Time for a transmission fluid and filter change...
 

My 1996 E320 is due for a transmission fluid and filter change. I've already purchased a filter/pan seal kit, but I'm not certain which type/brand of fluid is the best. Is Mobil 1 synthetic ATF acceptable or is there a better option? I'm also considering the addition of an aftermarket plate-type transmission cooler since I live in steamy St. Petersburg, Florida. Is there any reason why I shouldn't install it?

Chris

I'm not sure about the cooler but the Mobil 1 synthetic ATF is about as good as you can get according to others here.

I think you have the 722.6
 

and MB has only approved their fluid (at least here in the US) for it.

Make sure that you drain and replace fluid in both the transmission AND the torque converter. If you don't know how to drain the torque converter let us know and we will describe the procedure.

Also, whatever you do, NEVER overfill an automatic transmission and ALWAYS keep in mind that the level is VERY different when cold than when hot.

Good luck,

No he doesn't not in 1996.

Use regular ATF, Mobil 1 is the best.

If its the 722.6 box, use only MB fluid. Go to the dealer and buy it.

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=23969

i changed my few months ago. ask for dealer for atf, he was nice enough to tell me that mercedes just resell regular dexron III. have a fortune on my 400e

Your car will very likely have a completely different transmission.

I have never managed to find out what MB put in the 722.6 box, except their own branded fluid. For the sake of a small amount of money, I personally wouldn't risk putting anything else in.

Since no one seems to read what I post, the 1996 W210 does not use a 722.6 box. Its a 4spd I forget the number. So any 722.6 information is irrelevent for this thread.

It's a 722.3xx, probabaly 69 - any old Dexron III will work nicely.

1996 210 used both the .329 and the .605 ..

http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1W70PZW4N20G1ATGGK&year=1996&make=MB&model=E-320-002&category=J&part=AT+Filter

Ahh so I eat my words.:o

Not so fast, you give up too quickly. In fact all 96s were 722.329 and all 97s were 722.605. Put in 1997 E320 and you get the same page showing both 1996 / 1997 filters. http://catalog.eautopartscatalog.com/mercedesshop/sophio/wizard.jsp?partner=mercedesshop&clientid=catalog.mercedesshop&baseurl=http://catalog.peachparts.com/&cookieid=1W50YN0EQ20G1BTC6A&year=1997&make=MB&model=E-320-002&category=J&part=AT+Filter

In fact it was a clean model year split - all .3s in 1996 and all .6s in 1997 - confirmed by EPA test results at: www.fueleconomy.gov - i.e. all 4 speeds in 96 and all 5 speeds in 97. Rare, but I think we've got Arthur on this one.

I retract my statement now!:D

722.3 for '96. Use any old Dexron II or III