I just bought a 2000 C230K with only 77 000kms on it. The car is beyond mint!

It has all the records and services up to date but it doesnt look like the tranny fluid was replaced yet. It shifts perfectly but when should I have this done? Im guessing at 100 000kms.

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

A few days ago I was looking at my wife's C230K (2000). On top of the transmission dipstick it reads something like "Mercedes workshop only". I have a feeling it means you can't change the fluid, and you have to wait until the transmission goes south, then buy a rebuilt unit. Bummer.

I haven't checked in the owners manual yet.

mercedes doesn't recommend to change the fluid, but it can be done.

i think it should be done atleast every 60k, by following the no service recommendation, i have seen transmissions fail between 80 and 125k. the last one i worked on the pan was full of needle bearings, the atf was black like diesel oil. the filter, pan gasket and oil is all available for purchase.

Benzonline: There are any number of "expert opinions" reference whether the Benz transmission fluid (1) should be changed and (2) who is qualified to perform such a tranny fluid change.

Personally > I don't subscribe to the Benz therom that tranny fluid is good for life. I realize that Benz's are excellent cars.. but just don't subscribe to the idea that a lubricant is good forever. Ergo I change my fluid.

see the link >> http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/Trans7226Fluid

You'll have to buy a transmission dipstick "tool" to check the level and a infrared thermometer if you want to do it right. Temp is critical to determining proper fluid level.

From my quaries with mb and shade tree. The trans is know as a sealed transmission. The factory suggest the fluid be flused using adaptors atached to the cooler lines. It can be dumped like a ford or chevy. After changing the trans filter, be prepared to buy and install a pan gasket too. As the factory suggest l, if you go that route. Ive a 2004 w203 c240 base. All i know for sure is type 4130 or comparable atf is to be used

the parts numbers in the article do not work in the search bar. does the parts dept still sell the dipstick tool?

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James 4:8

"...let us put aside the blindness of mind of those who can conceive of nothing higher than what is known through the senses"
-Saint Gregory Palamas, ---Discourse on the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ


Centrally located in North East Central Pa.

nm.....found it online for cheap. i'm planning on a gradual change as i've heard that changing all the fluid at once after such a long time can be bad. i have had decent success with our sienna van and our volvo v70 swapping out 1/3 to 1/2 at a time.

__________________
0o==o0

James 4:8

"...let us put aside the blindness of mind of those who can conceive of nothing higher than what is known through the senses"
-Saint Gregory Palamas, ---Discourse on the Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ


Centrally located in North East Central Pa.

Sounds like a reasonable approach. Make sure you use the correct fluid. It is not cheap.

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1998 C230 330,000 miles (currently dead of second failed EIS, yours will fail too, turning you into the dealer's personal human cash machine)
1988 F150 144,000 miles (leaks all the colors of the rainbow)
Previous stars: 1981 Brava 210,000 miles, 1978 128 150,000 miles, 1977 B200 Van 175,000 miles, 1972 Vega (great, if rusty, car), 1972 Celica, 1986.5 Supra