http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/articleviewer.asp?pg=ccr20030601ps&cccid=2&scccid=1

According to this Valvoline document, Honda and Mercedes require a very specific type of fluid.

However, I read that some of the forum members use Valvoline P/S fluid. Doesn't it make trouble after long time?

I recently changed P/S fluid for my 1992 300D using Valvoline Synpower Power Steering Fluid.

The filler cap has no instruction about fluid, but it might have been peeled off. The owener's manual reads 1.1 US qt (1.0 liter) MB Power Steering Fluid.

__________________
1992 300D 2.5 turbo diesel. 319 k miles.
124.128 chassis, 602.962 engine, 722.418 tranny.

Shouldn't be a problem at all. Most P/S fluids will work.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I was under the impression that you could only use ATF fluid in the power steering unit, am I mistaken?

Antonino

Depends on how old it is... if you put ATF in an older car, it will leak fluid out of the P/S pump like crazy. Makes a real mess. It may be okay in newer ones.

This is an important topic... i've heard so many conflicting reports.

I am particularly interested as the mercedes i picked up a while ago (1986 W124) needs the steering box/pump and water pump replaced. I have the parts.. but dont know what is safe to put in them. One guy claiming to be a many year certified mercedes mechanic says anything new. Others say stick to merc lubes and coolant or pay the price. Of course the owners manual is useless. Other car companies say similar things.. but its bunk. Whats the story.

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1986 300e (runs like a top.. interior needs parts)
2006 GTO
2003 Mini S

I changed the power steering fluid with factory Mercedes brand in my 92 300E. I had to bleed the system and perge the ATF mechanic put in. I guess its a cost saving tip most Mercedes Mechanics use here in California were the weather and climate do not get to below freezing temputures.
I also replaced the filter very important. I found MErcedes-Benz does not recommend changing the power steering fluid as part of any services, very strange?
Bob Geco

I used the Valvoline on mine after purging the system by disconnection the return line. I used a cheaper Walmart brand to flush then replaced filter and filled up with the Valvoline. Its been 3 years.

Stu Ritter in his 'E-Class owner's Bible' covering all 124 models says you can use either MB spec. fluid- MB Q 46 0001 or Mobil ATF D. Replace fluid every 15,000 miles and filter every 60,000 miles.
The Factory does not have any recommendations for changing either the filter or fluid.