1996 SL500, dealer says Trans fluid never needs changing.
 

Just curious as to opinons on here. My dealer told me I do NOT have to ever have the trans fluid changed on my 96 SL500, something about an electronic transmission.

Is this something I should trust the dealer on? Or should I change the trans fluid once or twice during the life of the car?

place i used to work at had the most interesting jar of stuff on the counter. came out of a trans like yours at 73k. we urge people to change these cars at 60k, but the price of the fluid makes it a tough sell. it will be cheaper than a trans, though. good luck, chuck.

DO a search with the terms "722.6" and "fluid change." Prepare for some reading.

Yes that is true & there is a piece of OCEAN front property in OHIO for $10 an acre.

Replacement transmissions run $3000 & labor, and on the 1996 to 1998 cars you will need a $800 computer to operate that replacement transmission. Fluid & filter change runs $200-$250.

I got the same thing and dealer said they wouldn't change it.

So, I had Steve Brotherton change it when I was in the area at 70k miles. If I were you, I would have it changed, it is the dealer's best interest to sell you a rebuilt tranny over fluid, not your best interests.

OK 2 questions:
1) If the trans does not get changed why am I still paying the same price for the 60,000 service? Seems like gouging.

2) Should the dealer include the trans change at no cost (or included in the 60,000 service cost) if I request it? If not how much extra should I expect to pay for this?

Just added the trans service, dealer did not hesitate in adding it. It is an extra $200 plus though. This should be free, if I had a 1995 the trans service would be included. Oh well, better to be safe than sorry I suppose.

I read in one of your previous responses to the same question that at 30k you would change the trans fluid, but would hesitate at 60k, something about "adaptation". Just curious if you still feel the same way and if you can elaborate on this.

Thanx much guys, I'm figuring better safe than sorry, than worrying about a measly $200 bucks versus 4k for a new tranny.

By the way on my 1996 SL500 trans change will they drain the torque converter automatically, or do I have to specify that they do this? Is this really a big deal that I should worry about?

They should do it, but I would ask to make sure. There is a drain plug on the torque converter.