedure the same on the 560SL?
If so, what has to be removed in order to access the converter plug? Any cross members or exhaust pipes in way? Thanks

andrei · #5 09-23-2006, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kestas

Since the car is new to you, check the rest of the fluids and filters. Consider replacing the fuel filter, steering fluid filter, and replacing the brake fluid, steering fluid, and coolant.

Do a search on these topics, you'll get lots of well written discussion and details on these projects.

i've done all of those, the only thing left is to flush the brake fluid, and i don't think its a DIY for me, and as i understand it's a costly thing in a car shop to do.

can you please explain about atf change a little bit more detailed,

appreciate your time,

tvpierce · #6 09-23-2006, 07:30 AM

At the top of this page, click on the "DIY Articles" tab. The first article is Transmission Fluid & Filter change -- great write up with pictures.

The proceedure is definately a DIY job, so is the brake flushing/bleeding. I recommend getting a pressure bleeder (not a vacuum bleeder). Motive makes an excellent product for about $50. It's nice to have a pressure bleeder for future brake work, and maintenance.

Good luck... post back with your results.

Jeff Pierce