I recieved the mailing from MB about the FSS using sythetic oil which is now recommended.My question is ,the other booklet(Factory Approved Service Products2000) under the automatic trans fluid section, are any or all of those fluids OK for the newer (98 electronic trans 722.) 13 listed.

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98 E430(sport), 99 ML 320 (sold) , 05 C 230(sport) Mark

NO, on the 722.6 transmission, only the MB part number is approved trans oil. The 722.6 is used 1998 and later, and is distinguished by the "W-S" switch on the shift quadrant....Gilly

Gilly,
Then what was the 97 5 speed auto transmission? I thought it was the same as 98 and later too?

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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

Right, new that about the FSS. Thanks for clearing that up though John.

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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

Well, this is 2 different matters. The 722.6 trans was used even earlier than 97, I believe it was 96, but only in certain models. I believe it started out in the 140 and 129, but again, if in doubt, look for the "W-S" switch on the shifter plate. The trans that Davis is asking about, I'd have to look it up to be sure, that's what I do if I am doing a service on a non-722.6 trans is look it up and not guess. If it ain't electronic, it's probably a 722.3, could be a 722.5, sorry i can't memorize one set of minute details about one "era" of cars and learn the new stuff. I don't have to KNOW everything, as long as I KNOW where to find the info, that's my philosophy. On FSS, that was also a phase-in, it did start I think it was later in 97 some of the cars were getting it. By 98 I believe everthing had it, but you could tell they were "forcing" the issue. Some of the cars still needed the plugs done at 30K or 45K. The bigger problems were the older tech engines like the 111 and 104, which were used in the C230 Kompressor, the SLK230, and the S320. But the do have FSS maintenance sheets for them, so yes they were FSS cars. Once the lines were upgraded to newer tech engines, the 112, 113, 111 EVO motor, and now of course the 137, everything is a little more streamlined as far as the maintenance concerns, much easier to keep track of what needs to be done......Gilly

I still can not get everyone to agree. 1-800-for mercedes informs me that any Detxron III trans fluid is what is approved for ALL MB transmissions.(thats right from the manufacturer).

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98 E430(sport), 99 ML 320 (sold) , 05 C 230(sport) Mark

No, no way, the people stating that are incorrect, just read the approved lubricant list. Mercon III/Dexron is for automatics EXCEPT for the 722.6. The 722.6 is the new electronically controlled trans, and is considered a lifetime fill, but you use the MB part number trans oil, it is synthetic. Gotta tell them people at MB to read their own fine print.....Gilly

Dexron III/Mercon, I meant to write, is for prior to 722.6 automatics.....Gilly