HOW TO CHECK ATF LEVEL. CLK230k

[Terry CLK]

HI All.

I am new to this forum and was wondering if you could help. I have a 99 CLK CAB 230k, 36k - i have just had it serviced but not from merc , but from a garage that i have always used as i have has C - class, and 2 SL's. We changed the Auto Filter and the ATF, as normal , but there was no dip stick to check the level afterwards. Luckily we kept exactly what we drained and mesured this out and replaced it exactly - which came to 4.2Ltrs. But how do i keep a check on it now. Any suggestions??? i am a bit worried.

 

[maybach]

the only way to check the oil on your transmissin is by using the workshop dipstick. You should be able to buy one from your local M.B dealer
Ps the gearbox on your car is sealed for life, there is no need to change the oil and filter at service.
Good Luck
Maybach

 

[Andy]

Hi

As Maybach has said. You have to purchase a dipstick from MB. But by the sounds of it you havn't changed all of the gearbox oil. As they hold more than 4.2ltrs


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[dieselman]

I agree with Maybach and Andy re the dipstick but not Maybach re the "sealed for life."
It may indeed be filled for life but it will be a short one. The box and torque converter should hold 7.5 litres.
You shouldn't really need to change until about 60K as the oil is rated to 100k.

 

[jimsinessex]

I have a 1999 CLK 230K Coupe Auto, now at 66,000 miles, nowhere on the MB "Additional Work" check sheets does it require the Auto Box fluid to be changed at any mileage. Where does the 100k rating for the oil come from? MB, the oil companies or practical experience?
I have seen comments in this forum to the effect that changing the oil is actually detrimental as it opens up the possibility of introducing dirt to the box which contributes to failure. Am now in two minds whether to change oil or leave well alone!

 

[guydewdney]

get real. how log do you really think oil will last in a gearbox...

sealed for life. humph. so the 2.5K MB quoted me for a newe box ( CL420 1996) plus labour...


change the oil. change the filter.

 

[Andy]

Hi all,


Much has been said about changing the oil & filter on the electronic box. If your worried then CHANGE IT. If not. But put aside 2k so if it does go then it won't HURT your cash flow. I am sorry but it begs belief that so many people won't take free advice and what is essentially a cheap repair compared to what may if your unlucky can happen. On the very latest boxes they have removed the drain plug on the torque converter. So there won't be much you can do there. If nothing else it brings piece of mind. But don't forget you need the special dipstick.

Guydewdney your box should be a hydraulic box. We have had a few problems there also. But they are repairable. Although the dealers shy away from doing such things.


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[LYNALL]

I changed the oil and filter the other day on the wifes e320 and was not impressed by the state of the oil or filter, this car was serviced once a year by a a mercedes mechanic and he supposedely changed oil and filter annually!!
PS the oil out of the auto box on my landrover was a lot cleaner.
Like the other fella says oil is dirt cheap and g/boxs aint!!

Lynall

 

[kiwi_bloke]

LYNALL i totally agree with your view on this.

I did a service on my 92 190e, just the oil, Now I know this is probably a diff story to the newer boxes, but the oil was by no means clean. I think id rather spend 50 bucks every couple of years, just for the sake of it lasting longer. In my eyes, If you payed good money for the car, then its worth the special care

 

[guydewdney]

andy - mine is one of the first electronic ones - W/S switch not s/e switch.

yes, it was re-built. I have the main shaft in my office - minus several teeth

just over a grand for the re-build.

MB wanted 5K + £80 ph labour....

CHANGE THE OIL> its a hundred quid (ish) for proper MB oil and filter.

100 quid or 1100 quid? no brainer.

and it feels nicer

 

[Terry CLK]

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the replies , i have noted and taken on borad all the comments, the problem i had was that i have just purchsed the car , i was never told it had had a change done , untill i found an old receipt in the back of the service book - i would not have minded but it had been done from a back street garage and not MB - as a result it is booked into MB for my own peace of mind - £12 for the filter - 4 ltrs of oil which MB say is there own ' Clear' oil - total cost including Labour £147 , i think its worth it for my peace of mind. I have owned 2 SL's b4 this , and i can say , by changing the oil and filter in the gearbox always gave a much smoother outcome, so this 'lifetime' thing, i dont agree with, thanks for the comments.