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
 

<<Rare, but I think we've got Arthur on this one.
>>


.. Oh No...there goes the rep................

definitely Dexron III to avoid shift shock.

I've established that my car is equiped the 722.329 model transmission. I purchased 7 quarts of Mobil 1 synthetic ATF this morning. Are there any links to the exact steps required to perform this procedure properly? I've changed the transmission fluid/filter on dozens of domestic and other foriegn brand automobiles in the past, but never a Mercedes-Benz. I certainly don't want to screw this transmission up.

Thanks,
Chris

The trans in my car isn't all the different from yours. If you have done this before on other cars your in for a surprise. Its a lot easyer on a Mercedes! Drain the pan, drop the pan, change the filter. Your's may have a torque converter drain plug, take a look. When you tighten it back up the pan bolts bottom out so you cannot overtighten the pan. Its a well thought out transmission MB doesn't screw around.

Should the fluid be drained hot or cold? How much ATF do I intially add prior to starting the engine and shifting it through the gears?

Chris

Cold our you will burn yourself. How much does that trans hold? Should say in the manual, mines like 6-7 quarts.

The trans is spec'd to hold 6.35~ qts, but I'm assuming that they can't all be added prior to starting the car to transfer some of the ATF to the torque converter. There must be some type of "topping off" procedure required isn't there?


Chris

MB CD shows full capacity of 7.1 liters and 6.2 liters (6.55 quarts) for a fluid change. Add 4 liters, start the car, leave in park, add fluid until level is 12mm (.47 inch) below min. mark on dipstick, then move shifter through R-N-D-N-R, pausing in each position for a few seconds, return to Park and add more fluid as necessary.

Don't top off the level until the trans/coolant is up to temp.

Do it warm, or you'll burn yourself.

What I did was measure what came out, and put exactly the same amount back in.

Minus a small bit of spillage I was only about 1/3 a litre too low.

Just refill it completely using that method if you like, and then shift her through the gears while parked up. Back and forth, back and forth, back and forth for a few minutes. Once you've done that, measure it with the dipstick and add more fluid accordingly. If theres too much, just undo the drain plug a little and let some out.

When I did mine I added 6 quarts, let the car idle for a bit, went through the gears a few times (P-2)then topped it off. Make sure to check it the next day or so after you have a few miles on it.

Okay. Thanks to all that have contributed to this thread.

Chris

Hi, newbie here. I'm about to perform gearbox oil change on my new-to-me '97 E300. This is my first car with automatic transmission, so sorry if these question sound silly. I'm very comfortable with VW/Audi/Porsche cars but this is my first MB.

Is the gearbox dipstick reading only valid when it's at full operating temperature?

What should the dipstick show on a properly filled transmission when it's stone cold?

Where is the separate drain plug for the torque converter, is it obvious if you're looking at it? (what the heck is a 'torque converter' anyways?)

TIA

86' 420sel
 

I have the same question for a 86' 420SEL. Is Mobil 1 ATF fine or should I use the MB transmission fluid? Also, how do you drain the torque converter on this model?

Mobil 1 ATF ought to be good for any transmissions before the sealed for life 722.6 era. Torque converter plug is accessed by turning the engine until it makes an appearance. You can use the crank bolt or a large screw driver to lever the torque converter or ring gear around.