R129 SL320 Gearbox

[foof1]

My recent acquisition 1999 SL320 has done 92,000 miles. Would it be beneficial to have the ATF changed? Gearbox a little slow when cold although seems ok when it warms up (not as sharp and smooth as it should be). Advice needed on gearbox maintenance!!!

Freddie

 

[television]

Hello freddie,,I had a 99 SL 320 and a very nice car too

The transmission fluid will not have been changed , and the changes should be much smoother when done.

If a late 99 it will not have a torque converter drain plug, but be disconnecting the cooler pipe and spinning the engine for a few seconds will empty it. The filter should be changed at the same time

 

[hairyg]

ATF should be changed at 72,000, at least that is for my 1994 model.

Mine had had the relevent service stamped up in the service history book when I first bought it but my independent MB man commented that MB Crawley had managed to change the fluid without breaking the paint seal on the drain plug! He changed it to be sure.

Mine is also slow to change when cold but is fine after about a mile

Television posted his reply while I was typing mine. He's the man to listen to.

 

[foof1]

Thanks Malc. The SL is a late 1998 first registered in April 1999 (I've just had a look at the reg doc). Not a job I would take on however, I'm thinking of taking it to our mate in Warrington!! I think a change of ATF and filters would make a world of difference.

Freddie

 

[television]

ATF should be changed at 72,000, at least that is for my 1994 model.

Mine had had the relevent service stamped up in the service history book when I first bought it but my independent MB man commented that MB Crawley had managed to change the fluid without breaking the paint seal on the drain plug! He changed it to be sure.

Mine is also slow to change when cold but is fine after about a mile

Television posted his reply while I was typing mine. He's the man to listen to.

No I am not, every bit of info is important on a forum it stimulates the post

 

[foof1]

Thanks Malc and Hairyg. I tend to absorb most things on the forum and the humour is great. I LOVE MY MERCS!!!!

Freddie

 

[television]

Thanks Malc. The SL is a late 1998 first registered in April 1999 (I've just had a look at the reg doc). Not a job I would take on however, I'm thinking of taking it to our mate in Warrington!! I think a change of ATF and filters would make a world of difference.

Freddie

Good value that car, as every thing that was an extra before 08-98 was thrown in, lovely engine too. Dont forget to treat the roof with the MB waterproofing kit,well worth it

 

[foof1]

Well Malc, as you know, I bought the car from Jay Manek at Mercland. I cannot fault the vehicle or the deal..... I am desperate to keep the vehicle in tiptop condition hence my query over the gearbox. The panoramic hardtop and softy are in great nick and I can't wait for the summer.

Freddie

 

[foof1]

Just had a reply from MBTech in Warrington with a quote to change ATF and filters. I was pleasantly surprised with the quote so will be ringing to book the car in. I will not mention the quote in £££'s however, the quote is by far the best I've had. Didn't bother with main dealer but then again I'm sure it would have been good for a laugh!!

 

[hairyg]

Looks like the way to go.

You are really going to enjoy the summer!

 

[foof1]

Oh yes, flies in teeth, polish and err.. birds? (I mean avoiding the feathered type)

 

[jaymanek]

Hi!

Im glad you are happy with the car..

The delayed shift at cold is perfectly normal.. its to warm the catalytic converters up quicker.

However if it were my own car, I would change the ATF as a matter of course.

Thanks

Jay

 

[foof1]

Thanks Jay. Car great. I gave it a 'B' service at my local Indy Merc guy. No probs with vehicle great to drive and I love it!!!! I will be booking it into MB TECH, Warrington for ATF change and filters.

Freddie

 

[foof1]

I know this is an old thread but I have had the car into MB Tech today for a ATF and filter change. The result was fantastic! Leaky multiplug conector replaced therefore future faults averted. Gear change smoother, quicker without any noticeable gear change when driving. Well worth the cost which was a reasonable charge for the service. No complaints!!

 

[television]

Thats a nice feedback post Freddie they are great cars and very well made

 

[foof1]

Thanks Malcolm, Will had a look at the damage from 'CAR PARK RASH' and reccomended a good body man. Vehicle booked in for roll bar bushes and then the SL is sound. Thanks for the advice on my thread.

Freddie

 

[foof1]

Update. After some mileage since the ATF change. The autobox is superb!! It really has made all the difference.