Q/ for Larry Bible or other experts! ATF Oils?
 

This is for a 1993 300E 3.2L
I am going to be doing my ATF filter and fluid change today. My car has 89,000 miles and I have just recently bought it. I suspect that none of the fluids have been replaced so I am starting here. I have bought Valvoline Max Life ATF with Stop Leak and a stop leak additive (I suspect that there is a minor transmission leak), would you recommend this ATF fluid or should I just use Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF fluid? Which would you say is best for my tranny? Thanks...as always! Andrew Montoya

I think Larry Bible is the last person to ask about automatic transmissions:D

I would not suggest putting anything 'stop leak' in an automatic tranny. It's unlikely to work, and actually fixing the leak will be far cheaper than replacing the tranny.

See if you can figure out where it is leaking while you are under there. Check the lines to the cooler and the seal around the output shaft for starters. Maybe you will get lucky, and find the leak is around the pan gasket.

Dexron II, III will work fine. If the leak is coming from the bell housing area you may want to prepare for that investment, R&R-trans reseal front pump. I have not experienced any "stop leak" additive(s) that is/are successful at stopping an MB front pump leak. :( Personally I would discourage the use of such additives as it may cause new problems.