W202/M112 ATF change

[GadgetBoy]

The 98 C240 I've bought has a good service history but there's no evidence of the ATF having been changed.

What's the view on this? The car has 84K miles and is 13 years old. Gear change is clunky when cold but ok when warm. Kickdown is fine. Sluggish on downshift when a little more torque is required.

Should I change the ATF or just top-up and leave it alone?

 

[grober]

I would get the ATF and internal filter changed - definitely worthwhile if you intend to keep the car.

 

[rascalmaster]

^ +1

 

[GadgetBoy]

Thanks. That was my feeling. Had a look at the procedure and it's a ramp job so I'll have to get someone to do it for me.

To be honest I bought the car as a stop gap but it looks and drives like a new car and it's a cracking car so I've upgraded it to a keeper.

I'll do the engine service myself and then get the local MB specialist to do the ATF for me.

 

[horgantrevor]

yes best get some one to do it if your not in the know or have a ramp

you need a certain oil for your auto box and dont use any other type even if the guy says it will be ok it wont

and the filter it should take 7 to 7.5 liter of fluid and make sure they drain the torque converter or else they will only use about 4.5 liter of oil and its a waste of time doing that

you will see a huge difference

 

[GadgetBoy]

I'm a competent mechanic - smart enough to know when to get someone else to do it!

There's a guy near me who does virtually nothing but Mercs. I'll get him to do it.

 

[horgantrevor]

he's your man for the job

you also need a dip stick which your car will not have and you need to get the level just right hot and cold

i did mine but i have the tools for the job

it will change the the whole feel of the car and you will enjoy it even more

 

[GadgetBoy]

The only thing I don't have is a decent way of getting the car in the air. I'm fed up lying on my back in the drive and I couldn't be ****d anymore!

 

[horgantrevor]

is their some where you could rent a ramp

for a while

you need a bit of access because you need to open the nut on the torque converter not a nice job with no room

 

[GadgetBoy]

Nah. The Health and Safety Elves have killed all the DIY garage places with ramps and stuff.