Tricks to ATF change.

I am debating a ATF change this week, however, the exhaust crossover pipe is directly below the grill cutout where the Torque Converter Plug would need to be accessed.

Can anyone recommend any tricks or shortcuts to accessing the plug without the trouble of removing the crossover pipe?

Well if you just want to change the fluid, try using the topsider .

[Chris Blanchard]

It really is no big deal to unbolt the crossmember and move it aside. I believe the bolt size is 17mm, as I did this job two weeks ago on my 300SD. Just remove three bolts and then swing it out of the way. There's no tension on it, and it will bolt back up with zero difficulty when you are done changing the ATF.

Thanks guys, I think I will do the change when I get back from my vacation.

Brothers of The Benz
What I am going to reply will bring more flak than has ever been.
My 1987 300E with 175,500 miles has had the oil pan and filter changed once at 25,000 miles.
As a long long user of the electric powered top sider oil pump and changing engine oil at 3500-4000 miles for the life of my Benz, I also pump out the transmission oil sump of 3-3 1/2 quarts of fluid. No, this isn't a complete change just 3 quarts of fresh fluid every time I cange the engine oil.
My transmission performs excellently and has no leaks with the exception of a side band strut plug that was a simple repair.
At the same time that I change the engine oil and suck the sump, I suck the power steering reseviuor empty, removing the filter to get to the bottom. I refill using Synthetic Power steering fluid.
So you see there are other uses of Top Siding".
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

Thanks Donald,

I plan on filling up with a complete fill of Redline Sythentic ATF. I under stand the torque converter holds almost 5 quarts!

I guess it is an excuse to go buy those car ramps!

Brother of The Benz, Ross
I have a pair of ramps and if you intend to purchase a set yourself do it with caution.
Not all ramps with clear the front bumper lower section. The bumper will strick the ramp before the wheels are at the ramp.
I have the Blitz USA brand. They are re-enforced non-metallic something.
When purchased from the Sears Automotive it was on the condition if they wouldn't clear the bumper I could return them.
Try for the same condition if you can.
Happy Trails beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

Once again, thank you Donald.

That is something I did not think about, with the 500E having such a low stance to begin with, I will make sure that policy is still in effect because I will probably purchase from Sears as well.

[chowpit]

Snap-On and Mac tools offer an allen (hex) socket that has a ball on the tip. This tip will allow approx 20-30 degrees of pivot that traditional hex sockets can't. When used properly these sockets are the greatest. I don't know if retailers sell them but, it can't hurt to check. HTH

[RunningTooHot]

Unless I am misunderstanding the problem, it is the exhaust crossover pipe that the original poster was referring to, not a crossmember (although I am no expert on 124 cars).

Either way, as Chowpit said, the hex keys with the rounded ends are a great way to go. Harbor Freight Tools has them, and like all their tools, they are very cheap (both economically speaking and quality wise. But they work.

Yes, RunningTooHot is correct, it is the Exhaust pipe that is in the $^$*^% way. The connection looks to be buried up next the left engine bank, guess I'll just have to go buy some more tools .

Chowpit, I did buy those exact Allen wrenchs at Harbor Frieght Tools just last week, what a break-through! The rounded end of the tool is a "God Send" allowing you to swivel the tool where you need to. While your there, go ahead and buy the Torx inverted sockets too, you may need them on Mercedes.

Now, if I can just convince my wife Ashley that a "car lift" installed into the garage floor is not such a bad idea.

[william rogers]

when I bought my 81 SD I took it to a lube shop and they disconnect the lines at the radiator hook them up to a big machine and back flush the whole tranny and torque converter they don't drop the pan and claim that the flushing cleans the filter . You can see the dirty fluid coming out and when it's clean and full they disconnect the machine and hook the radiator lines back up. Fluid is sparkling clean after 6000 miles cost 80 buck ? No do have to lie under car with fluid dripping in hair or worry about leaking pan gasket (I do all other maintainence myself)even suspension work but hate filter change on tranny.....
William Rogers....