Gearbox service - 2016 E class

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What is TC fluid, why is it important that they drain it, and why isn't it included as standard?
 
The TC is the torque converter, if your has a drain plug it should be drained at the same time as the gearbox is drained, on my car it has 5 litres of ATF in the gearbox and 4 litres in the TC, it takes a bit longer to drain and you need to remove the Aux Oil Pump. Once drained you then need 9 litres pumping back into the gearbox. 5 litres of ATF costs around £50 so that’s why draining the TC is more expensive and time consuming.
 
As above.

Additionally, some cars do not have a drain plug for the Torque Converter, on these models draining the ATF from the TC can be very time consuming (it needs to be emptied via the heat exchanger pipe which is a slow process). Some garages just can't be bothered. It's obviously quicker (though still time consuming) on models where the TC is fitted with a drain plug.
 
This is much cheaper for W211/S211 -MB 236.14

Best to check by VIN


 
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How do you know if they actually drain the TC or just say they'll do so?
 
Usually by how much oil you get charged for, not an ideal indication I know. It all boils down to being able to trust the garage doing the work ...or standing under the car watching them while they are doing it . :(
 
How do you know if they actually drain the TC or just say they'll do so?
Ask for the TC drain plug, gearbox filter and magnet, these are all replaced?
But I suppose they could be anyone’s.
 
Some dodgy garage that would charge for 12 litres of oil yet use 9. Hand you a used tc bung a used filter and a used magnet. Then say with a smile , that'll be £300 sir.
 
How do you know if they actually drain the TC or just say they'll do so?

How do you know anything has been done...?

At a specialist, you can watch them do the work. Some dealers will have a viewing window.

But ultimately... as others said, it's down to trust.
 
I would be very surprised if MB dealer actually change that. Its extra time and extra cost but unless you watch mechanic work...then you ll never know if that oil was drained. MB dealer will never allow customers to watch their work.
 
I would be very surprised if MB dealer actually change that. Its extra time and extra cost but unless you watch mechanic work...then you ll never know if that oil was drained. MB dealer will never allow customers to watch their work.

At MB Brooklands there's a viewing window at the customer waiting area (now closed due to COVID), but obviously depending on which lift is used and your viewing angle etc, it might not always be possible to see if the TC was actually drained.
 
best to do if you do it yourself.there was plenty of cases where no oil was changed but merc dealer took money for the job. In Bristol mechanic took customer car for a 80 mph trip around industrial estate... if no dashboard camera inside the car - no one would ever knew. Its on YTube.
 
A couple of chaps suggesting that it's better if you can do it yourself. It's ok if you have the knowledge and the tools to do it. My ex husband once put a full set of overalls on when I asked him to empty my vacuum cleaner :wallbash:
 
I would be very surprised if MB dealer actually change that. Its extra time and extra cost but unless you watch mechanic work...then you ll never know if that oil was drained. MB dealer will never allow customers to watch their work.

One nearest me has a big window in the seated cafe area so viewing is no problem.
 
A couple of chaps suggesting that it's better if you can do it yourself. It's ok if you have the knowledge and the tools to do it. My ex husband once put a full set of overalls on when I asked him to empty my vacuum cleaner :wallbash:

He's right, you know. Every job has the right gear for it... including the correct attire :thumb: :D
 
No, I won't say what I think he was, that's why I divorced him ;)

I hope that you get sorted out MissVix. It's a pain thinking we have to trust what the garages tell us. Hopefully, you've found a good one.
 
A lot of main dealers have viewing windows , if your car is on the far ramp, you have binoculars and you know exactly what you are watching you might see the gearbox service being done properly...but you might not. Down to trust.
 
I won't be seeing MB dealer at all... To buy MB parts right now its a problem...Send email to W-S-M branch and email came back from MB Exeter (45 mls away). Guy says "no problem You can come and pick Your order from our branch". I simply don't trust MB UK about any work .Parts to buy only...
 

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