MB of course recommends to use MB branded ATF 001-987-2103 but this one costs almost $15 a quart (at Mercedesshop and ********AZ). MB also states that any other Dexron III/Mercon ATF can be substituted if the factory labeled oil is not available.

Amazon is selling Valvoline DEXRON III MERCON MaxLife ATF at $4.69 a quart. I wanted to ask if anyone has used this particular brand ATF in their 722.3 automatic transmission.

My ATF and oil filter change is coming up soon, and I'm not being able to locally source the Mobil Dexron III ATF I currently have in the tranny. Thanks.

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W163 ML230 EURO SPEC 1999
W124 300E 1986

I asked at the dealer parts counter for fluid for my 722.4 transmission, and they told me that they do not sell it. I asked what the service department used, and he said that they buy Dexron III/Mercon in drums, and I should just go to any auto-parts house for some.

You need the MB fluid for the electronically-controlled transmissions.

Depends on what "x" is. That will work fine for anything up to x = 5, but not for x = 6 or greater.

Yes that is exactly what the W124 bible states. The newer electronic transmissions need a different oil. The MB branded ATF 001-987-2103 is also fine for anything but those.

My W124.030 with M103.983 has a 722.358

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W163 ML230 EURO SPEC 1999
W124 300E 1986

Anyone else had any experience with this Valvoline ATF?
Please.

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W163 ML230 EURO SPEC 1999
W124 300E 1986

Just found it at Autobarn even cheaper: $4.49 / quart.

http://www.autobarn.net/oil324-12.html

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W163 ML230 EURO SPEC 1999
W124 300E 1986

I've been using the Valvoline Max Life fluid w/ great results.. It's actually approved for use in other manufactures transmissions that call for synthetic.

You can usually find it @ the local McParts stores in gallon jugs...much handier picking up to of those over 8 qt size containers.

Jonathan

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Blue Ridge Mercedes
Jonathan Hodgman
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Specializing in all pre and post merger AMG's including Hammers and DOHC M117 engines.
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I agree with you the jugs are easier to handle and also the price is actually a bit lower on a per quart basis. But I'm a bit too far to visit a local McParts store unless it can be bought online.

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W163 ML230 EURO SPEC 1999
W124 300E 1986

My transmission is a 722.369. I use the specified Dex III in it.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K

And what brand do you use?

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W163 ML230 EURO SPEC 1999
W124 300E 1986

I use what ever meets spec, sometimes Murray's house brand.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K

Hi, I was finally able to locally source a "Mobil ATF 333" that is rated as "GM Dexron III G" and "Allison C4", but it does NOT mention the "MERCON" standard. Would this ATF still be suited for use in a 722.3 automatic transmission? (even tough it's not Mercon rated).

Thanks.

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W163 ML230 EURO SPEC 1999
W124 300E 1986

Any Dexron 2 or 3 will work in a 722.3

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Any idea why a Mobil ATF can show Dexron III G on the label and not being Mercon? That is what prompted me to ask first.

Mercedes always states that one uses the recommend MB original ATF, but in case it's unavailable one can use a "Dexron III/Mercon" ATF as an alternative.

Anyhow, wish someone would explain what each of those names exactly mean.

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W163 ML230 EURO SPEC 1999
W124 300E 1986

Mercon is a discontinued brand of ATF manufactured for Ford vehicles:

http://www.imakenews.com/lng/e_article000564317.cfm?x=b11,0,w

Ain't the Internet a wonderful thing? BTW, I used Texaco's ATF last time and will probably use Pennzoil this time, for no other reason than I can get the big jugs at Costco.