'93 300E (2.8) transmission overfill
 

I just bought a '93 300E (2.8 engine) and gave it a complete tune-up. I changed the transmission oil and filter the same way as I always did on my '86. Drained the oil from the tranny and then from the torque converter, replaced the filter and poured in 6 liters of fresh oil. According to the owner's manual and my previous experience it takes 6 liters after a complete drain. However this time halfway through the sixth liter, oil started to pour out from the top of transmission somewhere as fast as I was putting it (I could not see the source of the leak from beneath the car). I drained it again, put in approximately 5 liters, less what was on the ground already and started the car. It runs fine, however it is impossible to check the amount of fluid in the transmission because the reading off of the dipstick is not clear. Tried many many times to no success. Did anyone have this experience before? I was under the impression that the transmission is a sealed unit. The car is wonderful though.
Thanks for your input.

Alex

The torque convertor doesn't fill directly, the car must be run. The trans does have a vent at the top, this is probably where the fluid came out. It will be OK.

As to checking the stick. Somehow after pouring in fluid, the fluid must cling to the sides. It seems that fluid always runs way up one side of the stick. CHECK BOTH sides and use the lower one. It will be right.

Steve,
Is the tranny a 722.1? In the CD manual, that's the one with only 6.1L full capacity. There is also 4.8L "Oil Change" capacity, that sounds like if you don't drain the torque converter - is that right?
Thanks

No, not if you are referring to the above 300E 2.8.

The 722.1 trans was last used in 1983 240Ds. It was discontinued for the 126 body and was last used in the 300D in 1981. The early V8s had a three speed version that was a 722.0.

The total fill quantity refers to a new trans with no fluid in it. There is only about three quarts in the pan. The valve body and all the servos retain fluid that doesn't get drained. When installing a rebuilt trans all those elements have to be filled also. This requires runing through the gears once to be sure everything is filled.

Yes, the 300e-2.8 which I also have. In the CD manual, I navigate down to the transmission fluid change procedure for the specific model and I guess it gives you a general purpose tabulation. The trannys listed for 6 cylinder are 722.1 722.3 722.4 and 722.5.

BTW those numbers I quoted are wrong those are for the 4 & 5 cylinder. The numbers range from 6.6 to 7.3. I just checked my level and Alex is right, it's almost impossible to get a reading specially if it hasn't warmed up. After a 20 minute drive I checked again and barely saw the level, it was all the way at the max mark.

JSmith,
Along with the fluid being warm, you need to check it with the car on (not sure if you were aware).

And you have the 722.4 transmission. (95% sure...)

Yup, I knew that, it actually does tell you that in the car manual. That dipstick gets real hot though, had to use a glove to get it out with the engine warm. I'm not working half blind anymore as I now have my CD's and also a brand new (slightly yellowed) owner's manual direct from MB which they sold me for $10. ;)

Thanks Steve for the speedy reply, I started to worry for a moment (my confidence was rather shaky for a while ). I would have hated to ruin this fine automobile. Quite a difference between the '86 and the '93. The older is much more nimble and tossable but the 2.8 is soooo quiet. I am loving it.

Alex

hey i put 6 quarts in (5.7l) and it's over the line at the 80 degrees reading. there are min/max marks on my dipstick at 30 degreees and 80 degrees. is this overfilled now? the chart says for the 722.4 it's 6.0L for an oil change. what's the easiest way to remove the excess? i'm afraid to use my siphon for fear of contaminating the fluid.

I just removed the drain plug and let some of the excess oil out. Did you drain the fluid from the torque converter as well? There is a drain plug on the converter as well, you just have to rotate it with a screwdriver from unbderneath. It is slow but doable.

Alex

yup, i replaced the gasket (note 2.8 gasket is not the same as 3.2 :( ), drain plug seal, torque converter plug seal and filter. that high reading was after a 45 minute drive. i let it sit about an hour then started it. the engine temp was around 85 but just idling, i took a reading again and it was smack in the middle of the 80 degree range! what does that tell you? that under load, transmission fluid expands?

Alex,
Have you gotten a good read on your tranny fluid level? Have you checked it after driving around and it's hot? My fluid level is at the midpoint of the 80 deg notches when idling and engine temps reach 85 degs or so. After driving around it creeps past the max about a quarter inch. I'm not sure if I should drain some of it so that it's at max when it's hot. The manual doesn't say anything about driving around till it's hot, just proper operating temps.
Cheers

You have to get it where it is not over the max level after the 45 minute drive (hot). Sounds like it is currently overfilled. As you are realizing the tranny fluid expands alot from cold to hot.

i read the fluid level correction procedure and it says that between the min and max is about .3L. that's like a third of a bottle. of course i read it after i siphoned off way too much, so after fiddling with the level all afternoon, it turns out i was only 150 ml over the max :( now it is right below max after having driven for about a half hour.

BTW, easiest way to get a reading is by wiping off the dipstick really well with lint free cloth so that the fluid almost beads on it...