C55 transmission oil change?

[Power_n_Glory]

Hello all

Just brought my ’04 C55 up to scratch on the servicing front at 82,000 miles. It has a FMBSH but I work on it too. So I have just changed the spark plugs (made my own tool with the angle grinder onto a 17mm offset ring spanner – great tip and job’s a doddle with it), the valve cover gaskets, front discs and pads all round, brake fluid, air filters, blah…

So I am ok with a socket set!

My questions are about changing the transmission oil. The gearbox changes ok, but maybe there is a very slight vibe/judder holding it on the brake but I have to concentrate to feel it! So this would be preventative.

The change looks ok on the helpful threads and vids by our American cousins but can be very pricey if it goes wrong and trashes the box, although I might look at a manual conversion then… ;-) My questions are;

Can you sniff the oil just be removing the MB tabbed filler cap?
Is it worth doing the full ‘flush’ change, and are there real risks at this age and mileage?
Once I’ve bought all the bits online to do it, dipstick etc, is it just as cheap to get a specialist to do it?
Is it easy to spot the wiring to the control unit (that wicking issue) and easy to change it?

Thoughts very welcome.

Cheers

 

[Power_n_Glory]

I've had a good look this weekend and decided to a DIY change. So can I just ask two questions?

1) At this age and mileage shall I just change the transmission oil/filter in the sump at 4-5 litres or do a full flush at about 13 litres?
2) Whilst I'm at it, shall I change any other connectors?

Any thoughts anyone?

 

[BlackC55]

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/engine/88418-how-change-automatic-gerbox-oil-flush-722-6-box.html

 

[gazz]

A vibration whilst holding the car on the brakes is more likely to be worn engine mountings, in my experience.

 

[Power_n_Glory]

Yes, gazz, I agree but had them looked at during the last service and they were tickety boo!

Excellent post for the change, really clear and helpful, ta. So I presume the full flush is in order. I see that the front oil cooler connection can be used which may give an easier connection but let's see!