Hi all:

I know this was discussed before, but forget where. In any case I'm changing the transmission fluid on my 1999 C43 AMG at 41,000 miles. I know from previous posts that I should do this; despite MB's silly recomendations, .

But, should I also change the filter and the pan gasket at the same time? Is there really any more danger opening up one of these electronic transmissions than other tranny's?

Also, I spent $160 for tranny fluid at the dealership for this change. This seems too high and I'd like to return it unopened.

Anyone know exactly what brand of synthetic fluid I can 100% safely use for the change (or any synthetic fluid that is better than MB) and where I can get it?

Thanks in advance for any help!

By the way I changed the differential fluid yesterday at the same mileage against MB's advice. Good thing I did. The old fluid was black and had metal flakes in it.

Marc
1999 Black on Black C43 AMG
mmclaw@optonline.net

the .6 uses synth fluid and I only use the benz fluid. (at least that way if it craps out benz cant deny warrenty for incorrect fluid) By all means change the filter and pan gasket at the same time.



Joe

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The trans in your car would cost $4000. - $5000. to replace. Is $160. for the only correct fluid TOO much??

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Doc said it. My 722.6 had it's fluid and filter (and gasket) done at 90,000 kilometers.

The fluid is $20 per here. Not bad considering I only need it done every 4-5 years.

One thing to note is that setting the fluid level requires the tranny dipstick and the tranny temp to be at 80C for it to be correct.

My dealer changed the fluid and filter, set the fluid level properly, and replaced the gasket for about $250 parts and labour. Expensive for a tranny service, but with the long interval it works out to be the same as "conventional" MB trannies.

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1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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No, $160 is not too much but I figure if we can use the same or better fluid without paying the dealer mark-up, why not? In any case, my instincts were good. I went to the dealer first for the right fluid.

Thanks for the advice on the filter and the gasket. I will change those two items at the same time.

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Marc
C55: Evosport headers & UDP's; AMS crank; TVT thermo; phenolic spacers; Denso IK16's; EuroTech ECU; RennTech cf airbox w/ Green filters; Z06 catch can; Sprintbooster; Optima RedTop; Quaife LSD; AMG: shift paddles, 030 rear calipers & rotors; Rotera brake lines; Euroteck CF lip; "C63" rear diffuser; 18" SLK AMG Turbines (summer); 18" OZ Superleggera's (winter); K40 dual f&r radar w/ laser jammers; MB: digital climate control, iPod kit & mp3 CD changer; iTronic B/T for MOST.

On your car, one other modification MB wants done is the addition of a magnetic pad that lays in the bottom of the transmission pan. This entered production I believe around the beginning of 2001, but MB encourages the addition to the earlier 722.6 transmissions if the opportunity arises.
There is one other modification for the addition of caps that cover the electronic shift valves, this requires the removal of the valve body, but this is quite easily accomplished once the pan is removed. Your 99 shouldn't need this, seems like this was started during the 98 model year run or so.
One thing you should take note of is what was mentioned previously: The filling procedure for this transmission is nothing that should be taken lightly. This is a very efficient transmission due especially to the case design which scavanges oil back into the pan quite quickly. Proper fluid level is of paramount importance. To do this the special tool dipstick is used and the trans oil temp monitored via the actual values screen using SDS.
The oil level is checked at 80 celcius. A trained technician will be able to montor the level and keep the level at the appropriate mark and have the fluid level correct as the 80 degree mark is reached. One thing to add is that I have information from a class I took where they state that the latest information from Germany is that the transmission seems to shift best at the "MAX" line on the dipstick. Not overfilled, just maxed out. At the middle of the range or lower, it is possible for the fluid to develop air bubbles, which affects shift quality.
In regards to the fluid, the MB fluid 001-989-22-03-10 is the only fluid you will find available in the US. The only other listed recommended fluid is in effect the same stuff, it is Shell ATF 3403-M 115, made by Deutsche Shell AG Hamburg. You will notice on the label on the back of the bottle is the initials "DSH", which is of course Deutsche Shell Hamburg.

Gilly

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