Checking transmission oil on w211.

[Terry Wilkins]

I have recently started to get a slight jerk between 1st and 2nd gear when pulling away faster than usual so, I thought I would check the oil level. Now I know these boxes are 'sealed for life' but, I keep seeing that there is a dipstick tube whereby you can check the transmission oil level.
So I've purchased a dipstick and new locking tab but, can I find this tube ? No I can't. Anyone got any idea where it might be on my 2008 e320 please or, tell me why I get this less than smooth change. All the changes through the other gears is fine.
Thanks in advance.

 

[Mark A]

If you have 7 gears in the box, there is no dipstick tube. The level is topped up and checked from the transmission sump but you need the right tools to do it. If it is a 7 G box, the advice is to change transmission fluid at +/- 40K intervals.

 

[Terry Wilkins]

If you have 7 gears in the box, there is no dipstick tube. The level is topped up and checked from the transmission sump but you need the right tools to do it. If it is a 7 G box, the advice is to change transmission fluid at +/- 40K intervals.

Thanks Mark,
I thought mine was a 6 speed box, I'll have to check. I know that if I change manually, it goes to 6 and then drive.

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

It will have a 7Gtronic box which means the oil level is set from inside the sump pan on the level.

Your type of fault won't be an oil level related issue, likely software or adaption related.

 

[Terry Wilkins]

It will have a 7Gtronic box which means the oil level is set from inside the sump pan on the level.

Your type of fault won't be an oil level related issue, likely software or adaption related.

Thanks Steve, it's not a major thing but niggles me after having a smooth transmission.
We are up at Brean in September, would it be possible to book in for you to have a look ? Unless you know of an indie technician in Cornwall. We live in the far west.
This started by the way, when I drove my car with my digital hearing aid in. It went into limp mode within 30 seconds of leaving home. Once I turned it off, the car was fine again.

 

[Wighty]

Thanks Mark,
I thought mine was a 6 speed box, I'll have to check. I know that if I change manually, it goes to 6 and then drive.

6 forward gears + 1 reverse gear = 7g

 

[Steve@Avantgarde]

Thanks Steve, it's not a major thing but niggles me after having a smooth transmission.
We are up at Brean in September, would it be possible to book in for you to have a look ? Unless you know of an indie technician in Cornwall. We live in the far west.
This started by the way, when I drove my car with my digital hearing aid in. It went into limp mode within 30 seconds of leaving home. Once I turned it off, the car was fine again.

Yes no problem. I am away first 2 weeks in september myself but the rest of the boys can look after you.

 

[steveq]

"6 forward gears + 1 reverse gear = 7g "

Actually the 7G gearbox has 7 forward gears and 2 reverse gears.
It starts in 2nd gear in 'C'omfort mode which might make it seem like there are 6 forward gears.

 

[Wighty]

"6 forward gears + 1 reverse gear = 7g "

Actually the 7G gearbox has 7 forward gears and 2 reverse gears.
It starts in 2nd gear in 'C'omfort mode which might make it seem like there are 6 forward gears.

It's never happened that I've been wrong about anything ever !!! I was only quoting what I'd been told in the past , so my crown is still intact (if you are correct of course ) !

 

[Terry Wilkins]

6 forward gears + 1 reverse gear = 7g

Oops. Forgot reverse !!!!

 

[Botus]

6 forward gears + 1 reverse gear = 7g

mine is a 7g it has 7 forward and 2 reverse


well done steveq u got there first !

 

[Wighty]

mine is a 7g it has 7 forward and 2 reverse


well done steveq u got there first !

If I can rember who gave me duff info that caused me to look stupid on a public forum I'll have it in for them .

 

[umblecumbuz]

Enquired about a W203 two years ago, with 7g box.
Dealer was insistent that it only had six forward gears, because only 1 to 6 showed on the display.

I suggested he drive at a steady speed in 6th, then select D (drive) and watch the rev counter drop.
He still insisted it only had six gears, so I didn't bother following up my interest in his car.

 

[steveq]

I didn't mean to start a debate on the 7g gearbox nor did I mean to put Wighty's source of information's life in danger (well maybe )!?!?!

What is the logic of 2 reverse gears?
I see that the 9G only has 1 reverse.

 

[Terry Wilkins]

Enquired about a W203 two years ago, with 7g box.
Dealer was insistent that it only had six forward gears, because only 1 to 6 showed on the display.

I suggested he drive at a steady speed in 6th, then select D (drive) and watch the rev counter drop.
He still insisted it only had six gears, so I didn't bother following up my interest in his car.

Actually I don't care if it's gothe 6 or 7 gears, I just love the car to bits.

 

[steveq]

I thought I would check the oil level. Now I know these boxes are 'sealed for life' but, I keep seeing that there is a dipstick tube whereby you can check the transmission oil level.
So I've purchased a dipstick and new locking tab but, can I find this tube ? No I can't.

The older automatic gearbox which was fitted to earlier E320s and also fitted to later E Classes with the 4 cylinder diesel and petrol engines was the 5 speed (NAG1) gearbox. That had a dipstick tube with locking tab.

Your model has the later NAG2 gearbox 7G -- no dipstick, no means of measuring the oil level level and filled through the drain plug (progress???).

 

[Terry Wilkins]

The older automatic gearbox which was fitted to earlier E320s and also fitted to later E Classes with the 4 cylinder diesel and petrol engines was the 5 speed (NAG1) gearbox. That had a dipstick tube with locking tab.

Your model has the later NAG2 gearbox 7G -- no dipstick, no means of measuring the oil level level and filled through the drain plug (progress???).

Thanks Steve, I can now sleep easier !!

 

[Botus]

Enquired about a W203 two years ago, with 7g box.
Dealer was insistent that it only had six forward gears, because only 1 to 6 showed on the display.

I suggested he drive at a steady speed in 6th, then select D (drive) and watch the rev counter drop.
He still insisted it only had six gears, so I didn't bother following up my interest in his car.

my father had a W124 E320 with optional 5 speed auto.

Sales guy said it had 5 but I couldn't tell.... back then I didn't realise they'd started this magic idea of putting extra ratios in the box then giving settings which meant they were never used.... eventually found a bit in owners manual showing photos of the gear selector which helped me understand it was the 5 speed box.

Also strange how BMW on the 2006 to 2010 6 speed autos have 5 gears for Sport and 6 for Standard, where Merc feel the need to do the opposite of 7 for Sport and 6 for Comfort.... its all emissions silliness gone mad

 

[Stulc]

The older automatic gearbox which was fitted to earlier E320s and also fitted to later E Classes with the 4 cylinder diesel and petrol engines was the 5 speed (NAG1) gearbox. That had a dipstick tube with the locking tab.

Yes it's an ancient post before anybody says..

No they don't, mine doesn't at an 05 E220,I also phoned Mr Turpin to be told they they didn't come with either engine or auto box stick.

 

[Stulc]

Are the ones you buy ok are they accurate