Quote:
Originally Posted by softconsult
An automatic transmission is different from a manual transmission. Automatics have clutches that have to have friction to engage. Thinking about preventing this potential failure by some amateur hour addition of lubricating additives is just foolish.
Stay with what the manufacturer recommends. The manufacturer has invested thousands and thousands of development manhours in this transmission. They are smarter than we are relative to this subject. Logic says you should follow their advice with one caveat. The sealed for life thing is most probably a marketing ploy. I choose to service my transmission, but that is not the same as choosing to pour in some snake oil.
Steve
|
Steve,
Conceptually could'nt agree more. Our problem is that in OUR case those many hours led to a faulty design. It happens and may have fixes or not.
I would never go after some "snake oil" wonder thing. We are in full sync on this.
My question is broader: is there a known addictive coming from a known brand accepted to help in some circunstances?
For example: Race cars, cars used in hot boiling deserts, car with extra high mileage, extra low temps, etc.
In general manufacturers may be skeptical but even they support some of these solutions. The concept of severe usage is in the owners manuals.
I consider that the lifetime thing is part of the past. Just for reasoning lets imagine that the accepted standard is now 5 years or 50K miles, whichever comes first.
Would a 722.6 be benefited if we divide the mileage by two ? (about 250 dollars more in 5 years)
Why not making official the installation of the pan magnet present in newer versions? it is so intuitive.
How about an extra cooling pump? (it has ben done before)
And, if (only if......) some addictive is accepted for specific situations what COULD be the effect of using it in a not so good vintage of trannies?
We are in a grey area. Officially , as far as I know, the issue is not even acknowledged by MB.
We don't know the figures but so many among us say they are doing great... at much over 100K miles...
I am concerned but at 48K my transmission is wonderful. Far better than the ZF in my Audi. (not plagued as ill)
I am fighting to keep it as it is... The shifting is the best I have ever known.
I can always say: If I only divide for 2 the change interval... as an educated guess ... I am ALMOST sure I will greatly reduce my risks. For how much $$$? Close to nothing.
I have much to lose if it fails. But LOTS to gain if the lifespan is increased by 25% in exchange for a 250 dollar oil change. If it is increased by 50% the issue is over.
On my side I made, so far, a set of decisions:
- 5 years most
- every 25K mile
- magnet in the pan
- every change=new filter
I don't live in a place whose market is able to evaluate addictives to expensive german cars. You are in the best one. (well, may be except Germany itself - which BTW would be VERY nice to hear of) (I mean - equivalent newsgroups)
Well - at least we are having fun...
Best Regards and thanks, Jorge