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  #1  
Old 02-04-2007, 09:13 AM
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ATF for newer Mercdes Transmissions

While looking for alternatives to the OEM MB ATF for my 99 C280 I found these nuggets.

Looks like perhaps(could be dead wrong too ) MB's proprietary ATF could just be just very good quality synthetic Dexron III afterall.

TITAN ATF 3353
Multifunctional DEXRON III-Generation-ATF for automatic transmissions as well as any other ATF-applications. Developed for the latest generation of Mercedes-Benz 7-step-automatic transmissions (NAG 2), applicable as well for the predecessing 5-step-automatic transmissions (NAG 1). Offers fuel-efficiency potential.

DEXRON III
MB 236.12
VW TL 52162


http://www.fuchs-europe.de/1712.html

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/pix/ATF.jpg


It does seem a bit thinner than your normal run of mill ATF viscosity(6cst vs 7cst)however.

Looks Mobil 1 ATF could be a viable option for my 60K service around the corner.

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  #2  
Old 02-04-2007, 09:52 AM
ILUVMILS's Avatar
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Mobil ATF 3353 and Shell ATF 3353 are both listed in WIS as compatible alternatives to the factory ATF. They'll work on 722.6/9 transmissions.
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  #3  
Old 02-04-2007, 09:59 AM
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Johnson City, TN
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My only comment is that I just don't understand the financial agony that goes on over transmission fluid.

Let's assume a change frequency of 60,000 miles. Lets assume you drive 20,000 miles a year. The difference in price between the old special fluid, say $15 per liter and Mobil 1 ATF what $6.00 a liter is only $9.00 times 8 liters or $72 bucks. $72 dollars divided by 3 years is $24 dollars a year.

The new backward compatible MB Fluid is less than the old special fluid. So the difference is even less.

Why not just buy the correct fluid and save all the time spent trying to save a couple of bucks. After all it is a MB.

Steve
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  #4  
Old 02-04-2007, 10:00 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ILUVMILS View Post
Mobil ATF 3353 and Shell ATF 3353 are both listed in WIS as compatible alternatives to the factory ATF. They'll work on 722.6/9 transmissions.

I don't belive Mobil makes a version of the 3353.

I just though it interesting that Fuch's also designates it MB factory fill stuff as Dex III compatible.
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  #5  
Old 02-04-2007, 10:15 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by softconsult View Post
My only comment is that I just don't understand the financial agony that goes on over transmission fluid.

Let's assume a change frequency of 60,000 miles. Lets assume you drive 20,000 miles a year. The difference in price between the old special fluid, say $15 per liter and Mobil 1 ATF what $6.00 a liter is only $9.00 times 8 liters or $72 bucks. $72 dollars divided by 3 years is $24 dollars a year.

The new backward compatible MB Fluid is less than the old special fluid. So the difference is even less.

Why not just buy the correct fluid and save all the time spent trying to save a couple of bucks. After all it is a MB.

Steve
I see your point however,

Seems to me now that the only difference between the "correct" and an aftermarket top notch syn ATF multi vehicle application ATF like M1 ATF is not some special additive,it's the price and manufactuer.
I like many like getting something like ATF locally and especially if I can get at almost 50% off the price of the OEM fluid.

Opinions vary ....

BTW,

The new MB stuff for the 7G-Tronic is thinner than the old stuff recommended for the 722.6 so there is a difference viscosity wise albiet small but nontheless(6cSt vs 7cSt).
I guess MB doesn't see it has harmful.

Perhaps one could even see a small benefit in fuel economy
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  #6  
Old 02-04-2007, 10:35 AM
I told you so!
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Motor City, MI
Posts: 2,853
Softconsult, though the money may mean nothing to you, I see no reason paying more money for the same product when you have a choice. Why reward a manufacturer (or distributor) for tacking on a high price for a product which is the same thing, simply because they put "MB" on it?

If someone can honestly verify that a house brand of transmission fluid is the same as a more popular fluid, then as a consumer we need to know this.

I'm getting tired of auto manufacturers today specifying their house brands and charging rediculous prices for it. Sometimes I think they're doing this because they've discovered a new venue for profit, and for that reason only.

One well-known example is the 3309 Volvo transmission fluid. The dealer charges $16 per quart. The SAME THING is available from Mobil distributors or the Toyota dealership (Type T-IV fluid) for $4-5 per quart.
__________________
95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K
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  #7  
Old 02-04-2007, 11:18 AM
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Location: Johnson City, TN
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I agree, but with this caveat. If you are certain that the non-manufacturer labeled product meets the mfg. spec, and you can find it locally or via the internet for less money, then why not save the money? I do that with coolant. Zerex G05 is identical. Matter fact just 2 gallons at Autozone for $11.00 each with a $5.00 rebate each. My point was meant to address the amount of time and effort spent to save a minute amount of money.

For instance, the reference to Fuchs. According to their website the have no presence in North America. If that's true then it's probably not available.

I took my '97S320, newly acquired, to an independent shop with an excellent reputation.
I had them replace the lower control arm bushings. I inquired about transmission service, 722.6. Their price was very attractive until the owner said that he didn't buy the special transmission fluid requirement. He said he simply used synthetic fluid. He has done this for years with no problems, according to him. However, he is not the one that is going to have to pay to fix failed transmissions.

I decided to do it myself. Fluid was $11.50 per liter. There was no other alternative fluid that met the criteria and was available. I bought the gasket and filter on-line.

Steve
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  #8  
Old 02-04-2007, 11:26 AM
ILUVMILS's Avatar
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 300B View Post
I don't belive Mobil makes a version of the 3353.
Maybe they don't, but FWIW, MB has it listed by name on their approved service products list.

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