mine is a 1997 uk spec-2 litre -c200 sport with 58,000 miles.

how often does one change the auto gearbox oil and filter on these cars?

I don't think there is a manufacturer's recommendation for scheduled automatic transmission maintenance. I would recommend an fluid and filter change every 30,000 miles. I believe that's also the consensus of people in this forum. It's cheap insurance to maintain a rather expensive unit.

__________________
95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

For "conventional" hydraulic trannies like 722.3 or 722.4 (four speeds) then it's fluid/filter every 30K-miles or 50K km's.

For the 722.6 five speed fully electronic tranny, the factory says "fill for life" but not many people who keep their cars follows that. Consensus is that 50,000 miles/80,000 km's seems like a "good" interval for the 722.6.

In North America, the 722.6 became model-wide for 1997+. Your car probably has that tranny, but I wouldn't say for sure concerning other markets.

BTW, if you have the five speed, you MUST use the MB synthetic fluid. Do a search for "722.6 transmission" and you'll see LOTS of threads...

__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

thanks for the quick responses.

mine is a 722.6-five speed auto box(all electronic)-so i will doing that oil change soon.
Also, is it true that you cannot check the oil level yourself as there is no dipstick to check the oil level.I heard that you have to buy a dipstick from the dealer .

You must buy the dipstick from the dealer. Also, when setting the level, the fluid must be at 80C. Your dealer has a special device for doing this.

This tranny is very sensitive to the level, so make sure you set it correctly.

You might consider having it done. My dealer charged me an .75 hour's labour plus parts. It was worth the cost for me, but some folks prefer DIY for this job. Given that I was already $200 light for parts, the extra $60 wasn't a big hit...

__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif