ATF Change

[VenomX]

Hi. I have a W203 C240 2002 with the 722.6 ( 5 speed gearbox )
Only has 33K miles on it, so very low.

Confusion as to whether changing the ATF ever needs doing or not ? On "https://lite.servicemercedes.co.uk/ess/pc/ " IF I enter my car details it says to replace ATF at 37.5K Miles for VIN R1xxx and above. However my VIN is R0xxx. So it appears Mercedes say it does not need to be done on my specific car.

My car has an ATF filler cap under the bonnet, but it isn't the style which has a red clip in it, just a black filler cap and nothing else.
It looks like this,

 

[MinionBob]

Do it. Cheap (ish) and piece of mind. It made a difference to the shift quality on mine every time (and ive done it twice with ~35k between changes).

The filler cap you have there is just the std filler cap for 722.6. You break of the black rectangle par of the clip and it just pulls off.

Fuchs ttian ATF 4134 is approved by merc. Change the plug that comes out of the gearbox at the same time to prevent leakage of ATF back into the loom. The plug has a strange name that i cannot remember, but is just the female half of a plug and easy to replace.

 

[Wearsafoxhat]

I too would replace it, especially if you have no proof of it being replaced in the last 22 years..

 

[Blobcat]

2002 was when Mercedes thought “sealed for life” was a good thing… it wasn’t as they started failing within warranty period… so Mercedes changed their stance.
Get it changed is the best advice

 

[VenomX]

2002 was when Mercedes thought “sealed for life” was a good thing… it wasn’t as they started failing within warranty period… so Mercedes changed their stance.
Get it changed is the best advice

I thought the major issues were with the 722.9 ( 7-Speed ) As opposed to the 722.6 ( 5-Speed )

 

[Chrishazle]

The 5 speed on the 203 is supposedly sealed for life, as I was told when I bought my first MB, a one owner 2001 S203 C270 with full MB service history and about 60k miles. On advice from here and elsewhere I had the ATF and filter changed at about 70k miles, cost at the time was about £250 but as there is no TC drain on the 203 it was just the gearbox and filter. However, it made the gearbox noticably smoother so was money well spent. I'd suggest you find a reputable indie near you and get fluid (GB only) and filter changed.

 

[VenomX]

Still at low mileage so I am considering doing an interim service on the ATF.
I am not confident getting under the car and taking the trays off and draining through the sump itself.

However, I do have a very good vacuum pump which I used to do the engine oil successfully. Can I do the same with the ATF through the dipstick tube ? ( location shown in the original post )
I have heard of people doing it this way on Mercedes. I know it is not as effective as draining from the sump, but I am thinking at least changing as much as I can through a vacuum would be good enough for now


Would be buying Fuchs 4134.
The gearbox is currently 100% smooth with no issues at all
Thanks

 

[MinionBob]

Should work fine - i have sucked excess ATF out with a large syringe, via dipstick hole before.

You have two choices.

1) Assume that the qty of ATF in there is correct. Replace the exact amount you remove.

Or 2) buy an 722.6 ATF dipstick, measure and (re)fill with correct qty as a necc. ATF expands considerably when warm, so ideally you would dip when the gearbox is fully warmed up. This can take a good 20 mins. I think the measuring temperature is 80degC which is pretty much operating temp.

I suspect you will just go for 1) if you are not confident going underneath.

 

[VenomX]

Should work fine - i have sucked excess ATF out with a large syringe, via dipstick hole before.

You have two choices.

1) Assume that the qty of ATF in there is correct. Replace the exact amount you remove.

Or 2) buy an 722.6 ATF dipstick, measure and (re)fill with correct qty as a necc. ATF expands considerably when warm, so ideally you would dip when the gearbox is fully warmed up. This can take a good 20 mins. I think the measuring temperature is 80degC which is pretty much operating temp.

I suspect you will just go for 1) if you are not confident going underneath.

Thanks
I will get a dipstick first, and see the quality ( colour ) and level of fluid before doing anything.