Re: 722.3 transmission oil change -- instructions
I skimmed that VERY long file, here are a few comments:
1) This procedure shows draining the converter with the crossover pipe in place. If you attempt this, expect a big mess (even more than usual). The factory procedure calls for removing the crossover pipe, and it's really not that hard - four bolts and it's off (the one exhaust gasket can be re-used). In some cases, you will not be able to remove the trans pan with the crossover pipe in place... depends on the alignment of the exhaust system; it can bolt up in a slightly different position from car to car, and each time it's removed/installed. Finding out the pan is held captive by the crossover pipe, while there is still a bunch of fluid in it, is a GREAT way to take an ATF bath.
2) Drain BOTH the pan and converter before putting in the new filter & pan gasket. You always want to get all the old fluid out before cleaning & reinstalling the pan. The tranny internals continue to drip into the pan the whole time you are working, and I think some fluid migrates from the converter into the pan, and I don't want any old fluid staying in there if I can avoid it. Try draining the pan sometime (remove it & wipe it dry), then put it back on and let the car sit overnight. You'll be surprised at how much more fluid shows up in the pan after it sits for 8+ hours (especially if the converter is still full!). BT, DT.
3) For the 400E/500E tranny, you need 8 quarts of ATF. Not 9, not 7,
eight quarts. When the converter is fully drained and pan has been removed for filter replacement, there really is no need to perform the painstaking fill procedure he describes on page 15. Pour in 4 or 5 quarts, start the engine & move gear selector to each position briefly, then shut it down and pour in the balance of the 8 quarts. Then skip to the last step, checking the level with the tranny hot. 99% of the time, the level will be perfect. If you let the trans drain overnight, you may need to top off and add an additional 8-16 oz (1/4 to 1/2 quart), for a grand total of 8.25-8.50 quarts. Aim to have the HOT fluid level near the max mark on the dipstick; the trans can experience WOT shift hangs when the fluid is cool/warm if the level is near MIN. Be very careful to not overfill, remember the level must be checked with the trans fully hot, not just warm. That means 15-30 minutes at freeway speeds, not 10 minutes puttering around the neighborhood.
Note: If the valve body is removed or changed, you will need to add *another* ~0.5 quarts when filling.
4) The note about Mobil-1 ATF on page 16 also applies to many (most?) other brands of ATF on the market today.
2016 UPDATE: I've come to grips with the newfangled stinky ATF. Mobil-1 ATF "Multi-Vehicle" formula is fine for our cars. Red Line discontinued their old, odorless Dex-II formula in late 2010 or early 2011. I now use Red Line D4 or High Temp (which is just a thicker D4). I do not recommend using D6 or any other Dexron-VI fluid in a higher-mile used transmission. Dex-VI is a thinner viscosity and may cause issues... be prepared to adjust your vacuum modulator and/or fiddle with Superior spring kit if you use Dex-VI fluid in a high-mile transmission. Dex-VI is ok in a fresh rebuild, but may still need vac modulator tweaks.
For posterity, here is my previous rant from 2010 - please disregard: This is one of several reasons why I personally choose not to use Mobil-1 Synthetic ATF in my Mercedes cars anymore. If you also prefer (as I do) to use a fluid that doesn't stink and smell burnt when new out of the bottle, buy Red Line Synthetic ATF... the original Dexron-II formula, or D4, or High Temp... but not the newer D6 formula. The old Dex-II fluid is nearly odorless, like good old-fashioned ATF used to be. D4 and High Temp both have the sharp odor like the new M-1 fluid. Whatever ATF you choose, DO NOT use the newer Dexron-VI spec fluid, it is a thinner viscosity. The factory spec calls for Dex-II or Dex-III.
The factory transmission fluid change procedure is at
this link.
I also attached the 1994 Mercedes Service Products list, which shows the original Red Line Synthetic ATF (Dex-II) as formally approved by MB USA for the 500E / E500. See the bottom of page 2.
Skip down to post #16 for some additional tips...
Updated May-2016 with my current comments.
