I am just starting to change the fluid in my 2000 C280 tranny. I cannot locate the drain bolt for the torque converter. I am turning the large nut on the harmonic balancer with a very large allen socket clockwise (viewing the car from the front) with one hand and looking thru the rectangular window in the bell housing just forward of the transmission pan for the drain bolt. I have been around three times now and no sign of a drain bolt or anything for that matter. There is a welded spot or two that has been ground smooth. I did this on my 1991 300CE and no problems there. What am I missing?

thanks

glenmroe
1991 300CE
1990 LS400
2000 C280

I think the are not a drain bolt in your torque converter.
1999 was the last year with the drain plug.
My be the "Oil for life" are the reason.

W 210 E 240 E 1999
W 107 350 SL 1971

Update. If there is a drain for the converter, I can't find it. Drained what I could from the pan, about 2.3 liters. Fluid looked to be in decent shape. A reddish brown, still relatively clear. Car is MY2000 with 36k. Brought level back up to full with MB fluid and the special MB dipstick. I guess a full flush can only be done at the dealer.

glenmore
1991 300CE
1990 LS400
2000 C280

The 722.6 are a lifetime fill.

Am not sure of the w202/203, but I think 1999 waa the last year of the TC drain plug. I just had mine done at the dealer. It was machine flushed. The tranny capacity is greater than 2.3L. It may be more like 12Q. Ok so you still have about 2Q left in there. Not bad considering the relatively "low miles" at service.

So you serviced your tranny at 5 yr/40K miles. another non-beleiver in sealed for life.

If I hear this "lifetime fill" bull**** I'm gonna FLIP!!!!!

NO, there is no such thing as lifetime fill. Don't know on your updated 722.6 tranny in your C, but the 722.6 in my E300 has a drain for the torque convertor. There are many versions of the 722.6 which is why I don't want to sya for sure on yours. But logic tells you that there has to be a way to drain it. Check out AllData.com

__________________
#dieselFLEET
---------------
'97 E300
'99 E300

PA2TU,

I think the capacity is around 8 liters. In a mechanical flush, they must use the extra 4 liters to flush out the old fluid. I may have to break down and go to the dealer. Now I've wasted $ on both the dipstick and 9 liters of fluid!

glenmore
1991 300CE
1990 LS400
2000 C280