How often to change ATF and which ATF to use in 722.6?

[Benzy Boy]

I have 8 quarts of shell ATF 134 to do a full flush on my 722.6. Has 120,000 kms on it and I partially flushed the fluid without draining torque converter at 110,000kms and changed the filter and gasket.

Anything I should know before doing this? and are there better ATF on the market for this transmission than what I'm about to use?

 

[gsxr]

Any fluid which meets (or is "suitable for") MB spec sheet 236.10 is fine... 236.12 or 236.14 fluids are also acceptable, but are thinner. I kinda prefer the thicker 236.10 stuff but you'll need to read data sheets to verify, as there aren't a lot of the 'thicker' fluids still on the market. Shell 134 is a 236.14 "thin" fluid, which is ok to use. You may need a bit more than 8 quarts, I forget the capacity on a V8 722.6 box. And, make sure you have a converter drain before starting. Without the drain the procedure uses twice as much fluid and is a total PITA.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Now, it's been a while since I've done this, did it on my old E500 W211 because of the low speed chatter (cold fluid), there was a bulletin (can't dind it, will look more), but it specifically was calling for 134 type to address the issue (and it did), but as @gsxr said, I typically prefer thicker fluids... That 722.6 was exception.

FCP has basic write up, hopefully that would help Mercedes-Benz 5-Speed Transmission Service Walkthrough (722.6 Transmissions)

"...

Fill Transmission and Test​

Add four quarts of fluid through the dipstick tube and start the engine. Some fill tubes are hard to reach, and that's where a long-neck funnel comes in handy. Run through the gears in this order: P-R, R-D, and D-P. After a minute or two, check the fluid level with the special dipstick. There are two sets of markings on the dipstick. The fluid level must be between or close to one set. The upper is for a warmed up transmission, and the lower is for a cold transmission. Add fluid if necessary. After this, check for leaks and lock the dipstick tube cap on if you choose..."


But that's wo torque converter drain, and to your original question, frequency, per that write up:


"Originally touted as the “maintenance free” transmission by Mercedes, the 5-speed automatic that began appearing in the late 1990s was an excellent and versatile gearbox. The “maintenance free” title of this transmission was really a misnomer as the manufacturer eventually recommended servicing it every 40,000 miles. "

EDIT: Found the manual pdf (w163, but should be just about the same)

 

[gsxr]

Forgot to mention... I'd change it at 25-30kmi. More often with severe service. ATF is cheap...

 

[Benzy Boy]

Forgot to mention... I'd change it at 25-30kmi. More often with severe service. ATF is cheap...

Which fluid do you use by the way?

 

[gsxr]

I use Red Line D4 in my one 722.6 transmission. It's a 236.10 equivalent.

The price went up substantially at the end of 2022, had been ~$12/qt, now up to $17/qt... yikes.

D4 ATF

Our most versatile ATF, use where Dexron III®, Dexron II®, Mercon® and Mercon V® fluids are recommended, provides a GL-4 level of gear protection

www.redlineoil.com

 

[daantjie]

I like Valvoline Maxlife for newer vehicles but not sure it'll be suitable for this application.

 

[gsxr]

Maxlife is a 236.14 type fluid, and is similar to the Shell 134, acceptable for use in the 722.6 trans:

MaxLife Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid - Valvoline™ Global - Valvoline™ Global

Try Valvoline MaxLife Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid, designed to maximize performance and suitable for most light duty vehicles and CVT...

www.valvolineglobal.com

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Maxlife is a 236.14 type fluid, and is similar to the Shell 134, acceptable for use in the 722.6 trans:

MaxLife Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid - Valvoline™ Global - Valvoline™ Global

Try Valvoline MaxLife Full Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid, designed to maximize performance and suitable for most light duty vehicles and CVT...

www.valvolineglobal.com

That fluid also jumped in price dramatically. When I rebuild my transmission, it was about $15-16 from wallyworld, now days $25-38 depending on the store... It ran it for the frist 1000k miles or so in 722.3 just after rebuild, just to break it in and remove any potential initial sediments/particles, then replaced all with Redline.

 

[gsxr]

It seems that all engine oils and ATF's have increased in price quite a bit. Grrrr....

 

[alabbasi]

Everyone knows that the 722.6 is a sealed for life unit that never needs its fluid changed.

ATF134 is probably better suited for 722.9. It's very thin.
I like Valvoline Maxlife ATF because its reasonable and meets the .10 standard. A friend of mine likes Redline D4 for 722.6 and D6 for the 722.9, again because the D6 is very thin.



Don't believe your lying eyes. According to what I hear in the news, inflation is no more than 6%

It seems that all engine oils and ATF's have increased in price quite a bit. Grrrr....

 

[gsxr]

MaxLife Multi-Vehicle is the thin stuff (236.14 spec, 722.9/NAG-2, equivalent to Red Line D6).

I you want thicker Valvoline, get the Import Multi-Vehicle which is 236.10 / 722.6 / NAG-1 / D4 equivalent:

Import Multi-Vehicle (ATF) Full Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid - Valvoline™ Global

Valvoline Import Multi-Vehicle Automatic Transmission Fluid is specifically formulated for use in most Toyota Nissan Honda and other imported vehicles. It is...

www.valvolineglobal.com

Datasheet:

US_Val_ImportMulti_ATF_EN.pdf - Docusign CLM

sharena21.springcm.com

The Import juice is "only" $18/gallon at Amazon! Thinner Max-Life is generally $25+ at most stores.

https://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-Multi-Vehicle-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid/dp/B071WKK7J4/