auto box help

[cobalt]

Hi folks
After buying my S280 1998 a few weeks ago I"ve decided to have my autobox fluid changed but I seem to be getting conflicting answers as to which fluid should be used some say it has to be m/b own others say fully synthetic and one today said ordinary autobox fluid can anyone give me the proper answer.
Thanks John

 

[bundy]

hi cobalt.
mb will always tell you that you must use their fluid. but you can use dextron3 or any fully synthetic autotrans fluid.. i run my own indie merc workshop & have used dextron3 for the last 8 years with no problems. hope this helps.
regards ted

 

[cobalt]

Thanks Bundy
It was CREWE ENGINES who told me the same as you ,
They quoted me 1hrs labour £40 +the fluid 5/6 ltrs £55 plus vat.
ANDY GAYLE QUOTED £134 and I live in newcastle under lyme so I don"t know which to use.
CREWE ENGINES specialise in m/b engine rebuilds/swops so I might give them a try BUT the guys on the forum keep recomending Andy Gayle anyway I"M rambling now so THANKS AGAIN.
John
P.S I don"t suppose you are any where near?

 

[big x]

Thanks Bundy
It was CREWE ENGINES who told me the same as you ,
They quoted me 1hrs labour £40 +the fluid 5/6 ltrs £55 plus vat.
ANDY GAYLE QUOTED £134 and I live in newcastle under lyme so I don"t know which to use.
CREWE ENGINES specialise in m/b engine rebuilds/swops so I might give them a try BUT the guys on the forum keep recomending Andy Gayle anyway I"M rambling now so THANKS AGAIN.
John
P.S I don"t suppose you are any where near?

LOL.. I paid less than that for 7 litres of MB fluid with discount,however the main thing is to use someone
who will take care to set the level correctly (If you use the special MB dipstick the engine must be running
and warmed up) and DO NOT put Dextron II spec oil in or you will be,as the Marines say, in a world of s**t.

adam

 

[cobalt]

thanks bigx.
Last night I had a look at a post from PARROT OF DOOM he did his own and ti looked straight forward so I might have a go.
The £55 was for the complete job do you think thats expensive?
Any ideas on where I can get a dipstick?

 

[bundy]

nope sorry cobalt. i,m in liverpool :-(

 

[cobalt]

Thats a sh ame BUNDY I was in liverpool today a place called Walton just off the east lancs A580

 

[big x]

thanks bigx.
Last night I had a look at a post from PARROT OF DOOM he did his own and ti looked straight forward so I might have a go.
The £55 was for the complete job do you think thats expensive?
Any ideas on where I can get a dipstick?

£55 all in is a good deal but make sure they put a new filter in.
The dipstick is circa £12 from memory from a MB parts dept.

adam

 

[GazCaff]

Hi, sorry to hi-jack the thread, but I've decided to have the auto fluid replaced on my '97 C250 TD as it has over 80000 miles on it when I bought it recently and I've seen a lot of "horror stories" while lurking various benz forums. I live in Leigh near Wigan and was wondering, Bundy if you could pass on the contact details for you indie outfit and an idea of the cost for the job, thanks.

 

[cobalt]

You sound like you"re in the same frame of mind as me GAZCAFF I read all the horror stories as well and don"t know what to do I think i"ll go with the experts on the forum rather than m/b dealers who say it does"nt need doing.
cobalt

 

[GazCaff]

I had mine done today at 124works up in Kirkham near Preston. Ian who runs the place did a spot on job and I cannot recommend him enough!

 

[Royville]

Hi Cobalt,
Have you tried MERX in Fenton, ther'e an independent MB specialist.
Roy.

 

[khanie]

Thanks Bundy
It was CREWE ENGINES who told me the same as you ,
They quoted me 1hrs labour £40 +the fluid 5/6 ltrs £55 plus vat.
ANDY GAYLE QUOTED £134 and I live in newcastle under lyme so I don"t know which to use.

Andy Gayle did my 108k maintenance service and front discs/pads and rear brake pipe. Unfortunately they didn't think to tighten rear wheel bolts properly and the wheel lost 3 bolts and nearly came off. They were very apologetic but doesn't instill confidence.

Have found an MB specialist nearer to home (Stratford) anyway but wouldn't use again.