2002 W211 E500 gearbox

[matthew k]

I'm a bit worried, just started driving it this evening, I was going down the long slight hill from my house when the car did a very jerky downchange from I think 3-2. When I first viewed the car I had commented that the coolant was very slightly low, the guy topped it up to max before I collected it. I've since removed some, as it seemed a bit full when the car was hot.

I'm obviously worried about the gycol issue, it does have one of those daft Valeo radiators. There's no buzzing in higher gears, but some of the lower shifts can be a bit jerky. I also doubt it's had a box service, 49,000 miles. Does it sound worrying to you guy's, obviously I've got the new car jitters a bit too? Cheers

(Just to say, having problems updating my profile page. I bought this Japanese imported w211 e500 yesterday, it's done 49,000 miles, seems genuine)

 

[AMGeed]

I'd book the car in at MBS Southampton for an ATF change.
Any glycol contamination will become clear then.

 

[ATP7]

Is the jerky downshifting permanent now?

Sent from my FIG-LX1 using Tapatalk

 

[matthew k]

No, it seems much better now, not perfect, but I suppose if there was glycol in the fluid it would be getting worse? It's been i storage for months, and actually I think the O2 sensors have only started working properly since I took it for a good run last night, gave it some beans, without going nuts mind you.

It seems very fast, I'm genuinely surprised, I thought after my e55 which I sold 6 years ago admittedly I'd be a bit disappointed, but it's very quick. It destroys my e320cdi. Once I've fixed the heating issue a new rad and cooling system flush is in order. Then a box service.

 

[matthew k]

I've decided to replace the radiator and have a fluid service at the same time. Is this the correct fluid spec, MB 236.14?

I'm thinking given it's on it's original fluid, (black tab dip stick top) that's 49,000 miles and 18 years old that might be why it's slightly jerky low down? It's not consistently, and there's definitely no buzzing under load in higher gears.

 

[Wighty]

I've decided to replace the radiator and have a fluid service at the same time. Is this the correct fluid spec, MB 236.14?

I'm thinking given it's on it's original fluid, (black tab dip stick top) that's 49,000 miles and 18 years old that might be why it's slightly jerky low down? It's not consistently, and there's definitely no buzzing under load in higher gears.

Yep 236.14 , very old oil in there at the moment

 

[matthew k]

Yep 236.14 , very old oil in there at the moment

Yeah, tell me about it. I'm considering a Nissens rad, are they ok? How many litres will I need to do a good flush does anyone know?

 

[bembo449]

nissens rads are fitted to millions of vehicles worldwide so I wouldn't worry about that bit of it pal , for what it costs to get it done at an indy , why not get them to do it ??

 

[Wighty]

Yeah, tell me about it. I'm considering a Nissens rad, are they ok? How many litres will I need to do a good flush does anyone know?

@Jim2 knows how much for a full flush . I think it holds 8L ??

 

[matthew k]

nissens rads are fitted to millions of vehicles worldwide so I wouldn't worry about that bit of it pal , for what it costs to get it done at an indy , why not get them to do it ??

I'm sourcing the bits myself, and my mechanic's used to service many a W211 taxi back in the day, so they should be fine with it, I'd definitely get a specialist involved with a 722.9 tho!!!

This was a budget V8 plan, TBH I'm doing the Duo valve, coolant, radiator and gearbox service all in one go. I can't justify spending £1000+ really.

Yeah there's the whole "why run a car you can't afford" apsect. However, I don't have children, I live alone and cycle to work. So even if it all goes to pot I'm not really screwed as such. However, the advice of this excellent forum is of course greatly appreciated!!!

It's honestly very nice, feels like a new car, the engine is amazing, virtually silent unless you prod it, and weirdly seems best on fuel at higher speeds.

 

[Jim2]

Yeah, tell me about it. I'm considering a Nissens rad, are they ok? How many litres will I need to do a good flush does anyone know?

For my 2010 E class 5 speed trans I bought 12 ltrs, just to be sure as I wanted to do a complete change and flush. After doing the pan and filter part, and replacing the same qty as you have drained out from the pan, the only way you can drain and flush the TC, Radiator and cooling pipe's is by disconnecting the coolant pipe ( I prefer the return pipe, it on the Driver side ) and attaching an flexible plastic pipe to the banjo bolt on the return pipe, this pipe will divert the out coming old fluid into a container so you can monitor the qty drained. ( very important ) So with the engine running and the selector in "P", drain 2 litres, stop engine and fill 2 litres, Start engine again and repeat process until the new clean fluid appears. Using this method, you will lose some fluid, and thats why I bought the 12 ltrs.. But its the only way to do a complete change and flush in these transmission.

 

[matthew k]

For my 2010 E class 5 speed trans I bought 12 ltrs, just to be sure as I wanted to do a complete change and flush. After doing the pan and filter part, and replacing the same qty as you have drained out from the pan, the only way you can drain and flush the TC, Radiator and cooling pipe's is by disconnecting the coolant pipe ( I prefer the return pipe, it on the Driver side ) and attaching an flexible plastic pipe to the banjo bolt on the return pipe, this pipe will divert the out coming old fluid into a container so you can monitor the qty drained. ( very important ) So with the engine running and the selector in "P", drain 2 litres, stop engine and fill 2 litres, Start engine again and repeat process until the new clean fluid appears. Using this method, you will lose some fluid, and thats why I bought the 12 ltrs.. But its the only way to do a complete change and flush in these transmission.

Did you buy Mercedes fluid or just a generic 236.14?

 

[Jim2]

Did you buy Mercedes fluid or just a generic 236.14?

Did you buy Mercedes fluid or just a generic 236.14?

For the 2010 E class, I used Febi Bilstein 29449 ATF, which meets the MB 236.14 specs. ( Red in color ) For the planned change in my 2014 Eclass, I'm using Fuchs Titan, which meets MB Specs 236.15, which is a blue color fluid.
Once it meets the MB spec 236.14, and its an MB approved manufacturer ( and not just "meets MB spec" brand ) just get the best deal that you can. MB do not manufacture ATF themselves, they just use a proprietary quality brand, so you will be safe enough.

 

[matthew k]

For the 2010 E class, I used Febi Bilstein 29449 ATF, which meets the MB 236.14 specs. ( Red in color ) For the planned change in my 2014 Eclass, I'm using Fuchs Titan, which meets MB Specs 236.15, which is a blue color fluid.
Once it meets the MB spec 236.14, and its an MB approved manufacturer ( and not just "meets MB spec" brand ) just get the best deal that you can. MB do not manufacture ATF themselves, they just use a proprietary quality brand, so you will be safe enough.

Thanks, can you recommend a proprietary brand please? I'm going to buy the Mercedes service kit, but want to add a few extra litres so they can flush it. Also can you recommend a good brand of coolant for it too? Cheers

 

[Jim2]

Thanks, can you recommend a proprietary brand please? I'm going to buy the Mercedes service kit, but want to add a few extra litres so they can flush it. Also can you recommend a good brand of coolant for it too? Cheers

If you Google ( where would we be without it??? ) "MB BeVo", it will show you the complete list of MB approved fluids for your car, and a list of approved manufacturers. From that point onwards, after you have identified the correct fluid spec's, then have a look down the list of approved manufacturers. After that its a question of a Google ( again !!! ) search using the specs from BeVo, and take your pick for the best price, delivery etc. which will show in your search.

 

[Wighty]

Thanks, can you recommend a proprietary brand please? I'm going to buy the Mercedes service kit, but want to add a few extra litres so they can flush it. Also can you recommend a good brand of coolant for it too? Cheers

Fuchs ATF4134 from eBay (is 236.14)

 

[Jim2]

I'd just make sure that the Fuchs ATF4134 is backwards compatible to a year 2002 transmission because there were changes along the way. The BeVo should confirm it.

 

[matthew k]

I'd just make sure that the Fuchs ATF4134 is backwards compatible to a year 2002 transmission because there were changes along the way. The BeVo should confirm it.

I'm not sure how to use it?

 

[Jim2]

I'm not sure how to use it?

OK, I'll check it out for you, and get back to you in a little while, OK ?
Your car is a 2002 W211 E 500, ??? Can you send me the VIN nrs? I need to identify which transmission is in it.
Thanks, Jim 2.

 

[Jim2]

OK Matthew, I tracked it down, so don't need the VIN, and here are the results :-
Quote:
Yes, this vehicle uses the MB 722.xx transmission. This fluid meets the latest MB spec 236.14 and is backwards compatible to the earlier spec 236.12 & 236.10 for this transmission.
And for the antifreeze, see attachment.
Hope that it all works out for you.
Regards Jim2.