ATF change.

[0303]

Hi,just found this forum after using another(inferior)forum for some months.
I wish to change the autobox fluid in my 98 E300 td,yes I know they're sealed for life but @197K I think it's time.I have gathered up 8 ltrs of fully sythetic atf,new filter,gasket and the elusive dip stick.
Any hints and tips how to carry out this operation would be most welcome.

 

[jimmy]

Drive the car for a good 15-20 miles to get the fluid hot, easier on a ramp but make sure you drain the torque converter too, thats where most of the fluid is.

Only use MB ATF fluid.

 

[R2D2]

Why is Jimmy grinning again?

 

[C240Sport97]

make sure you change the washer for the gearbox and torque converter sump plugs also

 

[R Phillips]

Any more details on this, what oil to put in.
Are there 2 drain plugs then, how do you identify them.
Are they obvious when underneath which ones they are.
What do you have to refill through, is there a dipstick?
etc etc etc.

 

[mark.t]

atf

about £100 quid from a good indi...or £125 from a dealer if you haggle....including all parts ....it might work out near as dam it the same as all the running around you will have to do for parts oil and the worry of getting it right if i where you i would let them do it ...............i did

 

[guydewdney]

one drain plug is obvious - it looks like a drain plug

the other - complete pig one is under a 1 - 2" square prise off cover - this exposes the torque converter. rotate engine with gearbox in N until a bolt can be seen through the small hole - undo, drain etc.

 

[tim.100]

I had mine done at the weekend after 52,000 miles. The old fluid was pretty horrible even at this mileage. Highly recommended for long-term ownership.

BMW E38 owners (740 model from '96) have had real problems with sealed-for-life gearboxes, with many failing at 70k. This issue, and catalysts, are the bain of modern car ownership.

Regards,

Tim

 

[R2D2]

I had mine done at the weekend after 52,000 miles. The old fluid was pretty horrible even at this mileage. Highly recommended for long-term ownership.

BMW E38 owners (740 model from '96) have had real problems with sealed-for-life gearboxes, with many failing at 70k. This issue, and catalysts, are the bain of modern car ownership.

Regards,

Tim

Glad you got it done! Did Steve do it?

 

[tim.100]

He certainly did, and then went off to change a few springs - I think he was looking forward to your job more than mine!

Steve read the fault codes off my car (literally everything had an error - probably from a dead battery last year). He has also recommended a Mercedes update on the alarm system. This consists of fitting ferrite chokes to part of the alarm wiring.

Afterwards I hit France and tested the gearbox by loading the boot with a few party drinks. All OK!

Regards,

Tim

 

[DITTRICH]

Had my atf changed at 67,000 miles and it made a very very big difference. Everything seemed so silky smooth afterwards and gear changes improved no end on my W202 '99 C230K
Rgds
Les