How much for an ATF change on an 07 E320cdi?

[Charles Morgan]

My brother in laws W211 320cdi estate is coming up for a D service and he has been recommended an ATF change - the car has done about 37k. He has been quoted £250 by MB - that seems high. Any thoughts?

 

[markjay]

Assuming it's the same 5-gear box as my W203 - the cost from a good Indie is around £200 or just under. Not huge saving as such perhaps, but a good Indie (e.g. Olly) will change all of the ATF including draining the torque converter... which some say the dealers don't actually do i.e. they change only half the ATF, i.e. what's in the sump, and don't bother with getting out the old ATF from the torque converter and the oil cooler.

 

[Charles Morgan]

Thanks Mr Jay - it's a seven speed, but I can't believe the oil requirements are lower than the five. I am trying to get him to go to Olly, but he is quite attached to the MB service history and Mobilo, but given time..

 

[markjay]

Well, the ATF does need changing, and if he's happy to get it done at an MB dealer, then having the ATF changed in the same way that most other Mercs in the UK are changed is still far better than not changing it at all...

I would say that the short answer is get it done, ideally at Olly's but otherwise at the dealer. The price is not unreasonable for main dealer, though he can haggle if he wants to, based on the car being older than 3 years (some dealers provide older car discounts - typically 3y+ and 6y+).

 

[Deleted member 55947]

Can't he get the ATF changed at Olly's THEN serviced at MB (without the ATF) as I believe mobilo runs from service to service

 

[Charles Morgan]

I think he would consider the cost of two trips to get a car serviced (he is self-employed) unjustifiable.

Anyway, sounds like it can be done more cheaply, up to him to decide if the inconvenience and cost justifies it.