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  #1  
Old 05-12-2020, 07:59 PM
Shadetree
 
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NLA on MB transmission fluid for my...

1984 w126 300SD. Which brand is best.

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84 300SD
85 380SE
83 528e
95 318ic
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  #2  
Old 05-12-2020, 08:32 PM
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I have had great results and value with Valvoline Dex/Merc in the red jug. Also had great results with Lubegard additive.

Others will disagree...it's my story, and I'm sticking...

Good luck!!!
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  #3  
Old 05-12-2020, 09:26 PM
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NLA? Of course. It’s likely that car was specified for Dexron II. All Dexron fluids are obsolete, no longer licensed, except Dexron VI, which is slow viscosity fluid.

The major manufacturers sell D/M type fluids which are generally believed to be the same as Dexron IIIH before GM pulled all licenses. You never know if they’ll try to pull some cost out of these additive packs.

I like Schaefer all teams personally, though it is a bit pricy.

A D/M fluid with Lubeguard red is a good option.

Maxlife is well reviewed but it is a low viscosity fluid. So not sure I’d run it in these cars.
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Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (113k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
1993 300SD (291k)
1993 300D 2.5T (338k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (265k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K)
1985 300D (233K)
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  #4  
Old 05-12-2020, 09:57 PM
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Ran Valvoline Dex/Merc red bottle in multiple w116 mostly 300SD. Just did a fluid change the engine died at 293k trans was still like day one I pick up the car at 239k
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  #5  
Old 05-12-2020, 11:01 PM
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If you want something close to OEM ATF, I've heard good things about Febi 08971.
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  #6  
Old 05-13-2020, 06:19 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by H-townbenzoboy View Post
If you want something close to OEM ATF, I've heard good things about Febi 08971.
This is what I put into my 300D with a 722.4. No complaints.
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  #7  
Old 05-13-2020, 11:05 AM
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Another Valvoline Max-Life (red-jug) user here. Zero issues in the 350SD or the 500SL.
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  #8  
Old 05-13-2020, 11:42 AM
Shadetree
 
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I have the 722.303 and the transmission completely drained w/new filter.

So I put 4 liters in it, start the engine then add another 2 liters, drive it until hot (20 miles or so) and add to fill line?
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85 380SE
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Old 05-13-2020, 11:43 AM
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walmart supertech D/M is about 11 dollars a gallon - works great - add a bottle of red lubegard to it when filling (makes the shifts crisp) - change every 25000-30000 miles.

If you live in frigid weather, walmart supertech Mercon V is great, its a semi synthetic fluid and works great in any transmission asking for a good dexron III-H fluid (heavier fluid than Dex VI) - same change interval.

valvoline maxlife also works great, but you may need to readjust the modulator to accomodate the lower viscosity.
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1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
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  #10  
Old 05-13-2020, 11:45 AM
Shadetree
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Diseasel300 View Post
Another Valvoline Max-Life (red-jug) user here. Zero issues in the 350SD or the 500SL.
Is that the synthetic?
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  #11  
Old 05-13-2020, 11:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clemson88 View Post
I have the 722.303 and the transmission completely drained w/new filter.

So I put 4 liters in it, start the engine then add another 2 liters, drive it until hot (20 miles or so) and add to fill line?
no - you add a gallon of fluid then start the engine, then add 2 quarts and check the dipstick - then add half a quart and check the dipstick. Do not adjust the level to the 30C mark on the dipstick. The correct cold fill level is about 5mm below the 30C mark on the dipstick on a 722.3

Once you fill it up to that level on a fresh filled cool transmission, you can drive the car, Test the fluid level after driving about 20 miles, you will notice that it is perfectly lined up with the hot level.
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1995 E300D - The original humming machine (consumed by Flood 2017)
2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)
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Old 05-13-2020, 11:49 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clemson88 View Post
Is that the synthetic?
Yes maxlife is a synthetic fluid
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2000 E320 - The evolution (consumed by flood 2017)
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  #13  
Old 05-15-2020, 11:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Clemson88 View Post
1984 w126 300SD. Which brand is best.
Valvoline Max Life Full Synthetic.

It might have been attributable to the redesigned final upgrade Vacuum Modulator I installed along with this fluid but ever since, my '83 SD became the smoothest, firmest and most responsive shifting transmission easily besting both '85 SDs which are supposed to have the more sophisticated iteration of this trasmission.

Uncanny how it would almost intuitively shift down to pass on the freeway not requiring kickdown.
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NLA on MB transmission fluid for my...-atf.jpg  
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  #14  
Old 05-16-2020, 12:16 PM
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I've never had any issues with Valvoline Dex/Merc in those applications.
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  #15  
Old 05-16-2020, 01:37 PM
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Notice to forum members: this company is GOD of the lubricant business. All roads involving vehicle lubricants lead to LUBRIZOL. I'd suggest taking some of their chemists to lunch and pick their brains over which oil brand is "best". Unless you have a degree in chemistry and a chemistry lab to go along with your degree, I GUARANTEE THEIR ANSWERS WILL SURPRISE YOU.


https://www.lubrizol.com/

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