What is the AT fluid and filter service interval for '06 ML 350 and '06 ML 500 seeing regular service?

The maintenance booklets that accompanied the vehicles states every 39K miles; the local M-B dealer states every 100K miles?

Which is correct?

After comments such as "AT fluid for life" on the early 722.6 transmissions and M-B evaporators don't leak, I tend not to believe my dealer anymore.

Thanks.

Your MB dealer is wrong. Starting in model year 2006, MB recommends a fluid and filter change, once, at 39,000 miles. This applies whether or not you have a 722.9 seven-speed, or a 722.6 five speed. The fluid ain't cheap, so prepare to dig deep when the time comes.

And it ain't easy to change either. Who the hell designed the 9's to be filled from the bottom? sheesh.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

722.9's filled from the bottom! Sounds messy, even on a a lift which most of us DIY's dont have....

ILUVMILS (or John) - No service interval recommeded after 39k?

I'm at 230k on my 722.6. It was changed for the first time to my knowledge at 220K. I know for certain it went 125k on the fluid that was in there when I got it and may well have done 220K. It had 4 metal flecks measuring 1mm x 3mm, one small bit of a "leaf" debris (eg: from a tree) and some bronze colored residue in the bottom of the pan that required wiping to remove; what interval is recomended hereafter?

It has 722.9 fluid in it now. It's a 35k a year "freeway car".

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Terry Allison
N. Calif. & Boca Chica, Panama

09' E320 Bluetec 77k (USA)
09' Hyundai Santa Fe Diesel 48k (S.A.)

Our place recommends every 40-50k. Since MB says "filled for life," you may find varying reccommendations based on who you ask.

almost forgot, on the 722.9 the fluid has to be checked when the temp of the fluid is between 40-45 C, this can make for added "fun" (read: delay) when working out issues on these transmissions. I remember in the beginning they said the fluid was "at the correct level" when it drains out and the fluid stream is about "the size of your finger." Whos finger? My finger? your finger?

What was wrong with a good 'ol dipstick? I miss those sorry to rant, trans fluid has got to be the #1 automotive fluid I hate messing with.

__________________


1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Remember guys!!! MB suggested life-time fill starting back in 1996! I have always recommended trans fluid changes. OUR dealer was 1 of few that WOULD do a trans service on the 722.6!

With a failure rate at 4-5% under warranty! they have adjusted that lifetime fill to a service ONCE at 60K Km's, come on.

IF you want that $4000-$5000 trans to last, CHANGE the fluid!

On the 722.9's, 4 liters of fluid every 30K miles isn't that big of an expense.

__________________
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

The thing that I find most disturbing about MB's change of policy concerning transmission maintenance, is that the change came soon after they stopped covering scheduled maintenance under warranty. When MB was footing the bill for maintenance, the transmission wasn't included. Less than a year after MB stopped paying for maintenance, the transmission all of a sudden becomes a maintenance item. Go figure.

FWIW, I'm always a little sceptical of " Free Maintenance ".
It has to be built into the price of the car.

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2007 C 230 Sport.

Thats because the dealer service department is out to make money for the dealership to stay alive.

They will try and sell all sorts of un necessary service. Not just Mercedes dealers Most dealers today are scam artists telling customers that you could use brakes.

Read your maintenance booklet again.

What it REALLY specifies is a one-time-only change at 39K miles.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles