W124 ATF Change

[EDZ649]

Having just bought a 1993 320e and need to replace some of the ATF pipes, I'm going to drain the ATF, fit a new filter, gasket and re-fill at the same time.

My question is how much ATF will I need? I thought I had read somewhere that it would need around 3ltrs but having just spoken to my local dealer parts dept they tell me 4.5 to 5ltrs.

Also, do I need a special dipstick?

Obviously I don't want to buy 5ltrs when 3ltrs will be enough, any help much appreciated.

 

[BlackC55]

You will need Dextron II available from motorfactors etc. No need to buy MB stuff on that 'box.

There is a drain on the TC too so don't forget that.

5.5L is enough from memory.

HINT: The sump pan bolts do up at only 8NM. If too tight they can bend the pan easily.

 

[EDZ649]

You will need Dextron II available from motorfactors etc. No need to buy MB stuff on that 'box.

There is a drain on the TC too so don't forget that.

5.5L is enough from memory.

HINT: The sump pan bolts do up at only 8NM. If too tight they can bend the pan easily.

Thanks for your quick reply Olly

 

[kth286]

124 (6 cylinder cars) - gearboxes OIL CHANGE capacities are as follows:


* 722.3 & 722.5 = 6.2 litres


* 722.4 = 6.0 litres


from the Merc 124 manual.

 

[w124coupe]

Should be a dipstick in there already....with a red anti-tamper end on it inscribed "You are not worthy, please pay Mercedes £200 to touch this for you".

Not all the 6L will come out. Best to re-fill in stages, fill so its on the stick but too low and then start the engine, running the lever through all the positions a few times while idling (don't overfill!) then final check:

Hot (oil at 80C - takes about 4-5mins of driving) engine idling; lever in "Park", using the 80C set of marks on the stick.

Some say, if you have no stick, you can use a bendy curtain rod and some measurements from the end....many do but not me!


The level of "unworthness" increases with newer cars- W210 lost the dipstick (workshop-only tool sir!) and W211 lost the filling tube as well (you fill from underneath using a "special tool" while the oil is at an impossible temperature)!

Apparently the Mercedes fluids guy got really drunk on a Sales shindig with a guy form HP and together they and Becks decided that W211 'box oil is made from special snakes (like HP printer ink) and so dire warnings exist for the later cars that oil ONLY from the parts desk at 0% discount can be used or you and the 'box both turn into frogs (even though Fuchs and Mobil make oil certified by Merc to pass Merc's approval for the 'box which comes in big tins for 45% less).