When did MB reinstate gearbox oil changes?

[brandwooddixon]

As we know there was a period when MB declared their autoboxs as "sealed for life" notably the 5 speed 722 gearbox.

I know that the 7GTronic has a stipulated oil change period in the servicing, but when exactly did MB reinstate oil changes and for what gearbox?

For my part I'm interested in knowing whether oil changes were reinstated for W211 models with the 5 speed autos.

 

[Blobcat]

In the owners manual for my face lift W211 it states a one off ATF change at 40K miles for autoboxes. Be that the 7G in mine or the 5G in some of the others. I'm guessing that they have put the drain plug back into the torque converter of the 5G box otherwise they can only change 4 of the 7Ltrs by draining the box. The rest has to be pumped out I believe and I'm not sure if MB are doing that as they wouldn't do it for my W210 when I have the ATF changed in May 06

 

[brandwooddixon]

It's interesting to note that this was introduced for W211 vehicles and yet never implemented retrospectively for W210 vehicles with the same transmission.

I think that that possibly leaves MB open for cause for complaint from those of us with W210 models that have suffered 722.6 gearbox failures.

 

[Blobcat]

It's interesting to note that this was introduced for W211 vehicles and yet never implemented retrospectively for W210 vehicles with the same transmission.

I think that that possibly leaves MB open for cause for complaint from those of us with W210 models that have suffered 722.6 gearbox failures.

I believe it came about from gearbox failures within the 3 yr warranty period. I remember reading quite a bit about it on the US forums awhile ago. MB's answer was the one off ATF change so that failures are no longer within warranty and they get the ££ for the ATF change.

 

[jberks]

I don't understand their thinking. We're paying so why not simply recommend it if its necessary?

Mine was done (04 211 - 5 speed) on MBs recommendation at the last service (45k) and whether they ask or not, it will be done again before 100k.

 

[brandwooddixon]

That's my point entirely.

I would have gladly paid for the gearbox to be serviced when recommended.

Sadly I didn't really appreciate that their servicing advice wasn't worth a gnats fart before my gearbox failed.