How many 722.3/722.4s did dealerships replace when they were being dealership serviced?

Very, very few, they were outstanding from the beginning, perhaps because they were evolutions of the 722.0, .1, etc. The 722.6 wasn't an evolution of anything, it was new in many ways, and the poor guys were just way over their heads, and with dramatically lower production standards than in previous decades.

Pan is dropped...done cleaning it, but wanted to post these...

Barely any "sludge" which is great, but somewhat large (copper?) particles...
Seems like it matches what the fluid analysis says...

Anything to be concerned about?

http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/p...trans/pan1.jpg
http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/p...trans/pan2.jpg
http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/p...trans/pan3.jpg

I gotta say too, the filter design is horrible. I can't get it to "stick" in the position...what's the deal?

And there are service people at the dealers who will tell you that there is a service interval on the 722.6, last I checked this is NOT true, the dealers might want the work, but MB still says "no". Possibly to cover their butt, because if the people who have had to buy a new trans found out they are now recommending a change, they probably would start a class action lawsuit.

So I don't know if it just makes me sound like a fatalist, but I still think either you have a good one or you don't, OR it might be due to other circumstances like how the car is driven, easy or hard.

I don't mean to be argumentative, jsut wanted to make it known that there is another school of thought on the care of the transmission. Myself I certainly wouldn't due it until I was into the 100K mile range.

Yes that paper that was handed out was a hoot. I think I might still have it somewhere, was just handed out in a tech update class in Chicago.

Pretty small amount, i'd say you're good to go. For those with early 722.6 trans, note the magnet in the bottom of the pan, if you drop the pan for any reason you should get one of those and put it in. I should have a part number somewhere.

Just finished up.

I don't have an IR, but measured it @ 80C on the dash and fluid level was dead in the center of 80C :)

Shifts seem much smoother now!

Photos of plug: Hopefully saved future hassles by getting this plug done.

http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/p...rans/plug1.jpg
http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/p...rans/plug2.jpg

I have a 722.358 tranny on a 90 300 E. I have seen diff opinions on whether to use the Valvoline Maxlife Dex 3. What is anyone's take on this?

If it says it's DexronIII it is OK to use, period.

Max life is fine to use on the 722.3's and Ive used it between my cars for a good 50k. It's just the 722.6 that max life is iffy.