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.

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'85 300SD (formerly california emissions)
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'93 Ducati 900 SS
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'86 Kawasaki KX 250
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'71 Hodaka Ace 100
'72 Triumph T100R

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

No he doesn't not in 1996.

Use regular ATF, Mobil 1 is the best.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

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,

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.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

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.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

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.

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

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93 Toyota Corolla 177K
95 S 500 coupe 82K
92 400E 180K (SOLD)
94 E 420 150, blown gaskets (SOLD)
http://www.kanio.net/mercedes_signature.jpg

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.

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2016 Corvette Stingray 2LT
1969 280SE
2023 Ram 1500
2007 Tiara 3200

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