How often should the diff oil on a 1999 C280 be changed. I bought the car second hand about 30 000km back (it now has 170 000 km), and assume the previous owner has not changed it.

So, I asked the Merc garage to change the fluid when I went for the service. But they were reluctant, saying in the past they had problems with diffs singing/whining after fluid change.

I dont want to scratch were it is not itching. Its purely preventative maintanance. What is the chances of this happening?

They are ignorant.

It's gear oil that gets dirty.

I change mine every 30,000 miles (probable overkill), but it's cheap insurance.

Tell them to change it.
They don't want to , then take it to any shop.
As long as they use the specified gear oil, you will be
fine. I mean how hard is it to remove the drain plug,
drain it out and re-fill to the bottom of the drain plug opening?

Sounds like the ignorant arrogant Service Manager at the Dealership that argues with me when I wanted to schedule a transmission service for the
"Lifetime Fluid" 722.6 transmission. He didn't want to do it, then he quoted me $425.00. After some heated discussion I left in disgust.

I now have the special dipstick, and will do it myself.

Steve

ATF change - quite easy:

http://mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=23969

Remove the fill plug before you remove the drain plug, just to prove that you can do it. There is little worse than draining the oil and not being able to refill.

Don't mean to scare you but my diff start whining after the oil change. I am using 140W now and the sound is still there. I really don't know why...

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1992 124 E200 (Euro)

I changed my diff oil in my 300SD. I put in 75w90 synthetic. It whines when I let go of the throttle at a certain rpm. It doesnt really bother me all that much. I figured it was due for a change. I am almonst certain that in its 120,000 mile lift it has never been changed.

the diff in my 190E whines too. I dont really notice it that much thou. Mechanical health of diff is more important to me than some whining noise that can be defeated by accellerating or turning up the radio. imo.

kris

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82 300SD 145k
89 420SEL 210k
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For the guys that responded so far: I'm definately talking about changing the diff oil, and not the transmission. Already did transmission.

Anyone know why this will happen, because it is exactly what the merc garage told me?

HOw long does these diffs last and is it necessary to change the oil? I dont have any problems at the moment.