It would seem almost certain that the code number 3353 which in on certain labels of the Mercedes, Fuchs, and Shell fluids are identical and made to the same exact factory specifications. Again, there is very strong evidence that Fuchs and Shell are the exclusive producers of the Mercedes labeled-fluids bearing the number 3353. In the unlikely absence of a contractual role with Mercedes, it would be far too soon to expect Shell and Fuchs to have conceived of the need for this particular fluid from a revenue perspective if they did not have a major role in the product's conceptualization, development and production. This code number represents the Mercedes-required additives which are uniquely suited to the Mercedes 7 speed transmission based on the Factory's testing and analysis. It would be highly improbable IMHO that there is any other additive in this formulation which is different simply because one bottle carries the Mercedes label. The markup on the Mercedes labeled product only adds impetus to the intentional marketing "exclusivity" of the Mercedes labeled product and would discourage many owners from using the Fuchs or Shell labeled product which carries the identical code number. However, this Mercedes strategy does not change the common chemical characteristics of the product, regardless of which of the three brand labels we're talking about. As I previously mentioned, the Shell technical literature even goes so far as to indicate that its own Shell 3353 was designed for initial fill of the Merc 7-speed. This equates to Shell basically telling the world that it's 3353 is being used by the Factory as the initial fill on its new 7-speed automobiles, regardless of whose logo appears on the label. It would be highly irregular for a company with the international status and size of Shell to make such a claim without the factual and/or contractual evidence to back up the claim. It did not appear that Shell was making this statement to dazzle the Mercedes community or to boost its own sales of the product. It seemed merely to making a statement of fact so potential users of the product would be aware that it is the bona fide product for customers with Merc. 7 speed transmissions who require the 3353 fluid. Obviously, the financial success of Shell is not riding on the sales of transmission fluid.

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S. Lickmann
Michigan

2000 MB S500 (mine)
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee (wife's)
1994 SAAB Cabriolet (wife's)