1994 E200 Auto Fluid Change, If Colour Fine?

[jonthepond]

been advised by two separate garages NOT to change fluid or tamper with box at all if fluid is sparkly clean and red. they said they get more problems after high mileage box oil changes have been done...

its now on 190K and due a change and filter right now, having been MB serviced till 165K

any sagely advice?

(no problems with changing, everything working fine)

 

[Blobcat]

Is the fluid 'sparkly clean and red' ? I would be surprised if it is at nearly 200k miles.
MB are staring to recommend ATF changes as some gearboxs have failed within the warranty period. Recommended intervals are from 40-100K on this Forum and around 60K talking with my MB dealer.
If the garages are not recommending it then perhaps it may be more that they are unfamiliar with changing it. If it is done correctly I cannot see why there would be more problems after it is changed.

 

[Bolide]

Gearbox oil change

Gearbox oil change is a service item on W124s - the service book will show the interval and whether or not it's been done

In my experience changing the fluid & filter gives a decent improvment in shift quality as well as prolonging the life of the box

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[television]

I am 100% behind Bolide in that changing the oil at reasonable milages does give smoother shifts and could prolong the life of the box. Re engine oil, thet too is the cheapest protection that you can get.

Malcolm.

 

[MW]

Thats crazy. In fact the opposite is true. The one thing that auto gearboxes thrive on is new fresh fluid. After a gearbox oil change of only 18k one is amazed just how NOT clean red it is. It will always be a bit discoloured. A new filter and rubber gasket is about £10 from Euro Car Parts. Fluid about £10.
Oil change =£20.
New gearbox = £2,000
It's a tricky one!

 

[cubicincubi]

change the oil.

 

[big x]

The MB service book that came with my 94 W124 E320 states change auto gearbox filter and oil every 36k.
The garages you've talked to are confusing it with the later 722.6 electronic box.

adam

 

[allan l]

jonthepond,
Another good point is to smell the gearbox oil on the dipstick. If it smells burnt, then you may have problems with wear on clutches.
Regular changes of gearbox oil (USA M-B Owner's Bible for 124 Series recommends 15k mls for oil only change) and filter change as per your service manual.