W211 E320 gearbox fluid change

[wobbly]

My fathers friend has a 2003 E320 CDI, and has been told by the dealer that the fluid in the gearbox needs changing.

Is this correct, I thought the fluid would last a longer than 5 years.

 

[television]

No Sir,, the rules changed a little and its now recomended at 40k miles, the sealed for life no longer applies.

You must have a good dealer, as most have it wrong and will not change it

 

[Roger Jones]

And there are some who would advise changes more frequent than 40k or 3 years (in any car), especially if the car is worked hard -- which includes lots of short trips, as well as towing, fierce driving style, long hot running, constant use in very hilly areas, etc.

I'm inclined to lean in that direction, given the importance of optimum lubrication for such a crucial and complex component, and the additional cost is not exactly eye watering (unless done by a main dealer).

Pushing the life of lubricants and other fluids is just not worth it.

 

[wobbly]

Thanks for your replies gents.

I will tell him its time for a change.

 

[DieselE]

To reinforce what Malcolm and Roger said, my dealer changed the fluid at 39k and told me that they now do it on the first service after 38k.

The car is on a Service Plus contract which makes the point that MB now think that the change is necessary.