92 190E 2.3 auto.

I got the transmission pan gasket and filter -
SO-
Should I use Synthetic or Dextron III?

Next question - Is it possible to change the fluid in the torque converter
without removing it from the car?

Last question(s) - How much fluid do I need if I don't change the fluid in the torque converter? How much if it is possible and I do change the torque converter fluid?

Thanks in advance - this forum is a great help to me!

John Mlynick
Shelburne Falls, MA

Synthetic "Dexron" would be the best bet.

That trans holds about 6.5 qts when you drain the converter & the filter change is done.
The converter has the same plug as the trans pan.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

It's easy to drain the torque converter. Once you get under the car you'll see how silly it is to change just the fluid in the pan and not the torque converter.

__________________
95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

Hi MB,

My 2001 CLK320 has no TC plug. How do I get all the fluid out?

Also, can I use the new Dexron VI fluid or AMSOIL in my 722.6 trany?

Best,

JNEE

Not to be condescending, but I just want to check the obvious... did you rotate the torque converter through its full 360° while looking for the converter drain plug?

__________________
95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

Most 1999 & later MB's don't have T/C drain plugs.

Don't use any fluid except the factory 722.6 synthetic fluid.

__________________
MERCEDES Benz Master Guild Technician (6 TIMES)
ASE Master Technician
Mercedes Benz Star Technician (2 times)
44 years foreign automotive repair
27 Years M.B. Shop foreman (dealer)
MB technical information Specialist (15 years)
190E 2.3 16V ITS SCCA race car (sold)
1986 190E 2.3 16V 2.5 (sold)
Retired Moderator

I didn't even bother since I was told the 2001 CLK320 has no TC plug; have you heard differently. Nice GERMAN design, can't even do a complete drain of the tranny fluid system. Nothing like mixing new and old fluids.

I was told that the only reason we use Dexron III is because that was the only fluid available during the MFG of my model/year.

Dexron VI is said to be fully backward compatible with III.

Your transmission is a 722.607 and requires dealer-specific fluid. You must've gotten some misinformation.

If MBDOC says you don't have a TC drain plug, then you don't have one, and need to use the cooler line method of completely exchanging the fluid, or do partial drain and refills by draining the pan multiple times as discussed in our PMs.

__________________
95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

I was also told that after you put new ATF into the trany the fresh oil's detergent cleans up the grime/dirt/sludge that is stuck to many parts of the trany and can clog the new filter. Is it advisable to do anothe ATF change with another new filter a certain while later to flush out what the new oil cleans out?

I have heard of many tranies failing fairly soon after an ATF change for this reason.

Jnee

Let's back up a little. How many miles on your car, and what is the service history of the transmission?

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

69,800 miles and never serviced. For that matter the differentials have never been serviced either. I just broght the car into the dealer last week for "B" Service. They checked the Diff. and Trany oil and said it was fine. I just don't want to go another 10k before it's all checked again. It's just cheap oil and I would rather spend the $ on that then on a trany or diff. repair.

I agree. It's generally a good rule to change out all fluids and filters when you buy a used car with 68K. This provides a starting point for future maintenance and does away with guessing how good the fluid is.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K