thermometer
 

is it neccessary to have a thermometer for a transmission fluid and filter change? is the at filter the only new filter i will need for the change? do i need to have MB fluid or will grocery store stuff work like penzoil?

Not required, would be slightly more accurate but if you are careful you can will come out OK.

trans fluid change
 

is it neccessary to have the expensive mercedes transmission fluiid? do i need jackstands or will cinderblocks with wood on top work? also will i need the following for the tranny fluid change:

• Jackstands 4ea
• #30 torx socket
• 5mm hex socket
• Torque wrench > inch pounds [106 in/lbs]
• Torque wrench > 20 ft/lbs

do i need an air drill or can i use hang socket wrenches?

If you have an electronic transmission, you need the M-B fluid. If you have a hydro-mechanical transmission (722.4 or earlier) you need Dexron 2 or 3, and not the fluid sold by the dealer.

its a 95 c 280 so which fluid would that be? do i need a power drill?