W210 autobox dipstick

[Hmac]

There is much correspondence on the matter of the lack of a dipstick for the W210 electronic gearbox. My contact at MB (who I shall in future refer to as Herr X ) tells me that one reason is that if the dipstick is in place and the car driven there is a very high likelihood of the dipstick interfering with the operation of the 'box - and that would only cost a great deal of £££ to fix ! MB will not publicly 'fess up (as we say down here in south London) because they feel they might look silly in designing and then producing a gearbox that cannot cope with its own dipstick. The part number is: W140589152100. This tool is available from all dealers. I hope this helps.

I have followed the path of the DIY dipstick mentioned elsewhere.

 

[television]

I love that explanation from Herr X thats the best one that I have ever heard "wonderful"

 

[Parrot of Doom]

one reason is that if the dipstick is in place and the car driven there is a very high likelihood of the dipstick interfering with the operation of the 'box

Frankly I find that a bit unlikely. The stick just hits the bottom of the pan, and not any moving parts. Unless something fell off the stick, I can't see a problem. The only reason I think they don't fit it is because it is a workshop item and unlike engine oil not something that your average user would need to know about.

Also, adding a dipstick to each car probably costs a fiver. 10s of 1000s * fiver = lots of fivers = less profit for MB.

/edit: also I bet its a universal dipstick that fits loads of gearboxes, and not all dipstick tubes are the same length.

 

[rf065]

Frankly I find that a bit unlikely. The stick just hits the bottom of the pan, and not any moving parts. Unless something fell off the stick, I can't see a problem. The only reason I think they don't fit it is because it is a workshop item and unlike engine oil not something that your average user would need to know about.

Also, adding a dipstick to each car probably costs a fiver. 10s of 1000s * fiver = lots of fivers = less profit for MB.

/edit: also I bet its a universal dipstick that fits loads of gearboxes, and not all dipstick tubes are the same length.

It's all a ploy to keep you going back to the dealers for the slightest things.

Russ