I changed indy's when I got the '97 S320. They have been in business 40 years. Owner is German. I asked about transmission service. He explained that he doesn't use MB fluid. He uses synthetic fluid on the 722.6's. Claims he has had no problems.

I asked him whether he would stand behind that decision if my transmission went south. No, of course not, was his reply.

I had him do some suspension work on the car, but did the tranny service myself with the designated fluid. In my view, it's simply foolish to try and save a minor amount of money by second guessing the manufacturer.

Next service is due in another 40,000 miles, so I have a long time before the next one.
If I still have the car, I will go with the 722.9, backward compatible, fluid.

Steve

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/sprinter.html

Go to "Automatic Transmission - Diagnostic Tear-Down Procedure service bulletin"

Chrysler issued a service bulletin for automatic transmissions. For the NAG1 Sprinter 5 speed transmission they recommend a fluid change interval of 60,000 miles and ATF with Mopar part number 05127382AB. Mercedes-Benz also sells an ATF suitable for this transmission with part number 001 989 450310 with a list price of $7.50 per liter.

issued 4/8/2006"

Yes, the 722.6/722.9 fluid is Dexron based but the additive package is WHAT MAKES IT "the only fluid" that should be used!

Fuchs 3353 ATF is 001-989-45-03-10...use that & you won't have a failure due to the wrong ATF.....8qts X $8 = $64, that isn't much too $$$$

__________________
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

Here is info from OUR 722.9 MB training class..

Attached Files

722.9 Fuchs ATF.pdf (33.5 KB, 390 views)

__________________
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 haven't read anthing indicating it is a proprietary product like ATF+4.

Looks just like long life perhaps multi application syn ATF picked by MB.

Mobil offers a competitive product in the new M1 multi ATF,so does Amsoil which I have read about being used here in 722.6 applications without problems.

Once again, just like the coolant thread, if you want to try it and have enough money to deal with the potential ramifications, go for it. Prove the masses wrong. Until then, I'd say MB is one of the few makes that is so specific on which types to fluids to use. There has to be a reason. There are enough independents and gearheads in the world of MB service to have long ago proven that MB only sells proprietary fluids to pad their profits - and that hasn't happened in the world of modern MB maintenance

__________________
former: 83 300D, 97 C230, 93 400E

current: 08 C300 Luxury , 92 500SL

Give it a try and report back! Its your car do whatever you want.

Mobil 1 ATF is $6 a quart, you need about 6. Looks like you will save about $8 by not using the MB fluid.

If you bet incorrectly you will be rebuilding it to the tune of $3k, well $2,992 you saved that $8 remember.

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

I got a feeling my dealer is gonna want more the $8 a quart for the new 722.9 ATF that's backwards compatible.

I'll probably end up using just M1 multi ATF.

I bought my 97 E300D in Dec 05. After searching the maintenance records, I found that the PO had the transmission serviced prior to selling. The Indy used Dex III, I have since changed back to MB fluid. There were about 20,000 miles on the Dex III. I dont know how the tranny shifted before the fluid change, but at 212,000 miles now, I am getting some flaring on 4-3 downshift, and when coasting it sometimes doesnt go back to 1st until almost completely stopped.
I am going to change fluid again in March.

__________________
Dennis
2006 E320 CDI Black/Black Leather. Nav, HTD Seats HK stereo 32000 miles.
2000 VW Passat 1.8t 300,000 miles as of Dec 09, 2009 original owner
1997 E300d Silver 300,000 miles As of Jan 05, 2010
3rd owner SOLD

I do not think the DEX III did any harm on your car. 212,000 miles have already exceeded lifetime of most of the 722.6 USING MB fluids only.

Thats what dealer told me also. The dealer also recommended against changing the fluid from Dex III back to the MB fluid. I ended up going to an Indy who did the change for me. Some days it shifts smooth as silk, and others its a bit harsh.

__________________
Dennis
2006 E320 CDI Black/Black Leather. Nav, HTD Seats HK stereo 32000 miles.
2000 VW Passat 1.8t 300,000 miles as of Dec 09, 2009 original owner
1997 E300d Silver 300,000 miles As of Jan 05, 2010
3rd owner SOLD

You have an honest dealer. I would image many wanted to overhaul your transmission because a non-MB approved fluid was used.

Somtimes, software glitches can also affect shifing. On my 97, the TCU was replaced because it was shifting rough (under warranty). Then once (only once), the transmission stuck in second gear (no codes). After a restart (or a reboot), it has not come back (yet).