My 1998 C230 has 107K on the OEM trans. fluid which the car shifts fine . Looks straightforward to change it . Can you guys w/experience check and advise my proposed procedure and materials ?

Here is what I would plan to do :

1. warm it up a bit then put on lift , drop the trans pan
2. collect about 4 of the 8 quarts of fluid
3. see if I can drain the torque converter ( drain bolt ? or jog it w/starter?)
4. replace old filter w/ new-guess I can see it w/ pan removed .
5. replace old gasket w/new
6. bolt up pan --cross pattern bolt tightening
7. remove dipstick ( is it sealed there?) and add same amount of fluid removed- what fluid to use ? Dex III ? or Mercedes Lifetime ? or ?
8. warm to 80C and check level -add if necessary
9. road test and check for leaks
10. Have cold beverage
Thanks for any help --Mark in S.C.

Dear rmwmh1:

Your 1998 c230 has 722.6 auto transmission and it requires a special type of MB synthetic ATF (pretty expensive) which is only available from MB dealers. You may also have to buy a special ATF dipstick which works in conjunction with a computer-based monitor (called SDS) to accurately measure the actual ATF temperature because 722.6 transmission is very sensitive to overfilling or underfilling. Therefore, it's recommended that changing ATF on 722.6 auto transmission should only be performed at a MB dealer.

Do never put the regular Dexron III/Mercon ATF in your transmission.

Eric

Two tips:

If you have a 27mm socket, rotating the engine with a wrench on the dampner bolt would be easier than tickling the starter to get at the torque converter drain bolt.

Measure how much fluid is drained out. That way, you know exactly how much needs to be to replaced.

__________________
95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

I find the 1998 C230 has MB trans. 722.600 with refill capacity of 7.9275 US quarts of Mercedes synfluid P.N. 001-989-21-03-10 also known as P.N. Z8001-10773 at importautoparts.com $8.50/liter and that the special dipstick neded to measure the level is $31.00 from zdmak.com in Sarasota , Fla. ( $55 from other source) The OEM filter and gasket are available via import auto or thebenzbin.com for $21.00 so $135 for doing myself . Adaptation of the transmission control values will not be necessary as long as engine is not run during fluid change until refilled . Does not seem worthwhile to do myself unless dealer is unreasonably priced . Labor I don't mind -- its the parts prices that deter .