Auto Dipstick? - Checking ATF level on 1993 C-class

[Martin Bell]

I have an early 1993 C220 Sport petrol auto, the Haynes manual is not clear on if this model has a dipstick on the auto transmission. There is a large black plastic cap with a mercedes logo on top of the dip tube. How does this unclip & is there a dipstick inside or do I have to buy one from dealer?
The car has done 110K, should I get the ATF fluid changed next service or leave well alone?

Thanks for any help.

Regards

Martin

 

[Arnie]

Auto Dipstick?

Don't know the exact details of a C series, but on most ather Mercs the ATF dipstick is usually sited towards the rear of the engine bay near the bulkhead. Usually it has like a pull-up locking clip on the cap with the dip-stick attached to it, sitting in the tube leading to the torque converter. The cap is only about 1/2" in daimeter - not very big.

Note that when checking the oil level, this is normally done with the engine running and warmed up.

 

[Matt Crooke]

Auto Dipstick?

Echo arnies comments there, the stick on my 190 is to the rear, left of the engine. It has a red cap rather than a black one. Its released by clicking forward the collar that grips round the ATF tube that the dipstick sits in....if that make any sense?!

 

[sunil sood]

Auto Dipstick?

i have a 190e and c200-agree with matt as to position of stick on 190e

as far as stick on c200 (97 model)- it is on rear left of engine looking in into the engine compatment-i think the cap has a seal of some sort, so only merc would be able to open/check it-  i will confirm whether this is the case when i have another look.

 

[sunil sood]

Auto Dipstick?

ha another look,the dipstick on the c200 is left, rear engine section-mine has a small black plastic cap with MERC ONLY stamped on it-and has a red plastic tab nearby,hence only serviceable by merc as it is sealed.

 

[Arnie]

Auto Dipstick?

Mercedes may well have decided to seal these dipsticks, as incorrect filling can quite easy damage the transmission.

 

[Arnie]

Auto Dipstick?

Mercedes may well have decided to seal these dipsticks, as incorrect filling can quite easy damage the transmission.

 

[steveperry]

Auto Dipstick?

On the electronic 5 speed auto boxes, the dip-tube on the back left of the engine bay, for the auto gearbox, is sealed and if you do get it open there is no dipstick inside. I think I read elsewhere on this board that you can buy a measuring stick from the dealership, but these are usually used by qualified mechanics or so I'm told.

MB's original intent was that these boxes are sealed for life, however, that's not usually the case.

S.

 

[Andy]

Auto Dipstick?

Hi Martin

Your vehicle is fitted with the earlier hydraulic box. The dipstick is black in colour and there is a curly part which when pulled allows you to remove the dipstick.

If you are not a experienced DIY, then I suggest that you get a technician to carry out the work for you. Make sure that the torque converter oil is changed as well.

The last time the box oil should of been changed @ 108k. So its due for a change.

For those of you with electronic boxes distiguised by looking at the gear shift. You should have W\S (hydraulic boxes have E\S switch). I would seriously consider having the box oil changed anywhere from 60-72k. Having replaced a valve chest today @ 89K the oil was thick & very dark. MB say its in for life. I say if you leave it for life sooner or later you will be fitting a gear box. Having discussed it with a number of contacts still working at the dealerships. We are all of one mind on this subject.


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[Martin Bell]

Auto Dipstick?

Thanks everybody for your help on the auto dipstick which confirmed my early C-class has one but later cars don't come with one fitted.

Andy, I will take your advice & get the box oil changed, I use a good local independant garage if I think jobs are beyond my DIY, but like to have some idea what needs to be done, so there are no misunderstandings:-

1. I think you recommend Dextron 11 ATF, is this only availiable from Mercedes dealers? Roughly how many litres will be required?

2. I assume the box has a drain plug but how do you drain the torque converter?

3. Is there a filter and should it be changed?

Regards

Martin

 

[Arnie]

Auto Dipstick?

Usually there are two drain plugs. The one for the torque converter is normally harder to access. Both the torque-converter and gearbox use the same oil, but draining just through the gearbox lplug eaves some oil in the torque converter. Hence you need to drain both.

Detron II can be obtained from many outlets, not just MB. You could also try Dextron III, which is an upgraded, compatible formula. Also, I believe that there have been some discussions on this formum about the use of synthetic oil.

You may also want to change the filter (which invloves removing the sump pan), but be EXTREMELY careful not to get so much as a grain of dirt into the gearbox when you do.

 

[Matt Crooke]

Auto Dipstick?

MArtin

I know in the Haunes manual for the 190, it does tell you the location of the drain plugs in the box and the converter. The converter plug is a little harder to get at, as im sure i remember reading that you may have to crank the engine slightly in order to get the converter to spin round in the right position to get access to the plug.....Im sure Andy can elaborate on this. Cheers

 

[sunil sood]

Auto Dipstick?

i agree with matt about the torque converter bolt-the haynes manual is clear on the location and method of draining it,absolute cleanliness is vital when changing the oil.there is a window in the housing thru which the drain plug is visible -may need to turn crankshaft to see it.
also, it is essential to renew the cover gasket ,there is a fliter which should be renewed again the haynes manual shows how to with clarity.

i replaced the oil, gasket and filter at the 108k service on my 190e-bought them from eurocar parts of good german quality-febi brand,can also be purchased from german and swedish outlets as merc stealerships are after your cash.

 

[Anonymous]

Auto Dipstick?

Sunil
My local MB dealer charged me less for my filter and gasket than ECP wanted, but then again I asked for discount!

 

[sunil sood]

Auto Dipstick?

dieslman,
i know our local mb dealer would only give discount on parts if you produce a trade order-it would be nice if the dealer would price promise on parts as they would make a lot of the money they are losing now. i will try asking for discount next time i want an essential part.

 

[Martin Bell]

Auto Dipstick?

Thanks again everyone for your helpful advice, I looked again at my Haynes C-class manual, it confirms what you said about both drain plugs (same as the 190e) but I missed it before as it was under auto trans removal & refitting section.

There appears to be no basic info on auto oil change or service intervals in the new Haynes C-class manual, I suppose in line with current MB policy of filled for life.

Regards

 

[sunil sood]

Auto Dipstick?

MARTIN,
the info on the dipstick is on section 1 a-13 and 1a-14 with pictures

the info on draining the auto-gearbox is on 7b-5 and 7b6 of chapter 7 ,pt b in the haynes manual as you say.

it would appear from this that the autogear box is filled for life, but others experts on this board do not appear to think that this is so.