W203 Auto 5 speed fluid change

[Pegger83]

Hello All,

I have been googling and gettting different answers on this subject.

I have an 07 C220cdi Sport with the Auto 5 speed box with 73k on the clock. Service book fully stamped but nothing to indicate an auto fluid change being done (I do plan to ring the garage that serviced it).

Question is. Is there really a requirement to change at 37.5k. I have seen posts of them being sealed for life and not to disturb if all is well etc etc.

Thanks,
James

 

[markjay]

Hello All,

I have been googling and gettting different answers on this subject.

I have an 07 C220cdi Sport with the Auto 5 speed box with 73k on the clock. Service book fully stamped but nothing to indicate an auto fluid change being done (I do plan to ring the garage that serviced it).

Question is. Is there really a requirement to change at 37.5k. I have seen posts of them being sealed for life and not to disturb if all is well etc etc.

Thanks,
James

Yes. Should have been changed once at 37.5-40k.

The 'sealed-for-life' schedule was specified for a brief period then abandoned.

Job should cost between £150-£200 at an Indie. Just make sure they use original MB ATF and that they also replace all of the ATF including the Torque Converter.

 

[markjay]

See also:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/howto/115863-how-change-automatic-gerbox-oil-flush-722-6-box.html

 

[Pegger83]

Ok. I will look to see about getting it done ASAP. Another expense to add to the list before Xmas.

How easy is the job? Could I have a go at it? I have some experience with the spanners.

 

[Chrishazle]

2007 - W203 or w204? The 203 box was theoretically sealed for life, I had mine changed at about 75k and it did the box some good - but it was only the filter and 4 1/2 litres of aTF, not the full 7 litres for a full (difficult) ATF change.

I had a big row with MB Ashford about my 2008 S204 C220 when I bought it as the owners manual says 1 change at 37.5k miles - but they came back that this only applies to facelift 204's (ie MY2011 on) despite it being in my 2008 owners manual. They had supplied the car new and serviced it throughout first owners time! Anyway, they refused to do it FOC, car is now 80k miles and gearbox is fine.

 

[Pegger83]

Mine is the W203. And yes I have seen that it could be a sealed for life box. Which has led to me putting up the post.

The gearbox is ok. I have driven auto's my whole driving life as I am disabled. Certainly smooth compared to most. But it does rev a little higher that I thought in Comfort Mode.

Do I spend £150-200 on something that may not need doing?

 

[mick5]

I have W203 2005 Auto transmission oil changed on 3800k by dealer now its 92k thinking to get it changed but dont want to go to dealer just looking where i can get it done in Wembley area.
Any Suggestions?

 

[Stratman]

I have strong suspicions the "sealed for life" tag was a marketing ploy to reduce the total cost of ownership in the first three years, thus making it more attractive to fleet buyers.

I had the ATF changed in my W203 after about 80,000 miles. The stuff that came out was black and opaque, the stuff that went in was the colour of cherryade and transparent.

 

[Tim203]

I have strong suspicions the "sealed for life" tag was a marketing ploy to reduce the total cost of ownership in the first three years, thus making it more attractive to fleet buyers. I had the ATF changed in my W203 after about 80,000 miles. The stuff that came out was black and opaque, the stuff that went in was the colour of cherryade and transparent.

Hardly surprising they all give aggro. I still have to sort the solenoid mounting plate on my W203( sorry forgot correct terminology).
I simply cannot believe that any company can try and convince people that oil will last the life of a vehicle (VW especially). I noticed a few comments recently about this on the forum. All high load bearings are plain white metal types and rely solely on the film of oil to become the bearing surface. I am still driving my fathers 2.1 406 with 240k miles on it . Magnatec oil all it's life( 'till they stopped making it) and regular gear oil changes. Never had a turbo and still runs brilliantly. No excuses from environmentalists as it uses far more of the earths resources to manufacture something than using a few litres of oil every now and then. Beggars belief and all that. Whinge over

 

[markjay]

I have strong suspicions the "sealed for life" tag was a marketing ploy to reduce the total cost of ownership in the first three years, thus making it more attractive to fleet buyers....

Interestingly, the spec of the box has not changed when the service recommendation went back and forth...

ATF needs to be changed.... regardless of what the manual may say.

 

[Mr Kripling]

Sealed for Life (of the manufacturer's warranty)...