We own a '99 ML320. It has 110k. The transmission fluid has never bin changed. Is it time to do so? Should the filter be changed? I ask this because my mechanic told me he can flush the transmission without dropping the pan.

ouch
i change mine every month and its not over kill either...

at 110 k miles i would not have the guy do the pump thing...

Every month? Why?

MB intended that the fluid never be changed, which is why the dipstick has that "lock" on it. While, I would not say that "no change" is not the best plan, and certianly after 110K a change is probably in order, there is no reason to ever change ATF in a car more often than once a year at the most (even in hilly terrain or with a trailer involved). The only reasons to change ATF are to keep it from sludging (which modern ATF really takes a long time to do) or to get rid of fluid contaminated with metal particles from wear on the gears/clutches/bands. If any car is wearing things so fast that changing the ATF every month results in noticable metal, then something is definetly wrong (and I doubt even possible as the Trans. would have died a long time ago).

I have to ask, if you change the ATF every month, how often are you changing the oil?

Do a search on 722.6 transmission fluid changes and you will find a ton of info.

If you do change the fluid, drop the pan to clean in out and also change the filter in the transmission. The pan has to be removed to change the filter. Make sure to only use the original MB fluid in that transmission as it is the only approved fluid. And also, in case you don't know, be aware that there is not dipstick in the transmission tube. You will need to get the shop tool dipstick and a new locking cap for the top of the dipstick tube.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

well dcf they tell you that you can change the oil
once ever 25k miles to... so do you believe that..

i have some swamp land i would love to sell you....

my transmission is at 247k and it is about to die.. so i am currently
changing it weekly.... trying to squeeze some more miles out of it..

i would not pay 100 dollars for a car with 110 k miles that had never
had a transmission fluid change....

Have the fluid changed in a normal fashion!

THAT & all 722.6 transmissions use SPECIAL synthetic fluid!

MAKE sure they all the special magnet MB # 220-271-00-98!

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

Blueranger, is that tranny you are changing the fluid in weekly a 722.6? The fluid for that thing is like $13/$15 per quart!

There are a wide range of opinions here on 722.6 fluid changes. I would personally change it every 60k miles or so to get some clean fluid in there. It is a special synthetic fluid that does not burn as quickly as conventional fluid so it really does not need to be changed every 30k miles.

If you have an earlier build 722.6 ( I forget the cutoff year but I think its around the 2001 area) it still has a drain plug on the torque converter which will allow you to get just about all of the old fluid out and replaced with new fluid.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Why do you think that changing the ATF weekly is somehow keeping your dying transmisison running? If it is already worn out (which would not be surprising based on the miles--although that is impressive) how is constantly replacing the fluid helping? Also, if you are using the proper fluid (MB synthetic) you have probably paid more for fluid, gaskets, filters and such over the past year than the cost of a new transmisison! If you are not changing the filter by dropping the pan, and just doing a pump out, all you are doing is wasting time and money, as the magnet and filter are still going to be loaded with metal. Since the fluid never gets old enough to get bad, your changes serve to only drain your wallet.

i am using mobil one atf synthetic...
the reason i am changing my fluid is that i have
an electric suction device and it takes out about 3 qts
at a time... in addition... i am using the synthetic atf
and trans x to swell the clutches.... so yes it actually has
improved since i have been doing this...

i have found a used tranny and the fellow tells me he can put it in in a couple of weeks...

my fluid goes in red and comes out black...
and burnt... so giving it a weekly transfusion is not
hurting... and its not costing to much....
and with the elec suction i have its not difficult...

yes, my tranny is dead but it still has enough life in it
to drive me to work and get around and drive to the fellow
who is going to replace it...

Only MB fluid should be used, not mobil 1?
MB Doc, what is the MB magnet you referred to?

__________________
87 300e (white/black; amg body kit)
88 300ce (red/cream; amg body kit)
93 300ce cabrio (white/blue/blue top)
93 300ce cabrio (black/grey/black top)
98 ml 320 (totaled @ 137,000 miles)
99 clk320 (black/grey/black top)

Drained transmission pan, torque converter and replaced leaking transmission cooling hose (one leaking at the top banjo fitting, replaced both lines). Drained about 9 litres as best I can measure. Dipstick tool indicated level ok, fluid hot, exact temp unknown, before draining. Owner's manual states capacity is 9.5 liters on the ML430 (7.4 on the ML320). Would anyone blindly refill with 9.5 liters since I've essentially drained the whole system or should I refill with 9 liters and drive & test (I do have the measuring dipstick but no IR thermometer). Thank you.

__________________
Jim

My best advice would be to put in 8-9 liters, try to find a friend with an IR thermometer and use the dipstick to get the level exactly right.

Mercedes is picky about getting the level exactly right, I would not want to run the risk of putting 9.5 liters in without measuring since you may run the risk of overfilling.

__________________
Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

is it ok to add Dextron III to your ATF if it's way low and you can't get to a mechanic before a big trip?


ours is 1991 190E 2.6 automatic

any help appreciated, will have to get this done tomorrow
thanks
cdeax

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ours is 1991 190E 2.6 automatic

any help appreciated, will have to get this done tomorrow
thanks
cdeax>>

Sure, use dextron or Mobil 1 ATF. Your car is pre MB synthetic, which I think went in the sedans starting in 96-97

Good luck,

Jim in Phoenix