Synthic Transmission Fluid
 

Can anyone tell me what transmission fluid is the best to use in a 96' S420? I know these require Synthic fluid, I just hate to pay the $8.50 per quart charge at the MB dealership. Also, how many quarts including draining the torque converter?

Thanks!

You HAVE to use the MB fluid. The only other alternative is the same product made in Germany by Shell.
I'd buy 8 quarts, realistically it's more like 6 to 7.
There is a special tool dipstick you need to measure the level, and the MB shop computer (SDS) is used to watch the fluid temp, so the dipstick value will be accurate. MB doesn't publish an exact amount you need to put in for a fluid change, as fluid changes are not recommended.
These have scavanged cases, so the proper level is important for shift quality.

Gilly

The car has 120,000 miles on it and has always been serviced by the MB dealer. Would they have change the fluid at one of the services? Should I NOT change it???

The fluid has no recommended service interval. If it were mine, no I wouldn't change it. BUT that's my opinion, OK?

IF you really intend on keeping the car a significant amount of time or miles beyond this point, I can at least understand why you want it changed.

You may have to "convince" the dealer to do it. I wouldn't DIY it, the level is too critical.

There is a small magnet MB wants them to put in the bottom of the pan if they open it up, i can get the part number if you want it.

Gilly

The pn is 220 271 00 98
It's about 3/16 thick, about 2 1/8 long and 1 1/2 wide with 2 rows of 1/2" slots cut into it, seems to be plastic but has a magnet embedded into it.
On newer trannys that have it installed, they put it into a similar dimensioned part of the rear of the pan, the outline being made up of the reinforcement ribs stamped into the bottom of the pan.

Gilly

Sorry, on the fluid, you would ask for the atf for the 722.6 transmission, and all current production atf is the same, so:

YES and YES.

MB, as far as I know, doesn't even market ATF for the non-electronic transmissions, except for this special ATF they sold on gallon jugs to fix a particular shifting complaint on an older tranny
(what was described as a double-engagement).

I believe the quote onebadviper gave is a little low, I think the fluid is closer to $14/liter from the dealer.

Gilly

believe the quote onebadviper gave is a little low
 

The price the MB dealer gave me was wholesale @ 8.50 per quart.

Also, they told me MB does say to change the fluid and filter every 100. My book says do not change it. They say an update has been done and to do this service A 100K.

Glad you can get it so cheap, I think you're lucky if you can get it for that price, and others should count on the $14 price.

I'll check out that 100,000 mile recommendation for the change.

Gilly

I can't speak for the electric transmissions but on the older transmissions, failure under high hp conditions is directly related to the type of trans fluid being used. B&M Trick Shift or Redline is a solid choice. Both meet/exceed MB specs.

I run the B&M Trick Shift in my trans and Redline in my LSD

This is FALSE information, there is NO maintenance interval on the transmission fluid on the 722.6 transmission, just checked it out.

Gilly