My 1995 C280 has 95k miles on it. I had completed a 30k service at the 90k interval, except I had not completed the fluid change of the differential. Today I purchased some Valvoline Gear Oil, a synthetic blend. I left my car next door at the mechanic while I work to change it.
I have a few questions... what are the benefits of changing the fluid? The bottle even said Improved Fuel economy? Is this so? Probably VERY minute I'm sure. I wonder how dirty the old stuff is...

__________________
2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

You will not see any difference in the milage although it may be there. You would be surprised at how clean it remains. The diff is pretty sealed up and the fluid does not get dirty.

__________________
Jim

Make sure they clean the top vent, so it may breathe.

:-) neil

What would clog the top vent? What happens if it cannot breath?

__________________
2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

Just all the crap/dirt from living under the car.

The vent allows any condensation to "vent" out, otherwise the oil deteriorates faster.

:-) neil

I would suspect it would start leaking

__________________
Jim

Thanks for the help guys.

__________________
2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

hey David,

Just make sure that you can get the top drain plug out first then go to the bottom. If for some reason you cant get the top one off Your better off having your fluid still in there.

have fun


bob