W202 gearbox oil change - worth it ?

[Shipley]

I've recently picked a C240 sport to use as my daily car. Its 1998 with 122k on the clock. Apart from some car park dents (it is our family beater so I'm not bothered about them) its in excellent condition.

I've changed brake discs / pads / front shocks etc .etc and now it runs like a dream.

Somone has advised me to replace the plugs (12 ??) and also to change the gearbox oil (auto) as it will make the change smooth and chances are it hasn't been done for a while (I have no record of it being changed)

MB are quoting about £100 for the oil and gasket and I would do it myself.

Is it worth changing it do you think ?

 

[jpbp200]

I have recently bought a w202 180 with 95,000 (yesterday in fact) I spoke to 2 MB dealers one said it should be done every 30,000 and the other said 80,000. Both said it was normally offered as an option at some point but most owners declined as it added £200 to the service. I am going to change mine for peace of mind if nothing else. My change between 1st and 2nd when cold is very slightly jerky so I want it checked. I understand you need buy a filter too by the way, if you are DIY. I would also be interested to know what everyone thinks.....

 

[124coupe]

Definitely filter as well as the oil and gasket and also a new washer for the drain plug as the ATF is a devil for finding ways to drip out. Observe the low torque settings for the pan bolts when you put it back (or it will distort and leak).

Better make sure your car has a dipstick for the auto as well (some have just a cap over the filling tube).

Then, when re-filling, you should place all but 1 litre of the rated capacity in and then get the box up to 80 degrees c and check the "hot" level with the engine idling and the box in Park.

Then a test drive and check again. If you overfilled, get the excess out as it will over pressurise the box and cause problems. Too low and the fluid aerates and also causes problems!

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
If you have no record of it being done i would agree with jpbp200 and get it changed inc. the filter, have a read of this excellent post in the DIY section.

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=25566

Make sure you have a means of accurately checking the ATF level before starting as level is critical.

 

[jberks]

yes, change it, whether it makes any difference or not. If the ATF has done 122k it's well overdue and it may well not have been done before.

Plugs wise, they're rated to 60k so yes they're due too. Be warned, it's a swine of a job!Also, I found new leads to make a great difference to the refinement of the 240 engine. I noticed them degrading (poorer idle etc) after only 3 years. I had mine from new so noticed the difference, most current owners got them after 3 years so are not aware how smooooth that engine can be.

 

[jpbp200]

I think the consensus is it's a good idea to change it. I'm therefore happy to get it done. MB are going to charge me £170, pick the car up from my home, and deliver it back same day! And, drive it from cold to give me an opinion on general wear and tear. Oh and they are also going to photograph the rust spots and send them off for a decision as to whether they will fix them for nothing! ****** marvelous!!!!!

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Ask the dealer about a pan magnet, and if one can be fitted. Its a useful indicator of general wear at the next change, as it collects metal particles from the oil.

 

[Shipley]

Excellent advice - thanks guys.

I'll call the dealer and have the plugs / gearbox oil (etc.) and leads done.

My nearest dealer is MB Gatwick - has anyone any experience of them ?

 

[nickcc101]

Ask the dealer about a pan magnet, and if one can be fitted. Its a useful indicator of general wear at the next change, as it collects metal particles from the oil.

The pan magnet on my W203 7226 box just sits on the bottom of the gearbox sump and can be positioned in any position. Just a small flat magnet with slots in to collect the particles.

 

[Shipley]

Well I did it

Changed the gearbox oil, the gasket and the filter. While I was at it I changed all 12 plugs and the spark plug leads (Europarts are excellent)

2.5 litres of what I can only describe as black treacle came out - and 4 litres of 'raspberry juice' went in.

I now have a car with 122k miles on it...which feels fabulous - just like new

It makes such a difference I'd recommend doing the above to anyone.

 

[jamesmc]

Ask the dealer about a pan magnet, and if one can be fitted. Its a useful indicator of general wear at the next change, as it collects metal particles from the oil.

Is this an MB item??
If so is there a part number?

 

[Dinnie]

My nearest dealer is MB Gatwick - has anyone any experience of them ?

My father in law has had some really bad experiences with them. One of his cars keeps on going back because they weren't able to fix it in the first place.
Also he just bought E270 cdi and that dropped its oil when it was parked up after hours of picking it up. The service guys must have forgotton the sump plug or something.

 

[Shipley]

I'm not surprised

I was looked up and down by the 2 service assistants as I was unshaven and in jeans when I went in. They clocked the 1998 C Class and had already made their minds up about me before I went in.

I asked them where the parts area was and they told me to 'go around the side'. I then told them I was also in to buy a new C Class (a lie !!) and immediately they changed their attitude. I asked for the Sales Manager - told him he had just lost a sale because of their arrogance and that I was off to BMW.

The fact that my C class is my 'beater' and that I earn more than most of them put together obviously never entered their heads.

Another reason I don't use dealers for any of our cars.