I just bought a nice 2002 CLK430 from a friend. The car has 80,000 on it and from the service records, there is no evidence that the transmission fluid was ever changed. What is the change interval on these cars? As there is no measurable dipstick, is it best to have the dealership change it and the filter? Does it require special MB fluid?

Thanks, forum members!

Dave

ON that year model MB never suggested a fluid change...

HOWEVER starting in 2004, the cars with that trans required a trabs service at 40K miles & NOW every MB has a every 40K trans service schedule.

HAVE the fluid changed! The dipstick is NOT $$$ and can purchased many places.

Takes about 4L of special MB fluid.

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Thanks, MBDOC for your reply. Will I need a new plastic cap for the empty tube after I change the fluid?

Dave

Cap will be good, just need a new "lock". Without looking at my last invoice, i'm thinking the locks are under $1.00 or close. I recall adding 4 or 5 to that order so i could get free shipping!!

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Earl McLain
'02 C230 Kompressor
'89 560 SEL "Frau BlueCar" (retired April 2004)

You mean 4L as a partial change? The capacity is more like 9L. To get a full change you need to change what's in the torque converter, which on your model year (I think) can only be done by pumping out through the oil cooler inlet line (no more drain plug).

It's a good idea to change the electrical connector at the same time, since that is a known source of leaks, and the fluid wicks up to the control unit.

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Prost!

I'm sure that's what MBDoc meant--i saw that, meant to clarify it and then spaced it off. You're also right about that elec connector--worth $12 to do even if it's not leaking.

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Earl McLain
'02 C230 Kompressor
'89 560 SEL "Frau BlueCar" (retired April 2004)