Tranny Fluid for W210? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

F18 · #1 04-26-2007, 02:16 PM

Before everyone rips me a new one on this subject......I am planning on changing the Tranny fluid & filter in the next week or two on the 98 E300TD using MB "special magic" transmission fluid.

I have been running up and down mountain tops and ridges the last few weeks in New Hamphire and noticed a slight drop in fluid level....so I topped it off with Mopar ATF+4 to hold me over.

The label on the Mopar ATF+4 bottle says it is a product of DaimlerChrylsler Motors Company LLC (made in the USA). The label also says that this is "Engineered to be a "Fill for Life" Automatic Transmission Fluid under normal
driving conditions. Designed for DaimlerChrysler Automatic Transmissions."

Could this possibly be the same formulation as what Mercedes has private labeled and sells for 2X or 3X as much at the MB dealers???
I have tried to reseach this product on the web with Mopar and DaimlerChrysler to try to find out the compatabilities of this fluid....but have not come up with anything else.

Any engineers out there......what do you think?

TMAllison · #2 04-26-2007, 02:30 PM

On the tech forum MBDOC has provided info that the fluid is a Dex 3 product but that the additive package is what makes it compatible to the trans.

In your 772.6 you have 2 approved MB fluids: the ol 722.6 or the newer 722.9 fluid.

I'll do mine soon and plan to use the 722.9 fluid.

You'll need ~8 liters. You could take a chance on a non MB fluid and maybe save $40 or so; downside is you risk a $3000 trans.

Risk vs reward doesnt pan out for me.

scott19_68 · #3 04-26-2007, 02:36 PM

I agree with Terry. The new 722.9 approved list of ATF is:

- Fuchs Titan 4000
- Esso LT 71141
- Shell 3403-M115

Since we're in the U.S., I think the Shell is you best bet. It was very hard to find back when I did mine so I went with the MB stuff (Febi Dexron III). I think it is much easier to obtain now since many new Euro imports are requiring it as well.

F18 · #4 04-26-2007, 03:00 PM

Terry, I agree there is some risks. But you know our aging fleet of E-300Diesel Mercedes have out lived their drivetrain warranties a long time ago and the trannys could fail tomorrow even with the super secret additive package that MB touts is only available in their fluid and you should not ever ever change it.......I am being sarcastic!
I just don't like being under anyones thumb nail and find it interesting that MB and also Volvo have keep this "mystique" going regarding their super special "Lifetime" ATF.....and there are no other companys that have come up with anything as good or better. I am just amused!

Scott, I just saw your post. Thanks! So there are other compatible fluids that meet the specs. Esso, Fuchs, Shell. I'll start looking around for them.
Cheers

TMAllison · #5 04-26-2007, 03:51 PM

I'm by no means a trans or a fluid expert. There is undoubtedly an alternate product available; question is, is it available here or not.

I'll happily pay MB for the newer 722.9 product (which BTW is supposedly cheaper than the older rpoduct), I've got enough things to worry about w/o adding another to my list....