Oil change / Auto Transmission / Service Frequency

[Wattoh]

Help with two issues please:

1. When my car (2000 W210 Est 117K miles) slows down to ~5-10mph under braking, I feel the slightest of jerks as the auto box goes down through the last couple of gears. Is this normal? Might the gears need servicing or oil changes? Something more serious? I think I read somewhere that although the official line is that oil is never needed, in practice some say it is. No jerkiness at all under acceleration.

2. Bought my car in Feb '06 - one previous owner. He did ~20K+ miles annually - & had annual main dealer services (last one Aug '05 112K miles). I do about 5K annually. Is it really right that the car does not need servicing when it's computer says 'Service in 5500 miles'? It could be 2-3 years between services at this rate!? Should I have annual services - whatever the computer says?

Thanks

 

[Stevie A]

You can order a dipstick for the auto box on some of the newer cars like yours - then you can check level.

I would have engine oil and filter changed at least once a year, or even every six months regardless of mileage. Oil change is the best way to keep an engine in good condition.

 

[television]

Re the down shifts, the 772.6 box as fitted to your car can behave like that at times, they are strange,one day they are all sooth, another day the can jolt a little. The service oil change for you box has now been altered by MB, it was origianally sealed for life, this has now been changed to every 60k miles. If your car is now 120k, get the oil changed, it will make it smoother. The normal service shedule is either on milage or every two years what ever comes up first.

Malcolm

 

[jberks]

Is it really right that the car does not need servicing when it's computer says 'Service in 5500 miles'? It could be 2-3 years between services at this rate!? Should I have annual services - whatever the computer says?

The engine has an oil quality sensor and works on time as well as mileage so it will probably start to count down quicker. With modern fully synthetic oils, 6 monthly changes really aren't necessary any more. We have a chap with a MB van who'se had oil tested after 20k and it was still ok. The sensor monitors how clean it is so just trus the assyst screen. It won't put you far wrong. Check if the g'box oil has been done within the last 60k. If not, get it done as a precaution.

 

[Wattoh]

Thank you guys, so much, for your very helpful advice!

jberks refers to oil being 'tested'. If I tell them to, should my friendly Merc independant garage be able test the oil before automatically changing it?

Thanks!

 

[television]

Thank you guys, so much, for your very helpful advice!

jberks refers to oil being 'tested'. If I tell them to, should my friendly Merc independant garage be able test the oil before automatically changing it?

Thanks!

No they cant do that, the engine has the quality sensor built in.

Malcolm

 

[Blobcat]

Hi Malcom,

I think JBerks was referring to Sprint&Go who said he had had the oil tested after an oil change. Not sure if a normal garage could/would do that.

 

[Rory]

Oil quality testing is a big thing in the US (where some people still change their oil every 3000 miles) but it's mainly done to look at engine health rather than the condition of the oil (although it does tell you that too).

I think the maximum time ASSYST will go is 2 yrs. If you do a very low mileage then it will switch from miles to days as you get close to 2 yrs. If your 5000 miles comprises lots of very short journeys then you could find ASSYST tends to shorten the interval anyway. Whatever, I'd change the oil at least once a year anyway - even if it's just done at a fast-fit place (generally cheaper even than DIY).

 

[television]

As Rory says, change it at least once a year, its the cheapest protection that you have, I change mine every 5k.

Malcolm

 

[Wattoh]

Wow - thanks again everyone for your help & great advice!

 

[230K]

Hi

Can anyone tell me where this engine quality sensor is on my 98 210 E300 Turbodiesel. I would have thought it would be on the sump but the only sensor i can see on the sump is the level sensor. I have heard talk of this sensor many times and am intrigued to know where it is?


Just curious,

230K

 

[television]

Hi

Can anyone tell me where this engine quality sensor is on my 98 210 E300 Turbodiesel. I would have thought it would be on the sump but the only sensor i can see on the sump is the level sensor. I have heard talk of this sensor many times and am intrigued to know where it is?


Just curious,

230K

Hi 230, I think this is something new that came along around 2002 and was not on the earlier cars. I do not know how it is possible on the engine or how. the next time I turn on computer 3, I will see if I can find anything and let you know.
Maybe someone else knows.

Malcolm

Malcolm

 

[Captain Flack]

Transmission Fluid

Following on from this thread, I'm thinking about changing the ATF in my 2002 C270CDI. Should I buy the fluid from MB or will a good quality synthetic ATF suffice.

Can anyone recommend a good ATF? I also intend to drop the pan and change the ATF filter. Are there a links which show the correct procedure(I am fairly competent mechanically and will have full use of a proper workshop but Haynes haven't bought out a manual for the W203).

Thank you.

 

[Blobcat]

Pls see the attached threads http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=16659
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=19165

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Captain F, I would recommend finding a good indie to do the work. Only use MB ATF fluid, the GB change is not that frequent so you might as well buy MB fluid. The indie should have a dipstick specially for the purpose, if you do the job you may need to buy one (not cheap), overfill could be a problem if your not careful.

 

[television]

Hi 230, I think this is something new that came along around 2002 and was not on the earlier cars. I do not know how it is possible on the engine or how. the next time I turn on computer 3, I will see if I can find anything and let you know.
Maybe someone else knows.

Malcolm

Malcolm

Me again 230 try this
http://www.delphi.com/manufacturers/dti/licensing/?results=show&classification=7

I did a search,"oil quality sensor" lots of info out there, now I know so thanks.


malcolm

 

[230K]

Tele

Never disputed that there is such a thing just wondering where they are located and when they were fitted from.

230K