Hi,
I recently purchased my first Mercedes, a 1997 E320. It was the first year of the new, adaptive 5 speed automatic trans and in the owners manual it says that the transmission fluid is a lifetime fill and does not need to be changed.
What do you people think of this?
It seems to me that the only real lifetime fluid is in your spine...not your trans.... and that it would unwise, in terms of getting maximum longevity, to never change the trans fluid. I can't believe that Merdedes, with their reputation for longevity, would recommend such a practice.

Experiences?

Opinions?

Any tech people that could weigh in?

Much talked about topic. Search for "722.6" and "lifetime fill" and you'll probably be busy reading.

BTW, consensus is that changing it every 90,000 kilometers or so is proper...

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Ok, I did the search and found the info. Thank you very much for the reply.

I am also curious about the durability and longevity of the 722.6. I know its only been out 5 years, but is there anyone with a lot of miles on them? How are they holding up compared to the older 4 speed units (which, from what I understand, were quite durable)?

Also, was the problematic wiring harness on the M104 fixed by 1997?

Yes.

As to the durability of the 722.6, it seems that if your transmission can make it past the first 50-80,000 kilometers, then it's going to be fine. There are some instances of catastrophic failure of these units, and it usually occurs early.

I know a few C230/280 owners with over 300,000 kilometers with no tranny problems whatsover. Also, the 722.6 was introduced on the R129 SL and the W140 S-Class earlier. It was also an option in some European markets on pre 1995 cars. There is ancedotal evidence that the five speed is holding up well there.

As to five speed auto-box durability, there seems to be some problems regardless of make. Acura and Lexus have had many problems, and Lexus seems unable to solve theirs.

And welcome fellow W210 owner. My E-Class is a diesel, but I do enjoy having the five speeds with the torquey engine.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Did your E class have the OM612 engine?

Thanks

Col Tigwell Downunder

Does anyone have the correct specs, for the transmission fluid for 2002 ml320.

Thanks

Col

Thank you very much for the welcome John. I am really enjoying the car so far, and am trying to learn as much as possible about it.
Kyle

All 1997- MB transmissions use a proprietary MB synthetic tranny fluid. It's about $20 a litre.

__________________
John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif