Transmission fluid guidance needed
 

Hello folks,

I have had the 95 E320 wagon for 5 weeks now and have not yet changed the trans fluid and filter. Part of the reason is that I have searched here a number of times and gotten spooked by some postings where the trans was working fine before the fluid change but not after. Right now the fluid is red and OK looking but I have no idea when it was last changed. Same with the diff.

I was thinking of changing to Mobil 1 ATF. Some posts say it cured their leaks and some say they saw more fluid after. Would you advise to use Mobil 1 or stick with normal Dexron/Mercon III? The trans is working just fine now. SHould I anticipate problems?

For the diff, should I stick with dino or can I refill with Redline MT90? The MT90 worked great in the Triumph trans and diff but this is a whole 'nother kind of car. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Hi Tim, I use Super-Tech (Walmart) Dexron/Mercon in both of my W124's with no problems at all, so that's what I'd do if I were you.....

On the Diff--I'll let someone more experienced speak to that.

Cheers,

-GH

On my 300E, when I switched to Redline diff fluid, the differential got a little noisy. I switched back to dino and it is much better.

On a BMW forum also, people have reported the same behaviour.

Don't let people scare you away from good maintenance practices such as changing transmisison fluid. You can use regular Dex III fluid or synthetic. It's your choice. I use Dex III and change it every 20-30K. I don't do a lot of highway driving. Changing the fluid is cheap and easy on these cars.

In general, it's a good idea to change out all the fluids and filters on any used car purchase. This gives you a good starting point for future maintenance instead of trying to guess how good a fluid may be.

You're so right Kestas
 

Sometimes I need to remind myself that most folks only come here when they have problems. Since no one spoke of the superiority of Mobil 1 for the 95 E320 trans I'll just put in some good quality Dexron/Mercon III.

Then Oil, brake fluid, hydraulic oil, trans and diff fluids will be changed...leaving only the PS fluid to do right? The coolant appears to be the right stuff. I'll change that right before it begins to get cold.

Thanks to all for the input!

I use mobil 1.... since it's in there for 30k miles, the cost per mile isn't that much more than dexron...

but i can't tell any difference in performance...

if it gets me an additional 20k out of a tranny..i'll take it... we keep our cars until the wheels fall off...

The CE we are keeping forever.

My '92 300E is using Mobil 1 synthetic ATF in tranny and Amsoil sythetic in the rear diff. No problems so far. Car is nearing 310,000 km (194,000 mi) having owned it for 140,000 km (87,000 mi).

95 E320 Sedan, 100K miles, 94 E320 Wagon, 204K miles.

I use Mobil 1 ATF in both.....

As far as oils and ATF's are concerned, I think it is most important that they get changed at regular intervals. As long as you use fluids listed as acceptable by the manufacturer, the specific brand is largely insignificant.....

Just my opinion.

J. M. van Swaay