-
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
Transmission fluid
- Thread starter 4451533
- Start date
Dexron II was original spec, ~7.5 viscosity, for all 722.3xx transmissions. Dexron III is the same viscosity and replaced the obsolete Dex-II spec.
(Edited per Gerry's post below.)
Dexron IV can be used, ~6.0 viscosity (thinner), but may need some tweaking of the vacuum modulator if any flare is noticed after the fluid change.
Don't forget to drain the torque converter too. Synthetic is generally preferred assuming the trans doesn't leak.
Last edited:
Yup. Converter is drained separately. Need to follow the factory procedure... different size/material seal ring for the converter drain plug... can't refill all 8 quarts at once... etc etc:
HOW-TO: Change Mercedes-Benz 722.3 transmission fluid and filter | "HOW-TO" Tutorial Articles
All, Here's a very comprehensive set of instructions on how to change the transmission fluid, filter and drain the torque converter of the 722.3 transmission. Specifically these instructions were made for a 560SL, but as our E500E transmissions are so close to the one illustrated, these...
One drain bolt for the torque converter. You will need to rotate the coverter so that the drain bolt is visible at the bottom of the transmission.
One drain bolt for the transmission pan itself.
Will strongly caution against using Dex IV in these transmissions. There are warnings that Dex IV is not compatible with the seals in some older transmissions and can over time seriously damage them. Just DON'T DO IT!!! Dex II and III are both fine but Dex IV should be avoided. A much better alternative to DEX IV is the Redline D4.Dexron II was original spec, ~7.5 viscosity, for all 722.3xx transmissions. Dexron III is the same viscosity and replaced the obsolete Dex-II spec.
(Edited per Gerrys post below.)
Dexron IV can be used, ~6.0 viscosity (thinner), but may need some tweaking of the vacuum modulator if any flare is noticed after the fluid change.
Dont forget to drain the torque converter too. Synthetic is generally preferred assuming the trans doesnt leak.
First indication there may be a compatibility issue was from Allison transmissions and a warning not to use Dex IV because of the seal issue in their units. There is strong evidence that the same issue exists with the seal material used in many older European transmissions. As a result Dex IV use should be avoided in the 722-3 units in our cars.
Last edited:
^^^ where's this from?
I recall talking to 722.3 rebuild specialists about Redline Type F Racing in my rebuilt transmission. And while they warned specifically about other additives in the new box because of the seals, they had no problem with the Type F (which I believe is a DexIV, though I wouldn't be surprised if I was wrong about that).
Which is why I ask where's this from. Thoughts?
maw
I recall talking to 722.3 rebuild specialists about Redline Type F Racing in my rebuilt transmission. And while they warned specifically about other additives in the new box because of the seals, they had no problem with the Type F (which I believe is a DexIV, though I wouldn't be surprised if I was wrong about that).
Which is why I ask where's this from. Thoughts?
maw
Last edited:
Type F = Ford, and lacks friction modifiers that are present in Dexron fluids. Type F generally results in less slippage during shifts, and is desirable for racing use. I've tried Type F in a couple different boxes and I couldn't tell one iota of difference. Might be more obvious on a box that is really worn / slipping / flaring badly. (?)
I would like to know more about the Dex-VI and seal leakage though.
I would like to know more about the Dex-VI and seal leakage though.
Yes, that did make a difference. Before diving into rebuild, I've tried Type-F as that what Jono recommended as a possible "revive/extend life a bit" and it did, made a difference indeed, flaring was decreased by a large margin... Unfortunately mine was too far gone to make it last.
What I’ve noticed is it warms up slower and is more heat resistant down here in the FL heat. I rather like it, actually. Seems shifts are firmer always, but it’s not like I’ve tried any other fluid in a rebuilt box with a new HWA vacuum modulator, so it’s an incomplete experiment at best.
maw
This was the issue with the Allison transmissions.Type F = Ford, and lacks friction modifiers that are present in Dexron fluids. Type F generally results in less slippage during shifts, and is desirable for racing use. Ive tried Type F in a couple different boxes and I couldnt tell one iota of difference. Might be more obvious on a box that is really worn / slipping / flaring badly. (?)
I would like to know more about the Dex-VI and seal leakage though.
The main concern surrounding the use with DEX VI in Allison applications is that DEX VI has compatibility issues with some of the seal materials formerly used by Allison. Allison has established serial number cut off’s for use of DEX VI (S/N 6310670488 and up for Indianapolis built transmissions, AND... S/N 6320784373 and up for Baltimore built transmissions used in GM pickups.)
There is also strong evidence that Dex 6 also doesn't play well with the seals in a number of older transmissions. In particular European transmissions. It reacts badly with certain types of seal materials and over time destroys them.
The old Ford type F is a very basic fluid that does not have the more slippery friction modifiers. In fact if you put the wrong fluid in some of the early Ford Autos they will slip badly and burn up quickly. Type F has been used in performance transmissions of every kind because it grabs better and gives a firmer shift for many years. Fluids like the B&M trick shift and Redline racing fluids are basically a modern type F fluid without the more slippery friction modifiers for a smoother shift. There is no issue I know of with running type F in our trans except the shifts may be noticeably harsher.
