on these older ones, anything with the old dex/merc spec. You can even use dexron VI in them as its more stable for a longer time. Wont make much of a difference in driving as the torque converter does not have a clutch in these old transmissions.

as I have more than 1 car that takes such fluid I get a 5 gallon bucket of NAPA ATF (repacked valvoline) and replace it every 25,000 miles, its almost too easy to change ATF on these old benz as the torque converter has a drain bolt too.

A separate transmission cooler is a very very good idea on these old units - infact in any car for that matter when living in a really hot area.

a drain out on your car will require about 8 to 9 quarts. Please do read up on how to fill it back up and where the ATF level should be on the dipstick when checking on cold ATF level - Its a bit lower from the 30 mark. The fillup is a 2 step procedure when you drain the torque converter as you need to fill 4 quarts then start the engine and then fill up the rest.

If you fill up all 8 or so quarts into the system in one go, it will drain out from the breather and make a mess of your workplace. Its also a good idea to inspect/repair/replace the ATF cooler hoses on the radiator.


I also do something which is considered criminal by some folks - that is to add a bottle of ATF conditioner. The one I use is made by lubegard - I found that by adding it I get smooth and even transmission shifting behaviour regardless of operating temperature.

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2012 BMW X5 (Beef + Granite suspension model)

1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)