Anyone?

Why?

Nobody knows what MB put in it. For the money you'd save, its not worth the risk.

???How about it wasn't designed to run on it!!!

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

It's not about money,i've just haven't read anyone killing a 722.6 by just using Dex III.

You know this for a fact?

I think all it is synthetic Dex III thus the life time fill recommendation.

Actually, I think it is a syn dex IV product made by ELF (or someone esle) in Europe.

Do a search, its been discussed.

Of course, the person that posted that couldnt prove it either.

There are two approved fluids. Both syn, and both MB only.

**************
edit - I just did a search and it was YOU who posted earlier this month about fluids and it was FUCHS not ELF that YOU were talking about.

ATF for newer Mercdes Transmissions

__________________
Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Although there is no definitive proof, many strongly believe the MB fluid for the 722.6 and 722.9 transmissions are simply synthetic fluid that has better specs but still compatible to DEX III, as evident in the MB recommendation that it can be also used in 922.3 et al transmissions. This, IMHO, is an evolutionary (for the better) fluid but not revolutionary.

Not many have tried non-MB approved fluid for the 722.6 transmission. However, the same many probably have use other non-MB approved fluids in their cars (brake, engine oil, differential, etc.) without problems. MB probably mystified this fluid so no one dares to use other fluids. I have read that some Indy shops use regular DEX III fluids to service the 722.6 transmission but I do not know it if causes problems.

If we all believe what MB has to say (blindly), then we should not be talking about this fluid because MB still maintains "No Scheduled Maintenance" of this fluid as a benefit of this fluid.

The most direct link of this is probably to the Chrysler MOPAR ATF+4 transmission fluid. Initially this fluid can only be bought from Chrysler dealers but now Chrysler has licensed its specs so Valoline, Penzoil, et, al are making this fluid. Confirmations from Mobil marketing that Mobil is making two new transmission fluids. One is a Mobil Multi-vehicle transmission fluid (a synthetic blend) and also a Mobil 1 full synthetic version.

"The new formulation of Mobil1 ATF is already in the market at retail stores however, it will be mixed on retail shelves due to the back supply that retailers have in stock. This is the reason why I have stated to make sure the label reflects that the product meets the Ford Mercon V requirement. The product that states Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF is a synthetic blend that meets the GM Dexron III, Dexron III-H specification, Mercon, Mercon V, Chrysler ATF+3 and ATF+4, the new Mobil1 ATF will meet the same exact requirements as well. Mobil1 ATF and Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF are two different products (meets the same requirements but, Mobil1 ATF is a full synthetic and Mobil Multi-Vehicle ATF is a synthetic blend)."

Here are some benefits of the MB and MOPAR ATF+4 fluids

MB Fluid:
* High Friction consistency
* Higher thermal stability
* Improved temperature behavior

Chrysler MOPAR ATF+4
* Controls friction
* Controls oxidation
* Superior properties for low temperature operation

They do sound very similar. I would not be surprised that the ATF+4 is a perfect fluid for our 722.6 transmissions. Chrysler also uses transmisions that are very similar (althogh not identical) to the MB 722.6.

300B's other thread clearly shows that this ATF 3353 is not a MB specific fluid. If I were forced to put in a non-MB fluid in the 722.6, I would try ATF+4 rather than DEX III because ATF+4 is much superior. There are some technical papers around showing that the viscosity change for ATF+4 is only 9% while DEX III is 40% under certain testing conditions.

I'd say we will never know for sure what is in the MB fluid and if it has or not changed over time.
In a very straightforward approach:
- What could we gain if we risk ? (probably a few dollar on the cost side) (considering that proven benefits are not measurable by individuals)
- What could we lose if we decide wrongly ? Thousands !!!
I'd say the discussion is not practical unless some hyper revolutionary new ATF shows up delivering wonders in durability and driveability AND MB says: yes you can use it.
Otherwise I'd say: Keep MB ATF.
My two cents.
Jorge

Both of the latest MB transmission fluids (synthetic) are Dexron 3 based, but the needed additives for the clutch material.

The newest fluid designed for the 722.9 (7 speed) can be used in any Dexron transmission. Has a list of $7.75 @ quart.

BTW at dealer we ruined 2 722.6's using regular Dexron 3..back in 1995 when that trans came out MB said we could use Dexron 3 instead of THEIR fluid...oops.

__________________
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

It is correct that an individual will gain very little and risk a lot by using a non-MB transmission fluid. However, if we DO find it out that the MB fluid is simply a synthetic DEX III or ATF+4 fluid that is also available from other sources, the collective MB owners will gain a lot and risk very little. They can save millions.

Thank you M.B.DOC for providing this information. This further proves the MB fluid is just a synthetic DEX III. See, MB does not (should say did not?) know what is good for the transmission. There are 722.6 that are ruined by the MB synthetic fluid as well. I bet in the mid 90's, MB said to use DEX III but change the fluid every 30k miles or somesuch. Then they started using the synthetic fluid and said it was sealed for life.

As some have said in other threads, it is not about the a few dollars per year. It is really more about some business practices by dealerships. Ross Perot (sp?) hated to be overcharged by $1 at a barber shop and he has billions.

MB sometimes also give confusing recommendations. In the Nov. 2001 Factory Approved Service Products booklet, page 6. It says that for the E class, the power steering fluid should be 000 989 88 03 (we know that) or Dex III ATF. I do not know a person who recommends DEX III ATF in a W210 power steering but MB says it is OK and approved.

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