fluid compatability
 

Gents, I have a new (to me) 95 E300D and have changeg the tranny/engine fluids. Looking in the provided manual it calls for MBZ power steering fluid/brake fluid. Is it nec to use the MBz stuff. Is the p steer fluid ( reddish brown) compatable with reg PS fluid? Any dot4 brake fluid? It's a 2 hour drive to the nearest dealer so using something local would be nice.

Generic power steering fluid should be fine. ATF of any kind is not recommended, neither is brake fluid. If you see reddish brown power steering fluid in the reservoir, someone might have put ATF in there. The MB stuff is yellowish.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

I was informed that on particular model Benz's that OEM power steering fluid is not only recommended but required. I know that one of those models is my '92 w140. If you go to the dealer parts dept you will see I believe 3 or 4 types of p-s fluid. I remember being told that two types are fairly generic. If I were you I would go for the MB branded one. I'm not totally familiar with the '94 E320, but it most certainly can't have a p-s reservoir larger than the w140 which is a half-gallon.....so for a difference of a couple of dollars why take the chance?

BTW, I'm sure Phil (FastLane, PartsShop) can mail you the right power steering fluid.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

Thanks Gents, I suspect the prior owner used atf. I pumped some out yesterday and will do the drive and remove until clear.

For brake fluid use any DOT 4 brake fluid. Most domestic cars use DOT 3. There is also a DOT 4+. The difference between all these is the temp. that they can handle. DOT 4+ can handle tmeps a little higher than DOT 4, but DOT 4 can handles temps alot higher than DOT 3. There is a DOT 5, but that's silicone and I don't know what model car takes that. MBs of your year take DOT 4. Even my 21 year old TD takes DOT 4.