It is correct that an individual will gain very little and risk a lot by using a non-MB transmission fluid. However, if we DO find it out that the MB fluid is simply a synthetic DEX III or ATF+4 fluid that is also available from other sources, the collective MB owners will gain a lot and risk very little. They can save millions.

Thank you M.B.DOC for providing this information. This further proves the MB fluid is just a synthetic DEX III. See, MB does not (should say did not?) know what is good for the transmission. There are 722.6 that are ruined by the MB synthetic fluid as well. I bet in the mid 90's, MB said to use DEX III but change the fluid every 30k miles or somesuch. Then they started using the synthetic fluid and said it was sealed for life.

As some have said in other threads, it is not about the a few dollars per year. It is really more about some business practices by dealerships. Ross Perot (sp?) hated to be overcharged by $1 at a barber shop and he has billions.

MB sometimes also give confusing recommendations. In the Nov. 2001 Factory Approved Service Products booklet, page 6. It says that for the E class, the power steering fluid should be 000 989 88 03 (we know that) or Dex III ATF. I do not know a person who recommends DEX III ATF in a W210 power steering but MB says it is OK and approved.