'99 E320 - Torque Convertor Drain Plug - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jgl1 · #1 05-03-2002, 04:39 PM

Does a '99 E320 (M112, 722.6 trans)) have a torque convertor drain plug?

I vaguely remember reading that M-B was eliminating TC drain plugs.

If the TC is equipped with a drain, what size hex bit fits the crank pulley bolt - 16 mm? Or is there an easier way to rotate this motor?

Behind the Star · #2 05-03-2002, 05:59 PM

Yes, there is a drain plug.
Crank bolt is 17 mm.

sixto · #3 05-03-2002, 06:29 PM

If your car has one of those permanent fill transmissions, make sure you have the right fluid, it's not Dexron, and know where to fill it, it doesn't have a dipstick, before you drain the fluid.

Sixto
91 300SE
87 300SDL
81 300SD

Gilly · #4 05-03-2002, 11:03 PM

The torque converter should have the drain on it, they stopped putting the drain on it about 2000 when they went to the Touchshift shifter.
The bolt to rotate the engine is 27mm hex. Later on they went to about a 17mm allen head, maybe that's what Brian is thinking of. This should still be a hex head. It equals abour 1 1/16" or so.
The transmission is refilled in the usual location, down the dipstick tube, but there is no dipstick IN the tube, the dipstick is a tool which has to be bought. Only thing to keep in mind is the trans level is checked at 80 C, which is supposed to be monitored via the shop computer.
Yes, by all means if you do it, you have to get the fluid from MB, it's quite expensive, about $17/qt.
Gilly

Behind the Star · #5 05-04-2002, 09:55 AM

I definately recommend the fluid change.I have seen too many problems with these tranny's and the fluid always seems pretty bad when the get about 60k or more on them.It's an expensive service,but well worth it.
You can set the fluid level pretty accurately without the mercedes diagnostic equipment.
With the trans empty, add 4 qts or liters.
Start the engine.Add 2 more qts.
Let the engine idle to operating temperature.
Thats the point when you start checking and adding fluid .
You will need the MB dipstick. (Part # 140 589 15 21)
Your crank bolt is a 17 mm allen.
Brian

#6 05-04-2002, 02:36 PM

Yes I have read with interest, all about these sealed for life transmissions.

My understanding is that on the ML320, you cannot drain the torque converter. However there must be a way of draining, who would only drain some of the oil, out.

I presume there is a special dipstick for checking the oil, also can you buy the seals, to seal it up when you have finished.

As we intend to tow a trailer a lot, we would be changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.

Any one throw any more light on this subject.

Regards

Col Tigwell Downunder

Gilly · #7 05-04-2002, 09:37 PM

Col.:
The tool number Brian mentioned is the same used for the ML.
You won't need a seal for the dipstick tube cap, just the plastic lock to retain the cap once you are through. A 98 or 99 ML should have the drain plug on the torque converter. After that I wouldn't count on it. Again, the change to no drain plug seemed to have taken place about the time the shifter changed to Touchshift (model year 2000). You of course would want to change the seal on the trans pan and torque converter, if equipped with a drain plug, and of course the pan gasket.
I wouldn't be as sure as Brian in saying what type of head the crank pulley bolt has. I would assume everyone would want to verify what is needed before purchasing either tool anyways; no big deal and common sense.
Also Col, most cars don't have a drain for the torque converter. Mercedes has been very unusual in providing this. I guess they no longer feel it's neccesary due to having no recommended fluid change interval. On other cars you either feel 'good" about just changing what is in the trans case only, or you do a flushing procedure instead of a normal fluid change as we have grown accustommed to on MB's.
Gilly