Valvoline Dexron III Mercon ATF OK?

[azurite300E]

MB of course recommends to use MB branded ATF 001-987-2103 but this one costs almost $15 a quart (at Mercedesshop and ********AZ). MB also states that any other Dexron III/Mercon ATF can be substituted if the factory labeled oil is not available.

Amazon is selling Valvoline DEXRON III MERCON MaxLife ATF at $4.69 a quart. I wanted to ask if anyone has used this particular brand ATF in their 722.3 automatic transmission.

My ATF and oil filter change is coming up soon, and I'm not being able to locally source the Mobil Dexron III ATF I currently have in the tranny. Thanks.

[Matt L]

I asked at the dealer parts counter for fluid for my 722.4 transmission, and they told me that they do not sell it. I asked what the service department used, and he said that they buy Dexron III/Mercon in drums, and I should just go to any auto-parts house for some.

You need the MB fluid for the electronically-controlled transmissions.

[deanyel]

Depends on what "x" is. That will work fine for anything up to x = 5, but not for x = 6 or greater.

[azurite300E]

Originally Posted by deanyel

Depends on what "x" is. That will work fine for anything up to x = 5, but not for x = 6 or greater.

Yes that is exactly what the W124 bible states. The newer electronic transmissions need a different oil. The MB branded ATF 001-987-2103 is also fine for anything but those.

My W124.030 with M103.983 has a 722.358

[azurite300E]

Anyone else had any experience with this Valvoline ATF?
Please.

[azurite300E]

Just found it at Autobarn even cheaper: $4.49 / quart.

http://www.autobarn.net/oil324-12.html

[Arthur Dalton]

Don't forget to drain the TQ.........

[azurite300E]

Originally Posted by Arthur Dalton

Don't forget to drain the TQ.........

Yes, I know there is a small hex drain plug on the side of the TQ which one needs to get to align properly in order to access it. Been there, done that. Thanks anyway, appreciate your input.

[azurite300E]

Pennzoil Dexron-III Mercon ATF 12x 1qt $23.45 at Costco.

Thats just $2 per qt. Anyone has any experience with this ATF?

[TMAllison]

Any brand name dex 3 product is fine.

The more expensive MB fluids for the 722.6 or for the 722.9 is backwards compatible with your trans too.

[jhodg5ck]

I've been using the Valvoline Max Life fluid w/ great results.. It's actually approved for use in other manufactures transmissions that call for synthetic.

You can usually find it @ the local McParts stores in gallon jugs...much handier picking up to of those over 8 qt size containers.

Jonathan

[Kestas]

My transmission is a 722.369. I use the specified Dex III in it.

[azurite300E]

Originally Posted by Kestas

My transmission is a 722.369. I use the specified Dex III in it.

And what brand do you use?

[azurite300E]

Originally Posted by jhodg5ck

I've been using the Valvoline Max Life fluid w/ great results.. It's actually approved for use in other manufactures transmissions that call for synthetic.

You can usually find it @ the local McParts stores in gallon jugs...much handier picking up to of those over 8 qt size containers.

Jonathan

I agree with you the jugs are easier to handle and also the price is actually a bit lower on a per quart basis. But I'm a bit too far to visit a local McParts store unless it can be bought online.

[Kestas]

I use what ever meets spec, sometimes Murray's house brand.