URGENT!! Gearbox oil life - in years or miles - not fussy!!

[Bobby Dazzler]

I've had a slight problem with my C32 that whilst it hasn't caused any great problems, I wanted it sorted. I'm a perfectionist!! Car's at the dealers as we speak

After much head scratching, diagnostics, and changing parts, they've concluded it was the gearbox oil. Replaced it and they can't repeat the problem.

Now if it has fixed it then the warranty won't cover it, and they'll look to me to pay. If it's not fixed it then the search continues.

So I'm prepared for negotiation when I pick up the car later this afternoon, anyone know what the service life is of gearbox oil, in mile and/or years?

Unfortunately I don't have the service book with me as I have a courtesey car today!!

All help appreciated!!

 

[blackscooby]

Don't have the answer to hand right at this moment, but I can look at the book tonight for you.

What symptoms did you have ?
Just wondered, cos if something bites your... sure as hell it will bite mine !!!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I should be able to check the service book tonight. Dealer told me 60,000 miles depending upon use.

I'll let you know if it fixes it and give you a run down of issues to look out for. I'll post them tonight.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

Not sure on the life but mine got replaced in the last service a few weeks ago under warranty as they had to replace an oil seal on the gear box. Large job on the W203 C320 as well as the C32 I imagine.

Hopefuly you should be okay, I was actually surprised my warranty covered it (Warranty Direct).

 

[sagalout]

I'm sure that the official line is that the gearbox oli never needs replacing as its a sealed unit. I might be wrong though, or it might be a different gearbox in the C32

 

[GregE240]

I'm sure that the official line is that the gearbox oli never needs replacing as its a sealed unit. I might be wrong though, or it might be a different gearbox in the C32

Thats what they used to say, but I believe they're singing from a different hymn sheet now.

 

[Shude]

Thats what they used to say, but I believe they're singing from a different hymn sheet now.

So they can change the policy retrospectively I take it?

That's a bit like changing the speed limit on a road from 40 to 30 and then retrospectively banning anyone who was speeding on it 3 years ago!

You know that's coming soon, don't you?

 

[richard]

So they can change the policy retrospectively I take it?

That's a bit like changing the speed limit on a road from 40 to 30 and then retrospectively banning anyone who was speeding on it 3 years ago!

You know that's coming soon, don't you?

There was a lot complaining (in the press, made it to tv news) that they had got done for exceeding 30mph in a 30, and then the limit was raised to 40, so they should all get their money/points back, as the speed limit should have always been 40 ..

They didnt seem to agree their argument was equivalent to what you said above though ....

R

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'm sure that the official line is that the gearbox oli never needs replacing as its a sealed unit. I might be wrong though, or it might be a different gearbox in the C32

Thats what they used to say, but I believe they're singing from a different hymn sheet now.

I thought it was for life too. Forgot to check what the service book says last night - but the cost was £90 and mechanic said it was an absolute pain to do!!

The word he used instead of "pain" sounded a bit like "plucker" though?!

 

[saorbust]

Its no longer sealed for life. I've had the gearbox oil changed on my car. Its now routine every 50,000 miles or so.

In fact, its all now part of this fixed price servicing based on mileage.

J.

 

[GazCaff]

So they can change the policy retrospectively I take it?

That's a bit like changing the speed limit on a road from 40 to 30 and then retrospectively banning anyone who was speeding on it 3 years ago!

You know that's coming soon, don't you?

Vauxhall did the same thing with their V6 engine a few years ago. They shifted the service life of the cam belt from 80,000 to 40,000 miles. If I'd refused to let them do it I would have had to sign a disclaimer to say I'd refused it and any warranty claim would have been void.

I meant my 40k service ended up costing me nearly £600 instead of £240

 

[fredfloggle]

I have been informed that the later autobox requires oil change every 35000 miles , and he also informed me that the torque converter doesn't have it's own drain plug like the early version of the same box .
OK , this guy sleeps on a branch most of the time , but he does have a certificate from 1943 declaring him a "specialist"

 

[A-AvantGarde]

I'm sure that the official line is that the gearbox oli never needs replacing as its a sealed unit. I might be wrong though, or it might be a different gearbox in the C32

I believed that this was the case too...

 

[Dieselman]

I believed that this was the case too...

Was being the operative word here, not any more.

 

[fredfloggle]

While the oil that came out of my box (excuse the terminology) wasn't burnt , it was tired - in the light of the fact that the torque converter doesn't have a plug , then now I can see the latest schedule of a change every 35000 miles makes a bit of sense . My sybian buddy who changed the fluid said he could drop the valve block to drain a bit morew fluid out of the torque converter , but I don't think you could easily drain more than half of the fluid out of the converter in any case , and the thought of springs and ball bearings bouncing around his collection of junk wasn't something I could face .

There is also a filter and an adapter plug that require changing every fluid change .

I would say that the gearbox is a bit crisper than it was before .

It isn't difficult to do , providing you have the proper access - this is what you pay for !
£90 sounds like he didn't change the filter , adapter plug and sump gasket ......

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Checked my service booklet and manual last night. No mention of changing the gearbox oil, nor that it was sealed for life.

Looks like another reason to get a Service Contract, or budget a little more for services.

Thanks for all your input folks.

 

[gazz]

I changed the gearbox fluid in mine at 25,000 miles. There is no official interval. Fluid is special dealer only stuff, as box is equipped with what they call GKuB lock up clutch. Have to say though, job is a piece of cake to do. Don't know why they told you it was a 'plucker'...

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Cheers gazz. Maybe to increase the likelihood of me footing the bill!!??

They did it as part of a process of elimination to solve the problem we spoke about by email, and without me saying "do it", so I guess they may just be keen for me to pay if not covered by warranty.

 

[Birdman]

Vauxhall did the same thing with their V6 engine a few years ago. They shifted the service life of the cam belt from 80,000 to 40,000 miles. If I'd refused to let them do it I would have had to sign a disclaimer to say I'd refused it and any warranty claim would have been void.

I meant my 40k service ended up costing me nearly £600 instead of £240

VAG changed the cam belt life in Sep '05 from 6 years/60k to 4 years/60k (a £300 job). Found out when booking a service last week PLUS its extended warranty is now pronounced void for engine damage subsequent to snapped belt until changed. Not pleased I was.

On atf change the thing to watch is draining/refilling converter and getting the final fluid level correct. For me this involved running the car hot and sucking out excess fluid, which is more dangerous to tranny than underfilling, apparently. Every four years/60k but maybe some variation here? Broken boxes don't look good and MB is coming off the drugs and getting with the program.

 

[compress ignite]

A.T.F. change interval

Even using Mobil 1 A.T.F. ---fluid and filter every 30,000 miles.
NO Matter What Mercedes claims!
I can't concieve of a Mercedes torque converter without a drain plug---if so
change the fluid three times in a short period--- 'that'll take care of it.

Doubt the wisdom? Take a cast iron fry pan ...incinerate up to 400 degrees
"F" and pour in the A.T.F. --- 'How long before it turns ugly? (conservative).