Changing oil in auto transmissions

[oigle]

I know there has been much discussion in past times re new recommended servicing interval times for auto transmissions, instead of believing in the "sealed for life" that was the rec. from MB. I recall someone referring to a new American recommendation for servicing, but I can't find the thread on the subject. E-mailed Rebekah and she gave me the UK rec for 40000 mile servicing, but she covered herself in that different parts of the world have different specs and as such, may not be the same!! I doubt the oils and autos vary. I am also of the opinion that in Australia, with our hot conditions, we should be even more aware of servicing the auto than people in the UK. Heat is the killer of autos. MB Australia still maintain the stance of "sealed for life". If anyone can guide me to an American rec. for servicing on mileage, that is of an official nature, and not just someone's opinion, I would be grateful. I'd like to pass on the info to my dealer in Brisbane. They talk of a taxi with 800000km up and never having had the auto serviced!! Bit hard to argue with!! I'm going to get the auto serviced anyway, but would like the info if anyone can refer me to it. Thanks

Ian.

 

[television]

In england the sealed for life stopped in 06. The recomendations for the USA and the UK are 60k miles this includes the filter. I put this info up on this site when the article was published. I can understand your concerns in the hotter climate, One thing for sure is that you will notice the smoother changes.. you will not find MB articles on these sites due to copyright issues.

Malcolm

 

[oigle]

Thanks Malcolm. Could you direct me to the thread where you originally posted the info? Or the website where you found it perhaps? Just would like something official looking to take to the Oz dealer.
Ian.

 

[Brett]

I took my car for a service this month and the subject of gear box oil change came up. The car has done 48k miles and the dealership said that it is not necessary yet but it would be a good idea to get it done at the next service which is due in 10k miles...not definitive, but hope it helps in some way.

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks Malcolm. Could you direct me to the thread where you originally posted the info? Or the website where you found it perhaps? Just would like something official looking to take to the Oz dealer.
Ian.

I think this is the thread; http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=20899

 

[television]

I think this is the thread; http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=20899

Thank you Blobcat, what would I do without you


Malcolm

 

[oigle]

Thanks guys, but I was really wanting to see something on an official document or website that would officially state the change was recommended. Not that I doubt the issue. It is just that MB Brisbane claim it isn't so and I need to be able to show them something irrefutable.

Thanks

Ian.

 

[television]

The time to search the trade press would be impossible, you could search all the web with MB 722.6 gear box oil change.

malcolm

 

[OmniCognateNeutronRangler]

Well, my take would be that the e-mail from Rebekah would constitute an official document. She is an MB official and she says the official line is change it at 40,000 miles or 4 years (not 60,000 miles I hasten to add). I certainly will be using this with my dealer. However, if she says there are regional variations and that this policy is UK only then I don't see that it helps much.

I've not seen it written down anywhere and when I spoke to the dealer here they were unaware of it too.

 

[Rory]

There is a thread on one of the US forums that says that since MB stopped the free (or included) servicing a couple of years ago they've revised the service sheets to call for a one time ATF change at 40K miles. After that the fluid is supposed to be good for life.
http://forums.mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=167528

 

[OlafMaxwell]

My MB dealer recommended change at 60k, this was a late change by MB. Unfortunately I had already got to about 90k.

 

[Rory]

A concern I would have is that there's very little chance of a dealer doing this job properly - it's quite tricky to completely drain the transmission and clean the filters etc.
I bet they'd drain the oil that just fell out, top it up and then give you a whacking great bill.

 

[OmniCognateNeutronRangler]

Well for me it's free (well, included within Service plus anyway), but I hear what you are saying. That's always a problem with garages of any kind though

 

[gasman59]

Please allow me to add to the confusion:

I was at my MB dealer for some minor service and I asked the head mechanic about this and if they woiuld perform it for me. (2000 E320 AWD, 69,000 miles).

He replied that the indication is there is MORE damage occuring from changing the fluid then not. They do not recommend doing so.

He explained that it is synthetic and becomes thinner as time goes on. Putting new (slightly thicker) fluid in creates havoc with the transmission. Hmmm. They definatly were not trying to sell extra work.

First time for everything!

Very confusing.

Ron Y

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Rubbish IMO. I replaced my ATF, it was thin and black as soot. The new stuff went in, gearchanges were smoother and the gentle whirrr you hear from the drivetrain was quieter as well.

I was warned off doing it by an indie, "causes havoc, air bubbles, never the same again".

Not changing lubricants as they come to their useful end of life is a death sentence for whatever they're lubricating IMO.

 

[television]

Tell your dealer to check AP00-P-0001I sevice sheet for active service where the oil is changed at 60k km.


Ther fluid degrades,there are wear particles in the system,this start working like a grinding paste/compound.

Malcolm

 

[television]

Please see Have I open a tin of worms in th genral section

Malcolm