Changing the ATF

[Mike Walker]

Get it changed ASAP.
And when you do you will really notice how much smoother the changes become. Its almost like like driving a new car.

Will do but need contributions to my registered charity - www.runningamercedesw203.co.uk first. Happy to receive donations via Paypal

 

[verytalldave]

Went to Merctech in Sidcup last night on the way home from work and had the fluid checked. Level ok but black rather than red so prognosis is change it in near future.

Just a small point........
MercTech has a new name and now trades under the name of WrightTech.

I know changing the ATF and filter isn't a cheap thing. The last time I looked the fluid on its own was about £10 a litre - and I think the W203 takes about 5 litres. But a new gearbox will cost you a whole lot more.

 

[John]

I think it was either a ton and a half or a couple of hundred bucks for mine... from Wrighttech.

 

[Mike Walker]

I think it was either a ton and a half or a couple of hundred bucks for mine... from Wrighttech.

I just want the fluid changed not buy a new car. Looks like PCS for me then.

 

[waterman69]

Had my ATF and filter changed yesterday at Wright-Tech, only 4 litres took out and replaced, about £175 all in, gearbox was ok before,cant notice any real difference....

 

[diandave]

Had my ATF and filter changed yesterday at Wright-Tech, only 4 litres took out and replaced, about £175 all in, gearbox was ok before,cant notice any real difference....

Sounds like they didn't drain the Torque Converter, so really only half a job..

 

[John]

I'd hate to think what MB would charge to do it and I don't think they do it routinely either...

I thought mine was a touch smoother after it was done, but if what came out wasn't hat bad probably meant it was OK before.

However, like I said before, it made a huge difference on my previous Saab - although what came out of that looked like it came out of a blocked sewer apparently.

 

[diandave]

I'd hate to think what MB would charge to do it.

Main dealer quoted £240 plus vat last week.

An indy quoted £280 plus vat, so not always cheaper....

 

[John]

Hmm no that doesn't sound too bad...

 

[nigel cross]

Have you checked what Ollie charges, you will even happier.

 

[mrcbenz]

I bought my W211 E270 CDI a few months back. I noticed in the service book the ATF hadn't been changed since approx 40K. As the car is approaching 90K I thought best to have it changed. As I'm still getting used to the car, I thought the ATF change has made a difference to the gear changes. They seem much smoother. My change cost £164 at a local specialist. I guess if one wants piece of mind best to have it changed.