Hello,

My Transmission was recently serviced at a local MB dealership. I now need to top off the fluid, and I have the "Febi Bilstein ATF" from Fastlane.
Will I be ok topping off with this, adding to whatever the dealership put in, or should I match up the brands exactly?

thanks,
Todd

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Toddro
Franklin, TN
'92 190e 2.6
'91 190e 2.6

Todd

I would take it back if it hasn't been too long. You should not have to top it off unless there is a leak.

Be sure to check it when it is hot ... after AT least 20 minutes of driving, while the engine is idling and on a very level surface.

If you just need to add a little, almost any spec'd ATF will work. The top off amount compared to the total volume will be insignificant.

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

As long as the ATF is DexronIII/Mercon (look at the fine print on the bottle) you'll be fine. Hopefully that's what the shop put in it too, and then it is all compatable.

Gilly

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When I checked the transmission level after a 40 minute trip, mostly freeway, it appeared on the high end of the 90 C marks.

When I checked the level after a 5 minute drive, it appeared a little low of the lowest 30 C level. What gives?

Has the ATF temp exceeded the 90C in the first check and hasn't reached the 30C level in the second?

I'm using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF. Shifting seems fine.

From my experience there are two absolutes about ATF levels:

- There must be ATF reaching at least the lower portion of the dipstick when cold.

- Never have the ATF level exceed the full mark when the transmission is hot and at normal operating temperature.

Note: At warm/hot engine doesn't mean a fully warmed up transmission.

I noticed a simliar measuring situation with my cars, especially measuring after a long drive when I thought it was fully warmed up. I would then think it needed more ATF and add some only to find it was overfilled when it was acutally warmed up.

It sounds like you are close if not right where it is supposed to be.

Hope this helps,

Haasman

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

It seems as if I'm in a Catch-22 situation.

If I put in more ATF at this point to compensate for the 30C level, it seems that the ATF level would be too high at the 90C temp.

I'm wondering if "cold" is a misnomer since 30C is really a "warm" 84F. Readings should be made at a "warm" and "hot" situation and never when the transmission is cold? What do you all think?

Most other car manufacturers specify measuring trans fluid when warm. Mercedes has tick marks on the dipstick calibrated to temperature for the benefit of those people that can judge the temperature of trans fluid.

I don't know how to comment on the excessive fluid expansion effect you're noticing. Perhaps your transmission is seeing extreme temperatures.

I recommend you check the fluid after a long drive. Until then make sure the fluid is at least up to the cold mark.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K