Confused by mechanics on 722.6 flush requirements

[r_p_ryan]

Hi All,

I've been regular on the forum with my older 124, but now I have a '99 210 and it's a bit over my head from a technical perspective. So I sent out a couple emails to some candidate mechanics and got totally different opinions on the servicing needs of the tranny. Below is the quote from a highly credentialed mechanic. As much as I appreciate him recommending against spending money I have some doubts about his statement:

I've attached the factory maintanence checksheet for your vehicle, which I recommend that you follow. Notice that there are no scheduled maintanence services for the transmission or differential. These components are not subject to the dirt and moisture that engine oil is, so the engineers have dropped maintanence from the schedule, as they have power steering fluid and filter change. The transmission oil filter is designed to be able to accomodate the accumulation of clutch material which occurs during normal operation for the life of the unit. If it plugs up, you have a serious problem, which is not going to be helped by new fluid. The torque converter drain has been eliminated on the 722.6 transmission in your car, so even if you want to service the transmission, only about a third of the fluid can be changed. You can change the filter and fluid if you want, about $220, won't hurt, won't help... Same deal with the differential, about $65, but not necessary.

My goal is to identify a solid mechanic in the area to perform service and repairs, and I'm curious about the forum's opinion. I reviewed the 722.6 service documentation in the WIS+ASRA and it recommends purging the fluid by removing a cooler hose. The other candidate mechanic recommends doing it every 60k miles:

The transmission service, which is done every 60k on your car, and includes changing ATF, filter, electronic plug and rear end is $537.20.

In case you're curious, below is the message that I sent to the two different mechanics:

I just purchased a 1999 E320 with 85k miles and I don't have the service history. I understand that the transmission really needs to have the fluid and filter serviced around this mileage and am looking for a quote for this service. Additionally, I'll be looking for a trustworthy mechanic in the area who can keep this car happy and me from going poor. I used to take my prior mercedes to a variety of mechanics in San Rafael, Mill Valley, and SF and got frustrated with their approach to diagnostics: keep replacing parts until the problem is fixed. In addition to the price of the transmission service, I'd also like to know your standard hourly rate, as well as the price to replace the fluids in:

* Brake system flush
* Cooling system flush
* Differential oil flush
* Engine oil/filter
* Cabin filter

Thanks,
Robert