What is the best ATF to use for MB?

Any recommendations?

Here in New England I run both of my cars on Redline Synthetic ATF. I've been very pleased with its performance in both cars; 4 years in the 300TE, and almost 2 yrs in the 500.

Most noticeable difference is in the cold weather...it shifts pretty much like summertime, even right when you get going in the morning.

------------------
All the best, Michael
500E
300TE

I haven't looked at the Mercedes apporved ATF list recently, but a few months ago:

Castrol Dexron-III Mercon ATF F-30341
Castrol Transmax M-22257/22096
Chevron ATF Dexron-III F-30108/30159
Citgo Multi-Purpose ATF D-21571
Exxon Superflo ATF Dexron-III F-30111
Havoline ATF Mercon/Dexron-III F-30321
Pennzoil ATF D-21380
Pennzoil ATF F-30110
Quaker State Dexron-III/Mercon F-30161
Sunoco ATF Dexron-III/Mercon F-30176
Texaco ATF Mercon/Dexron-III F-30321
Unocal Multi-Purpose ATF D-22413/22431
Valvoline ATF Type D

For use on MD Transmission except Type 722.6 (electronic), 4-matic or model 163 transfer cases and of course MD manuals.

Red-line synthetic was on the list many years ago, but synthetics weren't on this list.

If you city drive a fair amount then change it at the "severe service" intereval (1/2 of normal). Change the filter (use either OEM or MB see the parts folks at this web site) and drain the torque convertor at the same time. Maintain surgical cleanliness and all will be okay. No paper towels. Use only lint free towels. etc

Oh by the way, does anybody know where Mercedes keeps their list of approved service products on the web (if they do)?



------------------
S, J.R. Brown
1986 280GE LWB Anthracite
1980 450SEL Champange
1981 Volvo 240DL UPS Brown

I have never seen them list the approved fluids on the web, but they (MBUSA) do have a booklet that is available free-of-charge (except for shipping charge) that you can get if you call 1-800-Ask-Mercedes. Its title is "Factory Approved Service Products" and its tech info order number is S-0473-00M.

There are no synthetic ATF fluids on the list that I can tell. JRBrown's list looks pretty current with the addition of MB ATF, part number 001 989 21 03 10. Hope this helps.


------------------
Steve
1979 240D
1990 300E

[This message has been edited by dakota (edited 10-15-2000).]

Let me get an opinion from some of you gurus. My 1984 300SD has 174K miles.

My problem(s): it's really slow to shift from reverse to drive when it's cold. For the first couple hundred feet, it will slip and come out of gear, but only if I begin in reverse, then shift into drive. If I start out in drive I'm fine. It does shift a bit sharply, enough that I can chirp the tires during upshifts in curves.

My questions:
Would it be a good idea for me to switch to synthetic ATF?
Are there issues with increased leakage similar to high mileage engines and synthetic engine oil?
I've seen Quaker State makes a synthetic blend ATF. Can I add this as I need, to top off my ATF? (I am losing some ATF now, not sure where.)
Or should I go for the Redline by way of a full fluid and filter change?
Also, how long might I expect my tranny to last before it suffers catastrophic failure? My shop suggests a rebuild, but I'm in the position that the $1500-2200 this would cost is something that I'd seriously have to budget for.

Any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks guys.


[This message has been edited by Robert W. Roe (edited 11-26-2000).]

With winter coming, I'm wondering if synthetic atf would buy me some time on my tranny, and whether it would improve cold weather performance.

After my car gets warmed up (after 10 miles or so) I notice improved acceleration. I wonder how much of my engine power is getting eaten up by the "slush box."