'70 220D Maintenance tomorrow - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

helga220D · #1 02-17-2007, 09:49 PM

Hi,

I have a '70 220D with a 4 speed manual transmission. I'm going to be changing the rear diff oil and manual transmission fluid tomorrow and need some advice on fluids. I've searched the forums and haven't found any information on the manual transmission for the 220D. According to the service manual I have from 1971, it appears that I need to use ATF in the manual transmission. I'm not used to doing this in a manual but wanted to see if I can use off the shelf Dexron III/Mercon Valvoline fluid for it? The types listed in the vintage manual aren't recognizable or available today.

I'm going to replace the rear diff oil with a NAPA dino multi-grade gear oil. 75w90. I'm planning on staying away from the synthetics per several threads on problems using them in vintage Mercedes.

Thanks,

Helga's Owner

#2 02-17-2007, 10:10 PM

Redline MTL or any D/M ATF fluid will do fine.

helga220D · #3 02-17-2007, 10:14 PM

Thanks for the quick response. I've used Redline fluids and like them a lot but have half a case of Valvoline Dexron/Mercon that I need to use up. I think I'll go with that for now and switch to Redline once I clear out the stock!

HO

300SDog · #4 02-18-2007, 12:50 AM

Quote:

The types listed in the vintage manual aren't recognizable or available today.

Yes they are - called F-type Ford tranny fluid, just have to shop around to find it.

I wouldnt risk the additives included in Dexron and Mercon. And if you're changing the steering gearbox fluid better use either F-type or dealership PS fluid. The 115 steering box is notorious for developing leaks with modern tranny fluids.

Why dont you pour your half case of Dexron fluid into the fuel tank, little by little, instead of risking the tranny seals?

#5 02-18-2007, 12:54 AM

My 240 has a year and about 13k miles with Dexron III/Mercon fluid in the tranny. No leaks at all yet and the fluids performance is fine.

I will upgrade to Redline MTL, someday.....

300SDog · #6 02-18-2007, 01:14 AM

Yeah but have you ever owned a pre-1973 w115 or 114? None of the seals are the same as your 1980 w123. It's a question of primitive synthetic plastics, nylon and rubber compounds of Vintage MB oil seals that prohibits the use of modern dexron/mercon filled with strange additives that will eventually eat their way past the seals.

(edit: And hey Helga's owner, remember me? I'm the guy from couple years ago chompin at the bit to give the 1970 220D an excellent happy and loving home - if you ever decide to pass her on, please let me know.