Which Automatic Transmission Fluid?

Thank you to those who replied to my past questions. i have another question: Do i need to purchase Automatic trans. fluid from the Mercedes Dealer or can i use a different brand? and which brand would you suggest for a 1993 190E 2.6
I know Mercedes does not make their own oil, but they may have different additives?

[MikeTangas]

I think regular old (new) Dextron III will be fine for this transmission.

[sixto]

As Mike says. The MB transmissions that don't use regular transmission fluid don't have an owner accessible fill port so it's not even an issue.

Sixto
91 300SE
81 300SD

[vinamg]

I would stick with the original MB fluid. I think the part number is 001-989-07-03. It's a little pricey (I think like $12-$14 a quart), but you only need to change it every 30k miles. If you decide to use the regular stuff you should change it more often.

Vin

[400E]

I switched to Mobil 1 synthetic ATF this year, since my car sits out all day and it sometimes stays below 10 degrees F here in winter. Mobil 1 meets all Dexron III specs so is safe to use.

Incidentally, it is Dexron, not Dextron. . .

[stephenson]

I have long used Mobil One auto trans fluid. Whether it was due to being new fluid (several cars experience) or improved lubricity, they all seemed to have shifted smoother and faster.

Assume yours has a torque converter? Mine (123s and 126) have all had to be drained separately ... gotta spin engine to find the drain plug. Yours may be different.

[vinamg]

Nope, it's the same procedure. You need to turn the converter until you can access the plug. Make sure to drain the converter.


Vin