Automatic Transmission Fluid Change on w203

[surebet]

Having searched my service book from cover to cover to find out about when ATF should be changed; spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter etc. were all mentioned however no mention was made about ATR. I had read on the forums it should be done at 37500 miles and this is what the dealerships are stating. I was amazed the official service book made no mention of something so important and expensive to repair. I decided to call MB helpline on 0080017777777(see handbook) to clarify situation. Initially he stated the standard 37500 miles, however when I asked why this information was not on the official service book, he asked me to hold and he would contact the technical department. After a few minutes he came back and apologised for original statement and stated that this vehicle does not require ATF change, hence no mention of it in service book. He said he would note this on my vehicle records in case of future problems.
I thought this may be of interest to anyone driving the same type of vehicle, once again is this a case of dealerships doing work that is not required.

 

[BlackC55]

It is very important that the ATF is changed. Ignore MB advice on this one.

 

[Chrishazle]

Olly's right on this one (as usual!), there are plenty of posts here and on t'other side about ATF and filter change on W203's. I had mine done last year at about 70k miles. OK, it was only the 4 litres of the box, not the full 7 litres of doing the torque converter as well, but the box was noticably smoother afterwards.

 

[Mike Walker]

Ditto but had torque converter done as well at around 90K miles.

 

[Rory]

Does the type of use make any difference?

Mine's never been changed - the car was on an MB service contract and the dealer wouldn't do it as the requirement to change was re-introduced a few thousand VIN numbers later than my car was built.

The car's still only done 55K miles and I really only use if for long steady motorway trips. I'm miffed that MB wouldn't change it (they told me it would be done when I bought the service package) but I'm also of the view that some things are better left alone - I wonder how many boxes are damaged by dirt being introduced during the fluid change, and we're forever hearing about the filter pan bolts stripping.

 

[BlackC55]

Type of use does play a part. But a 40,000 miles the fluid had changed colour quite a bit.

If you intend to keep the car for a while it is a worthwhile investment.

 

[surebet]

Atf change , yes or no ?

Olly's right on this one (as usual!), there are plenty of posts here and on t'other side about ATF and filter change on W203's. I had mine done last year at about 70k miles. OK, it was only the 4 litres of the box, not the full 7 litres of doing the torque converter as well, but the box was noticably smoother afterwards.

Was this the first time ATF done at 70k miles, my car has only done 41k miles , only use it once or twice per week covering 1500 miles per year. No problems with gear changes, seems as smooth as the day I bought it. I feel a bit like Rory, if no problems, leave well alone. I am a bit surprised if this procedure is so important, why the dealerships only do it once over the lifetime of the car, if the transmission fluid deteriates as suggested, then I would assume it would be required every 40k miles. Any thoughts.

 

[Shellboie]

Type of use does play a part. But a 40,000 miles the fluid had changed colour quite a bit.

If you intend to keep the car for a while it is a worthwhile investment.

Just bought a 50k (miles, not pounds), 4.5 year w203, i was not planning on this as an additional cost, but have B service due in 800 miles, should i get this done as part of the service, and hw much is it going to cost me

 

[DSM10000]

Just bought a 50k (miles, not pounds), 4.5 year w203, i was not planning on this as an additional cost, but have B service due in 800 miles, should i get this done as part of the service, and hw much is it going to cost me

I was quoted £180 from an MB specialist . It is not something to ignore, a reconditioned gearbox will be around £2000

 

[Beno]

Just bought a 50k (miles, not pounds), 4.5 year w203, i was not planning on this as an additional cost, but have B service due in 800 miles, should i get this done as part of the service, and hw much is it going to cost me

I had mine changed about a month ago at a main stealers for £200

 

[steve333]

Was this the first time ATF done at 70k miles, my car has only done 41k miles , only use it once or twice per week covering 1500 miles per year. No problems with gear changes, seems as smooth as the day I bought it. I feel a bit like Rory, if no problems, leave well alone. I am a bit surprised if this procedure is so important, why the dealerships only do it once over the lifetime of the car, if the transmission fluid deteriates as suggested, then I would assume it would be required every 40k miles. Any thoughts.

^ I thought the same as you when i had my previous mb(clk320 cab),at 73k the atf/filter had not been changed & after reading various threads on here decided to get it done & wow what a difference,silky smooth gearchanges.

 

[markjay]

On the Vauxhall Omegas, the transmission was officially 'sealed for life', and no ATF change needed. However, the omegaowners.co.uk forum is full of posts from people who had problems with automatic transmissions that were miraculously resolved with an ATF and filter change. Same goes for BMW by the way.

It is all down to manufacturers trying to appeal to fleet buyers.

 

[Ianswing]

just had a quote from the localish autogearbox repairshop, my 1995 220d auto has had two changes, 34500 and 72000, she's on 108k so wanted an idea of cost, £120 + vat for full change inc torque converter plus filter,correct fluid as per customer request,so its booked for next week, watch this space

 

[Shellboie]

I had mine changed about a month ago at a main stealers for £200

Just checked service book and seems it was done at the last service, along with new spark plugs and engine oil. A bit less worries about the B service due in 600 miles now.

When next do you think 100k?

 

[grober]

As I said in a previous post- the first ATF change is perhaps most important one since this will reflect the gearbox "bedding in" process where there is likely to be more particulate matter generated. Its possible that later change intervals could be usefully extended but if the fluid has never been changed its a good idea as others have advised.

 

[chrisf-1]

Hi I have just purchased a 2002 C220 CDI AUTO ESTATE can anyone tell me which ATF fluid this requires is it anything special or will normal red ATF suffice thanks Chris

 

[grober]

Try using Fuchs TITAN ATF 3353 It was factory fill for MBs of that age. Meets MB 236.12 Fuchs TITAN ATF 3353 Automatic Transmission Fluid

 

[crockers]

My service book DOES mention ATF change. A once only change is needed at 37500 miles. I had mine done at 40,000 and again by Olly at 88,000 miles. Just balance up the cost of a change to cost of a new gearbox....simples.

 

[chrisf-1]

Atf

Many thanks for the replies but I think I did not explain myself properly I have a supply of of ordinary red ATF which over the years I have used in countless cars and 4 x 4 for power steering and auto boxes but this being a merc I am a bit concerned about doing damage is the special oil actually a requirement or a recommendation and will ordinary ATF suffice or will it cause problems if used many thanks Chris

 

[grober]

Many thanks for the replies but I think I did not explain myself properly I have a supply of of ordinary red ATF which over the years I have used in countless cars and 4 x 4 for power steering and auto boxes but this being a merc I am a bit concerned about doing damage is the special oil actually a requirement or a recommendation and will ordinary ATF suffice or will it cause problems if used many thanks Chris

Need to know the exact spec of your existing "ordinary red ATF" before answering that one. e.g. is it Dexron 2 or 3 for starters and does it meet any MB recommended specs- usually detailed on the container or technical spec sheet for the fluid.