WANTED WTB Transmission dipstick for 1994 E500

[500AMM]

Hi.

The red locking mechanism on the grip on the transmission dipstick is broken and lost. It is for the 1994 E500 Limited and is different than the one on the 1992 500E, and it is probably due to the tranny upgrade from 722.365xxx to 722.370xxx. I do only need the grip mechanism, not the entire dipstick.

Cheers
-arnt-

 

[gsxr]

The 722.365 and 722.370 use the same dipstick... some late 124's came with the black "workshop only" unit shown in your photos, as this was around the time MB stupidly tried introducing trannies that never needed the fluid replaced (yeah, right). The earlier dipsticks were superceded to that part number, 140-270-06-83. Looks like around $25 USD from the dealer for a new one?

 

[500AMM]

Dave, thanks for the information.

So MB claimed to make a "Maintenance free transmission"..?! LoL.. No way, I won't go that route.

I checked the price on the grip on the "red type" earlier dipstick (124 478 12 37 + the small spring pin 124 991 01 55) and even in Sweden it cost $90 USD, so I guess it would cost twice here in Morepay.

It is really nice prices in the US compared to Europe, $25 USD sounds great! I think I need to contact Mr. Jimbo on this and get it overseas.

Cheers
-arnt-

 

[gsxr]

P/N 124-478-12-37 is showing up on the US price lists at $97 USD. However, that appears to be a completely different part, it's the cover shield over the fuel pump assembly. Could you re-check the number?

The "maintenance free transmission" was when the 722.6 was introduced. I should try and find the factory docs on this from 1996, think I have them in my collection somewhere. I'm not sure if they are still trying that "maintenance free" claim with the newer 7-speed tranny, the 722.9; or with the current versions of the 722.6 (assuming it's still used in a few models - I'm not sure). Maintenance free means no dipstick, btw; the dipstick became a "shop tool" so the dealer could check ATF level, but the vehicle owner could not (unless he bought one). Ridiculous.

 

[gerryvz]

No, they are no longer doing the "maintenance-free" claim with transmissions. I think they realized pretty quickly the fallacy of that claim.

 

[500AMM]

P/N 124-478-12-37 is showing up on the US price lists at $97 USD. However, that appears to be a completely different part, it's the cover shield over the fuel pump assembly. Could you re-check the number?

The "maintenance free transmission" was when the 722.6 was introduced. I should try and find the factory docs on this from 1996, think I have them in my collection somewhere. I'm not sure if they are still trying that "maintenance free" claim with the newer 7-speed tranny, the 722.9; or with the current versions of the 722.6 (assuming it's still used in a few models - I'm not sure). Maintenance free means no dipstick, btw; the dipstick became a "shop tool" so the dealer could check ATF level, but the vehicle owner could not (unless he bought one). Ridiculous.

Hmmm - P/N 124-478-12-37 is the fuel pump cover?? That's the P/N I got from the MB dealer, but that may explain the steep price they came up with. I'll check it out on my '92 then.

However, one hour ago a colleague show me his E420, and that car had the newer type dipstick, I would say it looked a bit special. I want this dipstick just to have the car in original condition, so I'll have to get one.

-arnt-