ATF change...?

[azaman]

My 2004 C180K Coupe is due a service and I was wondering if now is a good time to have the auto-box oil changed? The car has done 40K miles, gear changes seem fine, not slow or sticking at all.

I've read some saying that the gear box is sealed for life, others saying the oil does need to be changed.

Thanks

 

[st4]

Ignore the "sealed for life". It needs done. Whilst the car can do many more miles on the same gearbox its good maintanence to change it, as this will ensure the transmissions longevity

 

[Stratman]

"Sealed for Life" really means "Sealed for the three years that fleet managers are bothered about". If the manufacturer can put the cost of an expensive fluid change outside the typical ownership period then the costs look much better to the beancounters.

 

[verytalldave]

Those in the know say 50K is about right to change your ATF. The stuff is expensive so dont go spending when its not strictly required.
Having said that, Ollie at PCS changed mine at about 52K miles when it was was in for a B service.
Up to that point the gearbox always seemed fine and all changes seemed smooth and good.
Changing the ATF transformed the car. Gear changes became totally imperceptable and almost silent. It became a different car. I would not have believed the difference a simple fluid change would make if I had not experienced it for myself.
So while its not cheap, its a worthwhile thing to have done.

 

[rf065]

According to WIS, my "sealed for life" box should have the ATF replaced, once only at 37,500 miles or 60,000km if you prefer metric.

Russ

 

[st4]

According to WIS, my "sealed for life" box should have the ATF replaced, once only at 37,500 miles or 60,000km if you prefer metric.

Russ

WIS is wrong.

 

[x332race]

I,m pretty sure that the Log book for the facelifted C-class says that ATF to be changed at around 30,000miles.....I bought a C270 from MB Direct with 33000 on clock and I got them to change the ATF as it had not been picked up by a very recent MB main dealer service.

Got the ATF changed on our 2000clk last year....this was meant to be "sealed for Life" and had done 70,000 before the change.

 

[johnsco]

I change the ATF every 50,000 miles, and the transmission filter every 100,000 miles.
Only use the recommended transmission fluid.
No additives !!

Johnsco

 

[crockers]

Mine was changed last year at 50k miles.............can't I noticed any difference.

 

[x332race]

Changed C270 at 33,000 and CLK at 70,000.....must be doing some good!

 

[azaman]

Thanks for the info chaps. We have a family friend who owns a garage who does all our cars. I usually only get charged for parts so hopefully ATF change won't cost too much. Sounds like its worth doing. I spend a lot time and money keeping the outside looking mint, makes no sense to skimp on the oily bits.

Is the fluid same on all modern mercs or do I need a specific type?

 

[Satch]

Thanks for the info chaps. We have a family friend who owns a garage who does all our cars. I usually only get charged for parts so hopefully ATF change won't cost too much. Sounds like its worth doing. I spend a lot time and money keeping the outside looking mint, makes no sense to skimp on the oily bits.

Is the fluid same on all modern mercs or do I need a specific type?

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=56548

 

[BlackC55]

Really you will need s proper dipstick and make sure you get the correct fluid too. I only use MB fluid.

ATF change is a must at min 40k

 

[azaman]

So I had a B service and AFT change on Saturday - the car is now even better to drive. The gear changes are even smoother now and you can hardly (if it all) tell when it changes gears. The car also feels a little more lively than it did before the service. :bannana: