2000 E430 Trans fluid change
 

My 2000, E430 has 32,000 miles. The dealers tell me that the car is recommended to go to 100k before the first change. Hard to believe. What fluid is in it? Im guessing it will be synthetic. Can I use Mobil synthetic ATF or do I need to pay the dealer $18 a quart? Anythings to look out for?

You can have the fluid replaced any time that you desire, however use ONLY factory fluid. MOBIL 1 ATF is DEXTRON based & will damage your transmission.
I would have it serviced before 50,000 miles. The fluid should cost somewhere around $12. a liter, have you tried the price HERE?
MB part number 001-989-21-03-10.

The 100K MB recomendation is not good. You are on the right track to change it earlier than the MB schedule. Take it from my experience...I replaced my transmission with a factory rebuild at 87500 miles...cost me $6,000. After that experience, I've been advised to change the fluid every 50k.
Good luck,
CK

M.B.Doc, thanks for the quick reply. I purchased the dip stickand trans filter on 9/17 along with some oil filters, belt ect. at this site and could not find the fluid-001-989-21-03-10. Can someone there price it along with the Coolant I will need to flush the cooling system. A quick word about the trans fluid change, coolant change and the serpentine belt- how long do the factory ones usually last would be helpful. This is a great car and I aim to maintain it for maximum life and enjoyment.