How can I find if gearbox oil has been changed?

[fatdazza]

Hi,

I have a 2005 W203 C180k with 67000 on the clock. There is no record in the service book of the auto gearbox oil and filter being changed at the recommended 37500 miles or 3 years. (However the previous owner did have a service done by MB that is not recorded in the service book as receipts were included when I bought the car so there may be other work done that was not recorded).

Would this oil change be recorded in the ASSYST records? Or does MB retain records centrally?

Any help much appreciated. Obviously if I cannot confirm the change I need to get it done ASAP.

 

[kwakdonut]

Contact the garage(s) that have seen the car - they are normally very helpful as long as you're not asking for any personal information! They should be able to tell you most of the jobs that have been carried out on the vehicle

 

[grober]

Here's a tip, call it ATF automatic transmission fluid rather than oil.

 

[fatdazza]

Here's a tip, call it ATF automatic transmission fluid rather than oil.

Thanks for the tip - I was only using terminology used by Mercedes themselves:

"Once at 3 years / 37,500^ miles
Automatic transmission: oil and filter replaced."

​

 

[grober]

Thanks for the tip - I was only using terminology used by Mercedes themselves:

"Once at 3 years / 37,500^ miles
Automatic transmission: oil and filter replaced."

​

Fair enough. You will gather I'm on a bit of a mission here. I like to think that when dealing with MB dealership technical guys it pays to get your terminology correct as it shows you know what you are talking about. But that's just me.

 

[NOMONEYBUTAMERC]

If in doubt , change it . Not an expensive job , but could cost you a lot if it has not been changed. Do MB recommend every 37500 , or just the one time?
Anywhere with a ramp could do this for you .

 

[rf065]

I had mine changed at 37,000 miles by MB, but no record of it in the service book. I do have the workshop receipt which shows the oil & filter part numbers etc. You should have that too if it has beeen done.

Russ

 

[rascalmaster]

Bought my W211 approved used. No mention of it having been done in the service book, so took it up with MB Hemmel Hempstead (who I bought the car from); they paid for it to be done at my local (Ipswich) dealer.
PS MB Ipswich are V V good!

 

[Barbanasos]

I may be wrong but usually the dipstick at a car that still has the original ATF in is all black including a small clip.

Once you do the change the mechanic should replace that clip with a red one.

 

[fatdazza]

If in doubt , change it . Not an expensive job , but could cost you a lot if it has not been changed. Do MB recommend every 37500 , or just the one time?
Anywhere with a ramp could do this for you .

MB appear to say just do it once at 37,500 miles / 3 yrs.

My Haynes manual does not even mention this!

I agree it could be costly to replace the box if it fails, however MB charging £229 for fluid and filter change does not seem too cheap to me. It does rake 7.5 litres though so fluid itself is going to cost a fair bit, then there's the filter, then the labour etc etc etc and the shiny overalls to pay for

 

[fatdazza]

I may be wrong but usually the dipstick at a car that still has the original ATF in is all black including a small clip.

Once you do the change the mechanic should replace that clip with a red one.

Barbanasos - many thanks for your post. I'll check mine tomorrow. I'll give MB a call tomorrow and check with them if this is the case and report back.

Cheers again - forums like this keep my faith in human nature. People willing to help others freely is such a good thing

 

[spock500]

Easy way is by colour (and smell) old ATF turns a brown colour, if it's been changed recently it should retain the bright 'black current cordial' colour.

To check get a 4' length a 8mm clear nylon tube, make sure its meticulously clean then remove filler cap - NOTE this may invalidate your warranty please check first.

Push tube into filler hole until it stops cover end with thumb, remove and check colour against a white piece of paper