I have a 2000 C280, bought at 35m, 6/2005. Tranny has been a delight, perfectly smooth, except for that occasional dump into 1st gear when stopping, but this has been eliminated by leaving it in "W" mode versus "S" mode.

I changed out 2.5 ltr of tranny fluid via the suction method at 35m.
I dropped pan and changed filter and about 4.0 ltrs fluid at 45m.

Now at 70m should I

a) again just change filter and 4 liters of MB fluid for about $40

b) take to a dealer for a full flush and filter for $475?


Thanks,

glenmore
1991 300CE
2000 C280

I'd go with the flush as the hard downshift is symptomatic of a dirty valve body. At my shop, we use a quick clean additive and drive the car a couple of miles to get the crud into suspension so it can be flushed out. I'd find out if your shop uses a "cleaner" or just straight exchanges the fluid.

__________________

90 300TE 4-M
Turbo 103, T3/T04E 50 trim
T04B cover .60 AR
Stage 3 turbine .63 AR
A2W I/C, 40 LB/HR
MS2E, 60-2 Direct Coil Control
3" Exh, AEM W/B O2
Underdrive Alt. and P/S Pulleys,
Vented Rear Discs, .034 Booster.
3.07 diffs 1st Gear Start

90 300CE 104.980
Milled & ported head, 10.3:1 compression
197° intake cam w/20° advancer
Tuned CIS ECU
4° ignition advance
PCS TCM2000, built 722.6
600W networked suction fan
Sportline sway bars
V8 rear subframe, Quaife ATB 3.06 diff

Of course that SHOULD depend on fluid condition.
If the fluid is clean and not brown or black...?? then a fresh filter & fluid change in the pan will suffice.

__________________
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