What oil for auto box ?

[R Phillips]

1999 E300 TD (w210?) what oil should I use when changing the oil in the box?
(anything else I should know?)

 

[kman]

Any DEXRon II or ideally III will suffice. I believe these don't have a dipstick for checking the level, so you need to order the probe from MB.

 

[andy_k]

hmmm check with your parts department for the ATF spec. I'm pretty sure Dexron II falls well short. I also believe that MB do their own "recommended" fluid which exceeds Dexron III performance.

HTH

Andy

 

[tamrsoft]

Recommended ATF

Most definitely check, only use MB recommended fluid, I have seen a post from someone using Dexron II who had nothing but problems after changing the oil. I have the 722.6 tranny on my W210 and the MB recommended ATF is Mercedes ATF (Spec.236.1) – (P/N A001 989 21 03/10).

Note on late 99 models, you will not be able to drain the torque convertor (no drain plug). I have a procedure for doing the job if your are interested.

 

[big x]

To be honest the post below is a disgrace.The older Dextron II spec is not the right stuff for electronic boxes.

adam

Any DEXRon II or ideally III will suffice. I believe these don't have a dipstick for checking the level, so you need to order the probe from MB.

 

[andy_k]

To be honest the post below is a disgrace.The older Dextron II spec is not the right stuff for electronic boxes.

adam

Well said - I was being polite

Andy

 

[MDMB69]

I would definately recommend using MB fluid. It is expensive but I found out the hard way on my 722.5 gearbox in my 1996 E280, thought I could get away a cheaper fluid that supposedly matched the spec. Lots of heartache and not a lot of gearchanging. I've got proper MB fluid in now and it works a dream.

 

[Satch]

I was told a while ago that the fluid required by the more recent transmissions as sold by the MB dealers is made by Texaco-Chevron.

Sure enough, on the Chevron website:

ATF+3® /ATF+4®

DaimlerChrysler has had their own ATF specifications for many years, but as of 1997, Chrysler owners' manuals no longer list DEXRON as an acceptable replacement. ATF+3 is a readily available mineral oil-based ATF that is suitable in any application calling for ATF PLUS® , ATF+2® , or a Type 7176® fluid. Vehicles manufactured after 1999 require ATF+4® , a synthetic-based ATF only available through DaimlerChrysler

 

[mark.t]

Atf

let mercedes do it ....whats the cost of the bits and bobs + your time for ordering ...collecting ...fuel... tools ...dip stick.and that the oils only changed every 60 thou miles...work it all out then i'll post how much it cost me at the dealers ...but i have posted it somewere on here before ...not to mention the recept for the cars history folder to aid resale...no DIY ON MY CAR

 

[silverarrow]

you can buy mbz spec oil as a aftermarket ie no mbz sticker on the bottle

 

[silverarrow]

have a look at www.jie.com/oilref.htm

 

[tamrsoft]

Be cautious about alternatives to the MB fluid, ensure they meet the MB spec for your gearbox type. I couldn't see anything on the TEXACO/CHEVRON website about MB specs on their ATF products but I have seen a note that says that the MB factory fill their boxes with the Fuchs TITAN 4000 ATF, Fuchs do state that this ATF is specified to MB 236.1. MB must re-badge some product for their use since MB is definitely not in the oil manufacturing business. I would like to know where you can buy mbz spec oil as a aftermarket product, it would be good to find something better than £9/ltr.

 

[oilman]

I've done some checking with my database and the recommended oils are as follows:

1995-99 Diesel E300 Diesel (OM606) (210 Series - E Class)
Engine EO MBZ 229.1 10W-40 7litres
Manual Transmission ATF MBZ 236.2/6 1.5litres
***Automatic Transmission ATF MBZ 236.6/236.7 5.5litres***
Differential(s) GO MBZ 235.0 sae90 1.1litres
Coolant AF MBZ 325.0 9litres
Power steering ATF MBZ 236.3

Checking my data sheets I find that the product that meets MB236.6 is in fact a Dexron II not a Dexron III.

If you look here, you will see the specs listed on the Fuchs (Germany) technical data sheets.

Titan ATF 3000

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/TechSpecs/titan atf 3000.pdf

Titan ATF 4000

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/TechSpecs/titan atf 4000.pdf

It would appear to me that the correct oil is ATF3000 which is a Dexron II product.

Hope this helps

Cheers
Simon