Checking/Changing W124 Auto trans fluid (E300D)

[landspeed]

Hi!

I've done a search, but can't seem to find the answer to this question (relating to a car I'm looking to buy in the future):

How do I check the W124 E300D (1994 car) Auto transmission fluid level?. In the owner's manual, it seems to state that only Mercedes dealers can do it (?!).

Is it possible to change the fluid + filter (if there is one?) as a DIY operation?

Thanks for your advice

 

[andy_k]

it shouldn't be a dealer only job on your car, the dipstick should have a red cap on it and be on the left hand side of the engine as you look at it just in front of the firewall/bulkhead.

Check the fluid level when the engine is hot (at least 15-20 minutes running time).

The filter is inside the gearbox - drain the fluid, drop the sump and let the remaining fluid fall on your hand then you can get at the filter and gasket.

If you have a torque convertor drain plug then you should drain that as well. You should be able to see that through a small cutaway (with a plastic cover) in the bell housing. Rotate the engine until you see the drain plug.

If your box is a five speed one then you should only use the genuine MB transmission fluid to refill

HTH

Andy

 

[television]

Look at the postings by Parrot of Doom and photo's.

Malcolm

 

[Chazchuzzlewitt]

Not to sound pedantic, but just for easy recognition the ATF dipstick is black on the E300D and says 'MB workshop only on the top.

As Andy K said, check when engine is up to operating temperature and engine running, with the gearshift in 'P' on level ground.

Check it doesn't smell burnt, it should be a clear-ish red colour, not brown.

Great car... I may be biased though

 

[Parrot of Doom]

There is no dipstick - the car wouldn't run with one in, its very long.

The dipstick tube has a cap which you lever off with a screwdriver. You then have to buy a dipstick, or get your local merc man to check it.

 

[landspeed]

There is no dipstick - the car wouldn't run with one in, its very long.

The dipstick tube has a cap which you lever off with a screwdriver. You then have to buy a dipstick, or get your local merc man to check it.

Where would be the best place to buy a dipstick? Would the Mercedes garage sell one, or would they just say 'I'm afraid that is a dealer only item, Sir'

Thanks for the advice - and I will look at the write-up too!

 

[bundy]

There is no dipstick - the car wouldn't run with one in, its very long.

The dipstick tube has a cap which you lever off with a screwdriver. You then have to buy a dipstick, or get your local merc man to check it.

if your car is a w124 it will have a dipstick for the autobox!! it was removed on the 210 as this supposidly has fluid that lasts forever!!! yeah right ;-p

regards ted

 

[Chazchuzzlewitt]

yup- there's definately a dipstick on the 124 E300D, in fact I had it in my hand just the other day! Glad I didn't buy a 210- no dipstick?!

 

[bobceeuk]

Funny?,
I have a 210 with an auto box dipstick

 

[clive williams]

Funny?,
I have a 210 with an auto box dipstick

Bob,

I'll do you a swap with my non-dipstick cap and then you can have a perfectly original unit?????

Now a bit of general info - care when replacing the sump on the auto box after a fluid change!! The pressed metal pan has a habit of distorting the flange, which you can't really tell. When you torque up the pan to the prescribed preset level the gasket distorts and as soon as the ATF heats up it dribbles/pours depending on the number of time the pans been off (it distorts each time). Last time it happened to me it stranded me in Brum where the local gearbox specialist showed me how to do it:-
Tighten the pan bolts evenly such that the tabs remain vertical but just about to move. Make sure the bolts are fitted with thread lock to stop them coming out. The torque value on these bolts is obviously lower than normal but so far (35k mls) its been reliable but due for a change soon.

Clive

 

[Bolide]

Dipstick

1994 W124 E300Ds have a (big, long, wavy) dipstick at the back of the engine. In fact I think all W124s have them but have learnt never to state something as fact with these cars - there are too many exceptions!

If you have a W210 with a dipstick I'd suspect it has a carry-over W124 engine. It wouldn't surprise me at all if early diesel W210s had a dipstick

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[MERCSTAR]

How Often Should The Auto Fluid Be Changed? Mine Is A W124 Auto Petrol Saloon 1992 - What Fluid Is Best?
Cheers, Mercstar

 

[MERCSTAR]

W124 Auto Trans Fluid

Whilst On The Subject, I Have A W124 230e Saloon Petrol
How Often Should The Auto Trans Fluid Be Changed And Anyone Recommend Fluid? (or One That Conforms To Merc Standards)?
Mechanic At Merc Stealership Said Mercedes Recommend Not Changing It Along The Lines Of 'if It Ain't Broke Leave It Alone'

Cheers, Mercstar

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Depends what your driving style is. I've heard figures of 30,000 for normal stop-start driving, and 60,000 for mainly motorway driving.

 

[clive williams]

Depends what your driving style is. I've heard figures of 30,000 for normal stop-start driving, and 60,000 for mainly motorway driving.

I change mine at around 40k mls to suit the service intervals.

Clive

500E
E320CDIT210

 

[Glenn Smith]

Changed mine at 136000, just in case. if these box's have the same lugs as the 722.6, the ones that hold the sump on, watch out, the bolts can snap, as one of mine did! Also mine had no torque converter drain so i changed the oil twice to dilute any remaining old fluid, and will probably do it again soon, just oil not filter.