1998 E280 (W210) Auto Transmission Fluid Change

[kencoburn]

I have had contradictory advice on whether I should change the auto gearbox fluid in my 1998 E280 (W210). My main Mercedes dealer says the fluid and filter should be changed every 30,000 to 50,000 miles (at a cost of £170). My local independant Mercedes dealer says that there is no recommended servicing interval and it is not necessary to do so. However, as my car has done 120,000 miles he states that for peace of mind he can change the fluid and filter. Do I change the fluid and filter, or not?

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Your local independant is wrong, there is a definite interval. Get it changed.

The reason Mercedes originally said that the box was a lifetime fill was because when you're selling to a company car fleet manager, not having to change the ATF can be a significant cost saving. Of course by 'lifetime fill' they actually meant the lifetime of the vehicle under the company car scheme (about 3 years) - not the lifetime as from construction to scrapping.

£170 is a fair price if it includes VAT. Ask them if they can also put a pan magnet in, it will help diagnose issues later in the vehicle's life by collecting metal particles.

If you're DIY inclined, there is a thread on this in the DIY section.