Transmission Oil Change & Harder Shifting

[Ntrepid]

I took my 93 500E with 90K miles in to the MB dealer to have the transmission oil changed. On the way home (a 10 mile drive), I noticed the shifts were a little harder than when I took it in. Is it possible the harder shifting is just from the new transmission oil not completely working its way through the system and the shifts will get smoother over the next 100-200 miles?


Robert

 

[gsxr]

If the difference is minor, it may just be slightly different fluid spec. I'm assuming you probably don't know exactly what was used before and after.

If it's a really noticeable difference, and/or overly firm/harsh at light throttle, there's a sliiiight possibility a vacuum hose got dislodged from the modulator. This is unlikely unless they were doing other work besides the fluid/filter change.

My money is on the fluid difference, but it's difficult to say from behind a keyboard.

 

[Klink]

If the difference is minor, it may just be slightly different fluid spec. I'm assuming you probably don't know exactly what was used before and after.

If it's a really noticeable difference, and/or overly firm/harsh at light throttle, there's a sliiiight possibility a vacuum hose got dislodged from the modulator. This is unlikely unless they were doing other work besides the fluid/filter change.

My money is on the fluid difference, but it's difficult to say from behind a keyboard.

Exactly what Gixxer said. It is not uncommon for there to be a shift quality difference with new fluid, and often the difference is as you describe.

 

[gerryvz]

Usually when the vacuum hose is dislodged from the modulator, the car SLAMS into gear when it shifts. It's pretty harsh/abrupt, not a "little harder" as Ntrepid says.

Can you ask the dealership what spec fluid they used, or does it say on the sheet you received from the dealer?

 

[Ntrepid]

Thanks.I'll have to check to see if the service sheet says anything when I get home. I'll call if not.

I guess my assumption is they used the proper MB transmission oil as opposed to just a MB bottle labeled transmission oil as I'm sure there are a few MB transmission oils based on different models.


Robert

 

[Ntrepid]

This is unlikely unless they were doing other work besides the fluid/filter change.

I did have them change the motor oil and replace the fuel filter.


Robert

 

[Ntrepid]

So the car still shifts and I notice it (as I said earlier not hard but harder than when I turned it in. I (finally) went back to my receipt from MB of Tysons Corner. The line item reads ATP with no other details. Is there a recommended ATP I should be asking for or is their a part number for the ATP made for this class of transmission?

Thanks in advance!


Robert

 

[Bob996]

Hey Robert,

I would highly recommend that you request for Norbert Lamp (aka the whisperer) to check everything over. He also owns a 500e, I take my older MB's to him and trust me he knows his stuff when it comes to our cars. He practically rebuilt his entire 500 from the ground up. HBL generally charges quite a bit more for him to work on your car, but considering the circumstances they should make an exception to the rule. He is the only person at that dealership I would allow to do this type of service on my car.

"One such employee is long-time MBCA member, and past Greater Washington Section President, Norbert Lamp. He has been called the Mercedes-Benz whisperer by those owning older and classic Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the Washington area. Norbert started his career in Germany at the Daimler-Benz AG factory repair facility in 1960 working on the legendary 300SL Gullwings and roadsters, and Pagodas, the 230 and 250 SLs of the 1960s. Norbert has logged more hours on historic and significant Mercedes-Benz vehicles than probably any other specialist in the industry today."

I hope everything works out for you!

 

[DerFuror]

I took my 93 500E with 90K miles in to the MB dealer to have the transmission oil changed. On the way home (a 10 mile drive), I noticed the shifts were a little harder than when I took it in. Is it possible the harder shifting is just from the new transmission oil not completely working its way through the system and the shifts will get smoother over the next 100-200 miles?

Click here for just about all background info regarding shift firmness. As previously stated, shifting firmness can vary just from the choice of fluid used.

Give the shop a call to confirm what fluid brand/spec they put in your car. It will be interesting to see if it is a brand we have previously discussed/described characteristics of.