My local MB dealer here in Michigan sold me Valvoline Dextron III for my 1994 E320? I thought that I would go to the dealer and get exactly what my transmission required.

I know there has been much discussion on this topic, but I am new to the MB experience and want to be sure before change something so critical as the trans fluid.

I called Merecedes and they stated that I could use any Dextron III and that Valvoline ATF Dextron III is approved.

Then I called the dealer in Indianapolis where this vehicles trans fluid was changed twice already. The service department stated that they use MB Dextron III in my car previously, but that I should use any Dextron III. "Dextron III is Dextron III", he said. Am I being paranoid?

Should I use Val Dexton III or buy something else? Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
John

The Val Dextron III is great. If you wish something better than factory recommendation use a synthetic Dextron III.

The MB synthetic trans fluid isn't used until the 722.6 trans. This didn't come in the 124 body in any model.

__________________
Steve Brotherton
Continental Imports
Gainesville FL
Bosch Master, ASE Master, L1
33 years MB technician

Thanks Steve, what are "lintless" rags? I understand that they should be used when changing the trans fluid.

Can I buy them at any autoparts store?

My manual recommends Chamois for checking trans fluid.

Lintless rags are just rags that will not leave half the cotton fiber behind. You could also use some good paper towels. That is what I think I would use if I had an automatic trany. No mess to clean up or get in the washing machine.

__________________
Currently
1991 Mazda Miata 174000
1991 Subaru 189,000 Winter beater

got rid of:
1984 VW Vanagon 195,000
1976 350SE Euro 185,000 KM
1973 280SE 4.5 (boy do I regret that)
1980 280SE European W126 4 speed manual (miss it)
1989 BMW 735iL 119000 (good riddance)

JOHNE 320.
I believe the discussion about dextron -3
versus dextron-2 was in relation to certain models which use
trans fluid OR power steering fluid in that reservoir.
The older formulation '2' seems to have better lube
features than the current '3'. All in all, type A trans fluid was recommended by one savvy member for this steering application or just the use of
power steering fluid.

For the trans, use what is reommended.
dexter's lab is my favorite cartoon!

__________________
1979 300D 220 K miles
1995 C280 109 K miles
1992 Cadillac Eldorado Touring Coupe 57K miles SOLD
********************
1979 240D 140Kmiles (bought for parents) *SOLD.
SAN FRANCISCO/(*San Diego)
1989 300SE 148 K miles *SOLD