Automatic Transmission Fluid Change on w203

[malluboy77]

I had done mine recently by my local specialist and there was noticeable difference with earlier upshifts and a difference in the bottom end. The garage said they also changed the filter along as well.

 

[trainer]

I had mine done in summer as part of a big service at a local independant. I must admit the gearbox feels smoother than prior to the change.

 

[chrisf-1]

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.

Hi Grober I have found exact spec of fluid it is Q8 15 ED and apparently on the bulk container literature it is reccomended for mercedes but who by it does not say any ideas on this is it likely to do damage thanks Chris

 

[grober]

That transmission fluid appears to be made by Kuwait Petroleum and from their website appears to meet MB specs :- Q8 Oils :: Kuwait Petroleum International Lubricants

and according to this spec sheet meets MB approval:-

Q8 AUTO 15 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID - 25LTR

Q8 Auto 15

Product Data Sheet


Description

Automatic transmission fluid

Application

In automatic transmissions of most passenger cars, busses, off-highway/construction and military equipment as well as in selected manual transmissions
Also suitable as power steering fluid and as hydraulic fluid
Q8 Auto 15 may be used as automatic/manual transmission fluid or power steering fluid when one or more of the following specifications are used to describe the required lubricant quality:
#General Motors Dexron ® III G-34052 (automatic transmissions)
#Ford Mercon ® M 931004 #### APPROVAL (test met #-tekens als commentaar)
#Allison C - 4, C4-18741793 (automatic transmissions)
#Mercedes Benz 236.1, 236.5, 236.10, 236.11, 236.12
#MAN 339 type Z-1 (previous type F)
#MAN 339 type V-1 (previous type F)
#Voith 55.6335.20 (previous G 607) DIWA D85.., D86.. and D502-type automatic transmissions(with retarder)
#ZF TE-ML 02F (Manual and automatic transmissions for Buses and trucks)
#ZF TE-ML 03D (Converter transmissions for off-road equipment)
#ZF TE-ML 04D (Marine transmissions)
#ZF TE-ML 11B (Manual and automatic transmissions for cars)
#ZF TE-ML 14A (Automatic transmissions for commercial vehicles)
#ZF TE-ML 17C (Transmissions and axles for lift-trucks)
#Volvo 97341:010
#Chrysler ATF+3
#TASA

Benefits

Universal automatic transmission fluid
Approved for use in GM continuous slipping torque converter clutches
Provides immediate lubrication after cold starting
Incorporates well balanced friction modifier system
Possesses excellent oxidation stability
Limits transmission wear and extends transmission life
Provides continuous smooth power steering
Protects against rust and corrosion
Good elastomer compatibility

Properties

Method Units Inspection Data
Absolute Density, 15 °C D 4052 kg/m3 862
Kinematic Viscosity, 40 °C D 445 mm2/s 35.8
Kinematic Viscosity, 100 °C D 445 mm2/s 7.7
Viscosity Index D 2270 - 200
Brookfield Viscosity, -40 °C D 2938 Pa.s 18
Flash Point D 93 °C 176
Pour Point D 97 °C -48

 

[mobeyone]

I have just had mine done by MB Tech of warrington and it's made a huge difference, recommend this.

 

[SilverSaloon]

no oil lasts forever therefore the whole idea of "sealed for life" is flawed.

if you care for the car, get it replaced.

maybe "life" is considered 100,000 like Vaxhall base their "warranty for life". The sealed for life and extended service routines are all in place to make the cars more attractive maintanence-wise for fleet buyers.

 

[chrisf-1]

Thanks everyone I believe it will suffice and be better than the original oil still in it Chris

 

[99ml430]

I just purchased a 99 ML430 with only 36.5k on the clock. It was explained to me that the previous London owner had it for 6+ years and didn't drive it much. Flipping through the service book, I found it was last serviced by an independent at 27.7k for barely the basic "A" service.

I spoke to a dealer today to find out about the A versus B services. They wanted more than £800 to do the B service along with plugs and some other things they said were "due". I then asked how much the ATF would be and was thrown back in my seat by a price of about £280.

Since I am new to owning a Merc & new to England, could someone point me in the direction of a more cost-effective place for getting these things taken care of?? (I am up near the Kings Lynn area.)

Much obliged!

 

[stu-bee99]

ATF Fluid

Hi, MVATF by comma meets the standard specified by MB

 

[BlackC55]

Hi, MVATF by comma meets the standard specified by MB

What mb spec is that?

 

[silver_star]

Comma claim MB236.6/7/10/12

Comma :: Productsguide

 

[BlackC55]

Comma claim MB236.6/7/10/12

Comma :: Productsguide

Suitable for all apart from the 7 speed. That's good to know. Thanks.

 

[stu-bee99]

Sorry only just log on today, Comma have a handy tool you just put your reg in. It then tells you what POLs you need. (No I don't work for them).
Stuart

 

[ice643]

That transmission fluid appears to be made by Kuwait Petroleum and from their website appears to meet MB specs :- Q8 Oils :: Kuwait Petroleum International Lubricants

and according to this spec sheet meets MB approval:-

Q8 AUTO 15 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID - 25LTR

Q8 Auto 15

Product Data Sheet


Description

Automatic transmission fluid

Application

In automatic transmissions of most passenger cars, busses, off-highway/construction and military equipment as well as in selected manual transmissions
Also suitable as power steering fluid and as hydraulic fluid
Q8 Auto 15 may be used as automatic/manual transmission fluid or power steering fluid when one or more of the following specifications are used to describe the required lubricant quality:
#General Motors Dexron ® III G-34052 (automatic transmissions)
#Ford Mercon ® M 931004 #### APPROVAL (test met #-tekens als commentaar)
#Allison C - 4, C4-18741793 (automatic transmissions)
#Mercedes Benz 236.1, 236.5, 236.10, 236.11, 236.12
#MAN 339 type Z-1 (previous type F)
#MAN 339 type V-1 (previous type F)
#Voith 55.6335.20 (previous G 607) DIWA D85.., D86.. and D502-type automatic transmissions(with retarder)
#ZF TE-ML 02F (Manual and automatic transmissions for Buses and trucks)
#ZF TE-ML 03D (Converter transmissions for off-road equipment)
#ZF TE-ML 04D (Marine transmissions)
#ZF TE-ML 11B (Manual and automatic transmissions for cars)
#ZF TE-ML 14A (Automatic transmissions for commercial vehicles)
#ZF TE-ML 17C (Transmissions and axles for lift-trucks)
#Volvo 97341:010
#Chrysler ATF+3
#TASA

Benefits

Universal automatic transmission fluid
Approved for use in GM continuous slipping torque converter clutches
Provides immediate lubrication after cold starting
Incorporates well balanced friction modifier system
Possesses excellent oxidation stability
Limits transmission wear and extends transmission life
Provides continuous smooth power steering
Protects against rust and corrosion
Good elastomer compatibility

Properties

Method Units Inspection Data
Absolute Density, 15 °C D 4052 kg/m3 862
Kinematic Viscosity, 40 °C D 445 mm2/s 35.8
Kinematic Viscosity, 100 °C D 445 mm2/s 7.7
Viscosity Index D 2270 - 200
Brookfield Viscosity, -40 °C D 2938 Pa.s 18
Flash Point D 93 °C 176
Pour Point D 97 °C -48[/QUOT

i know this is an old post, will this be ok in my e55.Anybody using it also do you think mine will have t/c plug to remove its a kare 99 model.
Many thanks

 

[ss201]

I wish this offer had been available a couple of months ago!

Mercedes 8 Ltr Oil Fluid Filter Kit 722.6 Transmission ATF C CL S ML E SLK CLK V | eBay

I recently had my W203 320 CDI gearbox fluid changed by my local indie as part of the B service. Don't care what M-B say, I believe in changing fluids, so every 36k my ATF will get changed.

My indie supplied 8 litres of M-B transmission fluid, gasket & seal, obtained from the nearest M-B dealership

Total cost for materials, with VAT £145.

8 litres Fuchs ATF fluid (M-B spec) & gasket from Wunderpartz, inc delivery £79

Makes you think, doesn't it?

 

[ice643]

I wish this offer had been available a couple of months ago!

Mercedes 8 Ltr Oil Fluid Filter Kit 722.6 Transmission ATF C CL S ML E SLK CLK V | eBay

I recently had my W203 320 CDI gearbox fluid changed by my local indie as part of the B service. Don't care what M-B say, I believe in changing fluids, so every 36k my ATF will get changed.

My indie supplied 8 litres of M-B transmission fluid, gasket & seal, obtained from the nearest M-B dealership

Total cost for materials, with VAT £145.

8 litres Fuchs ATF fluid (M-B spec) & gasket from Wunderpartz, inc delivery £79

Makes you think, doesn't it?

yes it does, the q8 auto 15 meets all the spec and its 4l x 4 for only 45 plus vat.

i might go with the one you have mentioned,dealers want 85 with the filters and 5l of oil.
Thanks

 

[htavs]

When they say sealed for life they don't mean it should never be changed, every oil has a replacement interval, it has to have a change interval it’s just common sense.

When the car is made they put the oil in it, so let’s assume it’s the best oil in the world. As it mashes with the gears etc it begins to break down, and the more you use it the more it breaks down. Certain factors will cause the oil to break down quickly for example if you're towing, if you’re driving for long intervals or if you are racing.

So how can it be sealed for life? Well between the lines they mean you don't have to change it while it is in the WARRANTY LIFETIME! Meaning while they are responsible for anything going wrong with it you don't have to change it. Once it’s out of warranty then you can whistle for it.

When any dealership says it’s sealed for life then you need to come back with one question. Ask them "so as a result of the gearbox oil breaking down if the gearbox is damaged is the dealership going to replace the gearbox free of any charge?"

You will find the answer is a 'NO' so when the dealer says sealed for life you should translate this to meaning 'When you buy the car second hand, have it changed then while you have the car you won't need to change it, so sealed for the life of the car while you have it.

It would be lovely to buy a car and not worry about any aspect of maintenance but the truth is if it’s a working part, then it will require maintenance.

Recently a feller bought a car and found the handbrake wasn't working (Mercedes w203 1.8 kompressor) after a 10 minute examination it was found that the handbrake adjuster under the rear seat was seized. The previous owner hadn’t bothered checking this in his belief that it would cost £££ so he'd rather dismantle the underside of the driver side dashboard and remove the handbrake switch and duct tape it so it wouldn’t bleep.

The irony of the situation was it took me longer to but the handbrake switch back on the pedal than it took me to un-seize the adjuster and adjust the handbrake at the wheels then synchronise at the adjuster.

The moral of the story is a simple 10-30 check over every week will help maintain your car and it will cost less than you may think.

Change the oil!!!!!

 

[Mightynimrod]

Does anyone know of any local specialists around the Derby/Burton Upon Trent areas that will change the oil and flush the torque converter out?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Mightynimrod]

Anyone??

 

[grumpyoldgit]

Let me google that for you <<<<Click link.

Not familiar with Derby, but German Automotive might be worth a try.