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W124 atf

Would never just "change the fluid" on a W124. Especially if you think it hasn't been done for a while. Recommended mileage for a change of fluid +filter is 36K mileS. Only snag you may run into other than the warped pan mentioned previously is some of the bolts may be seized into the gearbox casting threads due to corrosion. Be EXTREMELY careful not exert too much torque to free them as the bolt heads can shear off leading to a world of pain! While quite feasible I don't know if I would attempt this without a suitable torque wrench personally.

Thanks

I have all the tools to do all routine work and no problems with torque settings, (famous last words!), as I have worked, (and rebuilt), oldish BMW Bikes for some time. BMs are mainly alloy parts and very torque sensitive, plus have had old cars for years, and done most of my own work.

The issues with me are now:
1). Trust in any Main Dealer - The crap work that can be done by Main Dealers. Plus the wrong work, this is not un common, The lack of knowledge on their part. The bull **** that the guys on the service desk can come out with. MBZ UK are now a Sales and Marketing organisation. They may have a monopoly on parts supply but there are far better people, (past MBZ trained guys and others), out there who do a much better job. I can say this with a little knowledge as I also have a motor trade background. By choice, I would rather take my W124 to the SAAB Indie up the road than to a MBZ Main Dealer.

2). Being an "old git", (maybe that is why I have to keep editing my threads), I am adverse to very mucky jobs and Mercs are "big lumps" to work on.....certain jobs can be a "pain" rather than a pleasure.

If I can find a competent garage, (I have one but he does not "do" auto boxes!), that I can trust and their rates are pitched to the general public and not to corporate financed vehicles, (through purchase or employee car allowances), I am very happy to pay a reasonable price for the work. If not I would rather do the work myself as it will be done properly and these days it is a lot easier to "save money" by not spending it, than to earn it. Even if a garage does the work I still need to know exactly what is happening....as I have to drive the car!

But before you (I), do anything on a Merc, (or any vehicle), do your research and that is why these forums are great - I am now retired so I can "bugger" around to my hearts content.

Cheers
 
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if you have rebuilt bikes in your time then changing the ATF will be a walk in the park for you.

just get the fluid, filter and gasket and get under the car! :D
 
if you have rebuilt bikes in your time then changing the ATF will be a walk in the park for you.

just get the fluid, filter and gasket and get under the car! :D

You are right, get off your ****, Bill

It's a nice warm day, the sun is shining...I have to drive the thing for a few miles, (to warm it up),......then put my old clothes on...and now those rubber glove things, (my wife insists - I am not hen pecked!), then stick it up on the ramps, crawl underneath it, clean all the area etc., maybe get some ATF fluid on my "bald" patch......increasing my hair loss..............get my glasses covered in muck......climb back into the car and get those lovely mushroom leather seat a little dirty.....get white power from the gloves that i have to wear all over the dash.........walk back into the house and wash my hands in the sink annoying the wife....etc., etc.

Or £75 plus a bit

You are right, I'm convinced, I will do the job myself..............but maybe in September when I get back from holiday .....i'll just check the colour of the fluid again, but this time through "rose coloured spectacles" as i am sure the light was a little "brownish" when I looked, ..........maybe the fluid will be a little redder and I have been panicing for nothing.

Thanks for all your advice............this is why the Forum is really good
 
its no harder or time consuming than changing the engine oil really if everything goes ok and there are no extra surprises like rusted bolts etc

personally if it was brown then i'd change it asap.
 
Just spoken to MBZ Winchester + £170, (inc VAT and parts), for W124 ATF change...all they seem to do it change the oil
20% discount on the above for "old cars"

The gaskets etc, seem to be about £30 plus VAT........must PM nick

Certainly seems a cost effective DIY job if all they do is change the oil.....i.e. drain it and refill

(off topic.......rear number plate screws 87 pence each plus VAT and they have to order them in.....I need 4...but no thanks at those prices).
Rear wiper Blade MBZ = £13 odd plus VAT less 10%..again order it in - same Bosch item £9.49, inc VAT at Halfords)

I suggest changing the fluid and leaving in the old filter is a waste of money.
 
if you have rebuilt bikes in your time then changing the ATF will be a walk in the park for you.

just get the fluid, filter and gasket and get under the car! :D

And a new sump plug seal ring - the old one will leak and temp you to try it "just a bit tighter". See the torque settings earlier in the thread!
 
And a new sump plug seal ring - the old one will leak and temp you to try it "just a bit tighter". See the torque settings earlier in the thread!

thanks - i believe you may get a crush washer for that with the filter??? cant remember exactly but i ended up buying a new pan anyway that came with the plug ready torqued and sealed.
 

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