• Hi Guest !

    Welcome to the 500Eboard forum.

    Since its founding in late 2008, 500Eboard has become the leading resource on the Internet for all things related to the Mercedes-Benz 500E and E500. In recent years, we have also expanded to include the 400E and E420 models, which are directly related to the 500E/E500.

    We invite you to browse and take advantage of the information and resources here on the site. If you find helpful information, please register for full membership, and you'll find even more resources available. Feel free to ask questions, and make liberal use of the "Search" function to find answers.

    We hope you will become an active contributor to the community!

    Sincerely,
    500Eboard Management

Approved ATF Discussion for 722.3 Transmission

Klink said:
Just FYI, if your 400 has had any dealer or MB specialist provided service at any of the 30K intervals it has almost certainly had a transmission fluid and filter change. It was non-optional centerpiece of any 30K interval service. Post or PM me your VIN and when I get back to work next Tuesday, I can see if the factory's stored data shows any of the services performed. Any service done at a dealer may be be logged in there.
Click to expand...
It was regularly serviced by the dealer up to 60K according to the stamps in the service booklet ( one owner car with most all service records) if I remember right. My particular local MB dealer is NOT someone I want to do any business with so if you could pull an advisers report I would be mucho thankful!!
Will send the Vin in a PM later today or tomorrow THANKS.
 
clarkz71 said:
I agree with your thinking.

I would run whatever Dexron III is on sale short term, then go to a better grade fluid when your ready for regular FCI. (Fluid change interval)

That's a new acronym I just made up........ FCI________:D
Click to expand...
Like I said been down this road before and this one doesn't look to bad. My Volvo V-90 I bought 7 years back with 136K and it had never been changed. I took a chance on that one as it looked like coffee but shifted ok. Took several rounds to get it clean but I'm at 198K now and shes still going.
Went to BG synthetic early on that one and you can't believe all the gunk it broke loose, stopped the filter up in about 10K. Don't see this one doing anything like that but 1st change may still break some stuff loose so this one will be with the Castrol, 15 -20 K later the Redline.
Right now the Volvo has me occupied as my Son wants it so got to get her right for him. Next week I should get back to the Merc.
 
Ascension said:
It was regularly serviced by the dealer up to 60K according to the stamps in the service booklet ( one owner car with most all service records) if I remember right.
Click to expand...

Then you're pretty much on schedule, the next FCI by mileage would have been 90K miles
The transmission fluid & filter change is part of the dealer service every 30K

At 95K your are due, but the gearbox should be in good shape

Post some images of the pan when you drop it down so we can see how it's doing.
 
Pretty good information on ATF from 2011


http://www.cartechbooks.com/techtips/autotransfluid


proxy.php
 
clarkz71 said:
Then you're pretty much on schedule, the next FCI by mileage would have been 90K miles
The transmission fluid & filter change is part of the dealer service every 30K

At 95K your are due, but the gearbox should be in good shape

Post some images of the pan when you drop it down so we can see how it's doing.
Click to expand...

Thanks and will let you know if there is anything of concern in the pan.
Right now I'm spending time on the Volvo as it's going on the block this week but will get back to the 420 in a week or so.
 
- For those who thought Redline is not locally available I would google it first in your state/region ( I thought the same).
It is not that easy to find it in stores like Oreilly or so but there are other stores/guys who carry Redline.
For example, I found at least two places in MN within 30 miles that carry Redline products at pretty good price. So I would not really say it is not locally available.

- Regarding price, I would never save few coins on fluid and then replace the whole unit.
Premium products are always the best choice so why would one save few coins buying crappy stuff ?

- To sum up, Redline is best "no hassle" option so far there are no "if" or "but" or any other limits like with other non-synthetic/synthetic fluids brands. This is what I was trying to say in my initial post. For the newbie it is period correct and easy choice to go with.

:pc1:
 
Just thinking tonight, how many transmissions have failed on this forum

And most if not all were properly serviced using Dexron III fluid.

So it's really funny to say my choice in fluid is incorrect for a 722.3 transmission.

Based on what ??

Have you heard of a 722.3 transmission having issues using MB 236.14 ATF?

Have you heard of a 722.3 not shifting properly with 236.14 ATF?

I would guess not, since I'm the only known member
doing a long term test of this fluid.

And in 3 years from now, when it still is performing perfectly, what will you say then ?
 
clarkz71 said:
Just thinking tonight, how many transmissions have failed on this forum

And most if not all were properly serviced using Dexron III fluid.

So it's really funny to say my choice in fluid is incorrect for a 722.3 transmission.

Based on what ??

Have you heard of a 722.3 transmission having issues using MB 236.14 ATF?

Have you heard of a 722.3 not shifting properly with 236.14 ATF?

I would guess not, since I'm the only known member
doing a long term test of this fluid.

And in 3 years from now, when it still is performing perfectly, what will you say then ?
Click to expand...

Come on .... :D you have started it all over again :doh::agree: Few more posts about MB fluid and I will start feel guilty using Redline and probably will have to replace it LOL :D
 
Redline is an excellent fluid, I never in the entire thread said it wasn't.

I spent all my posts defending my choice in fluid in fact, not attacking others.

But I posted in my Owners & their cars thread that I was doing my first service on'
my Mercedes remanufactured transmission and I was sticking with MB 236.14.

Another member made a comment, "One word, Redline" and then deleted it right away.

That's what had me thinking, and then making the above post. So many members telling me that
236.14 was no good for my 722.3, despite the fact I've been using it from new for 3 years +

Nobody has tried it, nobody has any reports of failure or bad shifting in a 722.3, but all say it's no good

Just sounds very much like internet rumor like thinking not based on fact.

Then I thought about members that have had to replace their transmissions
even after proper service and using Dexron III name brand fluids
like Castrol Trans-Max.
 
clarkz71 said:
What brand?
Click to expand...

Either Redline or B&M.

I played w/ conventional Type F for a Long time in some of my cars, was Quite happy with the results and slowly switched everyone over to synthetic since most don't get many miles on them in a year etc..

jono
 
Type F gives you nice positive firm shifts, some "Benz" drivers think it a hard shift, but it's
actually less slippage during shifting and especially reverse engagement. The weak spot of the 722.3

LB3 clutch pack
 
that's what I've been saying all along...:)

most of my clientele has been converted to love the firm shift...have a few hold outs but they're all pensioners...!

j
 
You young whippersnapper's don't know what the hell you're talkin' about! They haven't made a transmission fluid worth tinker's damn since that type A/suffix A by crackey by gummy!!
:oldman: :stirthepot: :hornets: :duck: :wormhole:
 
I remember in my dads shop, there were 2 drums of ATF, Type F and Dexron. No II, III. Just Dexron

He said make sure you only use Dexron in GM cars and certain imports

I think the old Chryslers used the F as well as Ford.

Now days people google ATF and think they know everything about it

Yet they've never rebuilt one of these transmissions or had the balls to experiment
with different fluids and settings.

I give Jono a lot of credit for trying type F fluid in a MB gearbox. If he didn't already
have a great reputation as a technician on this forum he would have gotten crap about
it like I do for the 236.14.
 
Thanks Clark-Vader..:)

I heard the "story" about how Type F was created and it's intended purpose, it more Grab... so hell, I did a bit of asking to some of dad's trans shop friends back in NY, asked if fords clutch material was anything significantly different from everyone else that runs DM II/III.. they didn't seem to think so, thus I gave it a whirl.
Still remember the first drive in my 91 white SEC, first WOT shit I was "awwww....hell yeah!" or possibly something a little less PC, but you get the idea...;-)

I've had transmission come in slipping like MAD, fresh fill of F type, some pressure added on top...and the transmission will work through some of the glaze that's built up and slowly shift better and better. Most recently an E420 that a client bought for $700 that didn't shift worth a damn. He daily's it now, shifts Perfectly!

Jono
 
Glad to see I'm not the only MB technician that thinks outside the box.

My experience was a lot like yours, I had read the factory bulletin about the 236.12
being approved for 722.3 as well as the other variations.

So I figured the new at the time 14 would work as well, and I had 12 liters of it already.

So I had the parts manager contact the parts zone rep, he contacted Germany and they
said no problem using it and the warranty would not be affected, in other words it would
not cause any damage. All I had to do then was verify the shift quality and I was good to go.

3 years later, perfect, firm shifts. Slightly more firm then Dex III.
 
jhodg5ck said:
Thanks Clark-Vader..:)

I heard the "story" about how Type F was created and it's intended purpose, it more Grab... so hell, I did a bit of asking to some of dad's trans shop friends back in NY, asked if fords clutch material was anything significantly different from everyone else that runs DM II/III.. they didn't seem to think so, thus I gave it a whirl.
Still remember the first drive in my 91 white SEC, first WOT shit I was "awwww....hell yeah!" or possibly something a little less PC, but you get the idea...;-)

I've had transmission come in slipping like MAD, fresh fill of F type, some pressure added on top...and the transmission will work through some of the glaze that's built up and slowly shift better and better. Most recently an E420 that a client bought for $700 that didn't shift worth a damn. He daily's it now, shifts Perfectly!

Jono
Click to expand...


What brand type F are you using Jono? I'm wondering if it would help in my parts car.
 
jhodg5ck said:
Either Redline or B&M.

I played w/ conventional Type F for a Long time in some of my cars, was Quite happy with the results and slowly switched everyone over to synthetic since most don't get many miles on them in a year etc..

jono
Click to expand...

This brand(s)
 
Last edited:
"Then you're pretty much on schedule, the next FCI by mileage would have been 90K miles
The transmission fluid & filter change is part of the dealer service every 30K"

Don't forget to change the diff oil and flush/bleed brake fluid and coolant. All part of the 30k or 2 year intervals.



Michael
 
samiam44 said:
"Then you're pretty much on schedule, the next FCI by mileage would have been 90K miles
The transmission fluid & filter change is part of the dealer service every 30K"

Don't forget to change the diff oil and flush/bleed brake fluid and coolant. All part of the 30k or 2 year intervals.



Michael
Click to expand...





Uh, who's on schedule Michael ???
 
Don't worry Colonel, like Mercedes Benz and every automobile manufacturer all
oils/ATF coolant and any petroleum product they are made by another company.

MB ATF like I use in my car is made by Fuchs and IS MB approved.

MB coolant is made by Ashland/Valvoline/Zerex

Volvo gets their ATF from a supplier, they do not manufacture ATF or any other fluid.

Furthermore, Dexron III is obsolete, so no manufacturer has to actually meet the specs set forth per API/SAE
and no Dexron III is actually MB approved now.

Why would anyone pay for the approval of a 20 year old spec fluid
 
Maybe now that the members see that an ATF "not" recommended
for a 722.3 does perform well, you will cut me some slack on my use
of the MB 236.14 fluid

I am getting the same results as Jono with type F, firm positive shifts
and no "lag" downshifting issues at all.

You have to be willing to experiment, Dave found out the Dexron VI
did not perform well in a 722.3

Since there is no inexpensive 236.14 fluid, I would try a base price
type F fluid to help shifting in transmissions with issues like Jono mentioned.


Mobil Type F ATF is not recommended for automatic transmissions in Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, American Motors, or any other cars requiring a Dexron-II, Dexron-IIE, Dexron-III or Mercon-approved fluid, or for those Ford products requiring an M2C 138CJ (Type CJ) fluid or an M2C 166H (Type H) fluid.
 
I still have a case of MB 236.10. Should I use it in my '93 with 170k miles? Transmission was replaced new/rebuilt by an MB dealer in 2004 at 97k miles. I do not have any records of any further transmission service, but I suspect, due the previous owner's attention to detail, that it may have been done somewhere along the line by an independent.

I kinda like the idea of swapping this MB fluid in for about 5000 miles or so and then move to a synthetic (Redline D4).
 

Attachments

  • IMG_6826.jpg
    IMG_6826.jpg
    203.7 KB · Views: 7
  • IMG_6827.jpg
    IMG_6827.jpg
    280.7 KB · Views: 5
No problem using that, it's basically a semi synthetic Dexron III
and is approved by MB for our transmissions
 
I think the 236.10 was a full-synthetic, as it was originally intended as a lifetime fill for the 722.6 tranny. :?:

Anyway, Clark is correct, MB sheet 231.1 says the 236.10 fluid "should be used" for the 722.3 transmission. Officially approved good stuff. I'd run it for your normal service interval, no need to replace again at 5kmi.

:e500launch:
 
whitehawk said:
I still have a case of MB 236.10. Should I use it in my '93 with 170k miles? Transmission was replaced new/rebuilt by an MB dealer in 2004 at 97k miles. I do not have any records of any further transmission service, but I suspect, due the previous owner's attention to detail, that it may have been done somewhere along the line by an independent.

I kinda like the idea of swapping this MB fluid in for about 5000 miles or so and then move to a synthetic (Redline D4).
Click to expand...

I'm saying the same thing as Clark and Gixxer. That is a correct and approved "good stuff" I'd run it for whatever my chosen interval is. There is no reason to change it earlier then your normal preference would be for a synthetic fluid.
:klink:
 
gerryvz said:
What's better for a 722.3 ... .10, .14 or RedLine?
Click to expand...

:chainyank: :stirthepot:
My personal opinion is that any of those is fine, but the .10 has the actual MB "should be used" designation. I don't have the slightest problem with any namebrand conventional dino Dexron 3 either, especially if someone is piling miles on his DD and would like to change it say every 15,000 miles or so. Back in the day I would change the Dino tranny fluid every 15,000 miles, and include the filter every 30,000. I'm currently running the MB .10 because I was able to buy gobs of it for almost nothing a number of years ago...
:klink:
 
Last edited:
gerryvz said:
What's better for a 722.3 ... .10, .14 or RedLine?
Click to expand...

I use 236.14, as you know. Marc from Sun Valley recommends this ATF for all his remans

Dave uses Redline D4, which is the other choice. Either is what I recommend
 
gerryvz said:
OK, but you guys didn't answer the question ... WHICH ONE IS BEST ?!?
Click to expand...

OK, 236.14 is approved by MB as well as the best transmission shop in the U.S.
Marc has a vested interest that the best ATF is used in a transmission that he has to warranty.

And I have it in my MB reman for 3.5 years. Still smells good, nice red color.
Shifting is perfect and reverse has no perceptible delay what so ever.

So that's my opinion.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

P
722.3 harsh downshift into 2nd
Replies
0
Views
736
phoenix217
P
B
Transmission/engine issues
Replies
1
Views
156
Bogeyman
Bogeyman
P
722.3 harsh downshift / clunking into 2nd gear
Replies
10
Views
1,135
phoenix217
P
oaklandw124
Wonky transmission mount part number??
Replies
4
Views
228
gsxr
gsxr
Unavita
Transmission survey storage wooooh!s
Replies
19
Views
6,163
rayhennig
R

Who has viewed this thread (Total: 10) View details

Who has watched this thread (Total: 5) View details

Similar threads

P
722.3 harsh downshift into 2nd
Replies
0
Views
736
phoenix217
P
B
Transmission/engine issues
Replies
1
Views
156
Bogeyman
Bogeyman
P
722.3 harsh downshift / clunking into 2nd gear
Replies
10
Views
1,135
phoenix217
P
oaklandw124
Wonky transmission mount part number??
Replies
4
Views
228
gsxr
gsxr
Unavita
Transmission survey storage wooooh!s
Replies
19
Views
6,163
rayhennig
R
yao500e
722.3 transmission cooler
Replies
1
Views
816
gsxr
gsxr
N
Transmission
Replies
5
Views
747
gsxr
gsxr
lowman
Knocking sound / Transmission/ flexplate /converter or worse aka engine rod/piston?
Replies
24
Views
522
gsxr
gsxr
W
Transmission dipstick tube
Replies
2
Views
731
winmutt
W
A
FYI Sun Valley Transmission - Additive recommendation
Replies
48
Views
3,360
maw1124
maw1124
Back
Top