W212 7G plus - verify correct ATF fluid was used?

[S-class]

Hi

Have a W212 E250 where the transmission fluid was changed at 38k based on dealer advice during B servicing, I have subsequently found out the 7G+ has 70k intervals, concern is since they used the interval of the old transmission they may have used the wrong transmission fluid, similar issue to this post recent: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/2219749-post10.html.

Is there any visual way to check that the correct fluid is in there? MB franchised dealer who carried out work can only send me the service history which confirms it was carried out but no other info in terms of what fluid was used, it was carried out before I acquired car hence probably why they are not being very helpful.

Plan to keep car for a long time so am worried if it is incorrect it may shorten lifespan of transmission, hoping some indies or other members here will know, would appreciate some info

 

[reflexboy]

I would like to know the answer to this too, however as there is to dipstick or dipstick tube for the gearbox surely the only way of finding this out is by opening the fill/drain plug as I understand the two different fluids were different colours. Personally this is not a job I'd feel confident doing myself

 

[jgy6000]

The only hope is that when they drained the fluid, they noted what colour the fluid was and when they put the new fluid in, it was the same colour. That's if the apprentice doing the work to your car even cared enough to take note.


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[S-class]

I was hoping there might be some expansion tank for the fluid we can look at, at this stage car has done another 10k miles since ATF change, not sure what damage incorrect fluid would do.

 

[reflexboy]

I was hoping there might be some expansion tank for the fluid we can look at, at this stage car has done another 10k miles since ATF change, not sure what damage incorrect fluid would do.

I would like to know that too. I've done 5k since ATF change

 

[derektrotter]

Is it a easy mistake to make by the dealer? Not sure what the process is that they go thru, I would hope they have safeguards that prevent these types of mistakes, e.g input VIN and that gives you correct fluid to use rather then tech assuming he knows.

 

[paul_f]

In this article it says they changed the colour of the fluid to prevent confusion.

http://www.sussexautos.co.uk/mercedes-tronic-plus.php

I'd really hope it would have been drilled into the tech that they needed to put the same colour fluid in!

 

[S-class]

In this article it says they changed the colour of the fluid to prevent confusion.

Mercedes 7G Tronic Plus | Automatic Transmission Parts Distributors and Torque Converter Remanufacturers - Sussex Auto Parts

I'd really hope it would have been drilled into the tech that they needed to put the same colour fluid in!

I would really like to think it's really obvious for any technician, not an easy mistake to make and there's nothing to worry about..

 

[Lotiman]

Whenever I've bought a used car in the past that I intended keeping for a while, I change all the fluids (engine, gearbox, power steering, brakes, diff and coolant) and filters, even if the service schedule and mileage doesn't yet call for it. At least then, you have a known starting point and can be secure in the knowledge that no matter how sketchy the past service history may be, everything is as good as it can be.

I know it's a much older car, but I did this with my current R107 SL and very pleased I did too. The service schedule showed both the brake fluid and power steering fluid/filter having been changed by an MB main dealer only 6 months and 2000 miles previously. I was utterly convinced they hadn't been. The power steering fluid was blacker than a black thing and the brake fluid showed a far higher water content than you'd expect after such a short time.

Renewing them all isn't that expensive and is the only way you will be 100% certain. Worth it for the peace of mind alone I think.

 

[trapperjohn]

What Lotiman said and this

I think the outcome of this has to be you have the transmission oil changed again under your watchful eye. Double checking the oil used.

The oil that is in now (possibly the wrong stuff) may have changed colour with use?

Get one of our Indies to do the change of oil it will be cheaper and done right.

Peace of mind wont come to expensive that way. Damage done to the box with the wrong oil in, very little I would think on the distance travelled.

Question for yourself, even if you have the oil changed - and the wrong oil was in the box will you have that peace of mind you require with the right oil in the box.

 

[Lotiman]

Depending how many miles since the change at 38k, I doubt even if the incorrect oil has been used, it will have caused any damage. Nevertheless, if you are unable to do it yourself, I would be getting a trusted indie to carry out a complete change.

The transmission fluid probably won't have changed colour unless the car has been very seriously abused, so it should be easy to determine which grade has been used. It should be blue in colour, I believe, where the previous grade would have been red.
Hope that helps.

 

[Kersidan]

AFAIK the 7G Tronic box uses red fluid and the 7G Tronic + uses a blue fluid. As said above if I was concerned, for the cost, I'd get a trusted indie to do another ATF service ASAP for peace of mind. The colour of the drained fluid can then be checked and if it's not correct this could be taken up by the dealer doing the previous ATF service.
Mark

 

[DSB SL AMG]

You will need to get the ATF changed with correct verified fluid to be safe and sure

 

[S-class]

Thank you all, I agree and will probably just get it changed by a indy, any recommended ones in beds/Herts area? I've heard you need the right star equipment to measure temp etc as it's more involved in these newer boxes.

As a final try before doing above, if I tried to get hold of previous owner and checked his invoice for the ATF change, would that have enough detail to determine what kind of fluid was used? Never had it done so don't know if the blue/red have diff codes for example.

 

[Lotiman]

The 2 ATF's will have a different code, so speaking to the previous owner may be the easiest path, assuming he's bothered to keep the old invoices of course. I've always passed old invoices on when I've sold my cars, but your cars previous owner may not.

 

[jgy6000]

If this is any use, mines a 2009 with a 7g box

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[S-class]

Thank you thats very useful, will contact dealer to see if I can get a copy of above invoice from last service, I believe mine should say [FONT=&quot] [/FONT][FONT=&quot][FONT=&quot]ATF 134 FE, [/FONT]P/N A001 989 78 03/11 based on Genuine Mercedes-Benz Start/Stop Gear Box ATF 134 FE Oil A001989780311 NEW | eBay [/FONT]

 

[Druk]

See post 24.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/gene...-7g-7g-plus-identification-2.html#post2219843



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