96 C220 Tranny Fluid Change Question - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tobybul · #1 07-30-2008, 07:05 AM

I plan to drain the tranny and replace filter and gasket. Car has 296K miles. Not sure if this is the orig fluid but I plan to change with Mobil synthetic ATF.

Is there any harm in using synthetic with this mileage on the tranny? (car shift a bit rough and am hoping this would smooth it out).

mbdoc · #2 07-30-2008, 08:01 AM

The better the fluid, the longer & better it will lubricate the trans.

tobybul · #3 07-30-2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

The better the fluid, the longer & better it will lubricate the trans.

MBDOC, I guess I'm hearing you say the synthetic is fine to use?

tobybul · #4 07-30-2008, 03:28 PM

Has anyone replaced their C220/C280 tranny oil with anything but the MB ATF???? Or does anyone know if its ok to use whatever is compatible with Dexron or Mercon???? THe old 300D's take anything so why should the W202's be any different

deanyel · #5 07-30-2008, 03:37 PM

A 96 C220 is a 722.4 transmission so Dexron is fine, but that's the last year for it.

tobybul · #6 08-09-2008, 09:25 AM

Anyone know where to get the least expensive MB tranny fluid??? In my neck of the woods the cheapest one I could find is about $13 a liter.

94Wagenmeister · #7 08-09-2008, 10:17 AM

Go with Dexron. Why take on the additional expense at 296K if a technically acceptable product is readily available and cheaper? Just my old school opinion. For me running synths would just give me the opportunity to put maintenance off at longer intervals, not a good thing as these machines get older and older.

tobybul · #8 08-09-2008, 11:36 AM

I guess I will give it a shot then. Not a problem. I actually have several qts of Mobil 1 ATF which is compatible with Dexron, etc. But May be will just go with dyno Dexron oil??

Wish someone can confirm that they have used Dexron on their 722.4 (or is it 722.6?). Am I being too careful?

xvvvz · #9 08-10-2008, 10:34 AM

You don't want to use Dextron in the newer electronic 722.6 transmissions, but a 96 would not have that installed from the factory.

deanyel · #10 08-10-2008, 12:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

Wish someone can confirm that they have used Dexron on their 722.4 (or is it 722.6?). Am I being too careful?

That's like asking for personal testimonies for putting motor oil in an engine. You will be fine using the factory approved fluids for your car. If you are still unsure what that means check out the factory approved fluids list that came with your car and is available from MB.

94Wagenmeister · #11 08-10-2008, 12:29 PM

Wow. No wonder he gets 300K from his cars.

tobybul · #12 08-10-2008, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94Wagenmeister

Wow. No wonder he gets 300K from his cars.

Just got back from a 1800 mile road trip. Car is now around 301k. Have not changed the tranny fluid yet and the car performed fine. I still want to change the fluid sometime.

I have checked my manual and talked to the dealer. The manual and Haynes only say ATF. The dealer actually said it was ok to put Dexron. But I am still unsure.

I realize that to play it safe I should just put MB ATF.

TMAllison · #13 08-10-2008, 02:55 PM

Yours is a 202.022 with a 722.4 trans; it uses a normal fluid.

The newer 722.6 & .9 require a Dex III based fluid. MB's proprietary friction modifying additive package is what makes it unique.

deanyel · #14 08-10-2008, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobybul

The dealer actually said it was ok to put Dexron. But I am still unsure.

I realize that to play it safe I should just put MB ATF.

You can't really get any safer than using an MB approved fluid, which in this case does not need to be purchased from a dealer. Dexron III can be purchased just about anywhere for $2-$3 per quart. I think some people get comfort from paying the highest price they can pay, which is also an option.

tobybul · #15 08-10-2008, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deanyel

You can't really get any safer than using an MB approved fluid, which in this case does not need to be purchased from a dealer. Dexron III can be purchased just about anywhere for $2-$3 per quart. I think some people get comfort from paying the highest price they can pay, which is also an option.

No worries, Dean. In this particular case, I was just not sure if this tranny strictly required the MB fluid or if Dexron is compatible. I would not spend the extra $$$ myself if I do not have to. I just did not want to throw any fluid in there however.