I am interested in buying a 2006 ML500 but heard that the early 7 sp auto is quircky in the shifting. I am told this has been corrected. Has this be a retrofit to all old models. If not, how do you tell what you are buying. I am new to MB.

 

mb will never offer a retrofit the customers have to go into a dealer with a complaint and if there is a flash or update it may be done. now the new 7 speed up untill 7/06 (last i worked in dealer) still had alot of problems in my opinion .there is softwear issues with the valve body where the trans controll unit is housed and intermin. shifting or slipping . im a big fan of the 722.6 the trans before this one used untill 2005in most cars . the problems were worked out of the car . that would be in the older body style ML. my advice when buying any benz used is purchase the extended warr. from the factory
(certified pre-own , starmark) trust me it will pay for itself in the long run and then some. especially 1 yr production units. IMPORTANT!!! when buying used from anyone have the vehicle inspected by local dealership the few bucks you spend may save huge $$$$ in the end !!!!!!!!! and most reputable shops will allow customers to do that if not FIND ANOTHER CAR!!!!!!!! your better off

 

westcoastmercedes,
You mentioned being a of the 722.6 trans as I have in my SL500. Questions is, even though billed as lifetime fluid, etc., recently there has been much discussion about changing out the fluid/filter out of the trans, torque convertor, cooler,etc., in other words, a complete service @60K miles. Some site Dealer's SA's saying it's new recommended practice, others say no way, i.e. lifetime means lifetime. Also, comments have been made that the newer 722.9 fluid is more desireable and during the service, a pan magnet is also recommended. If you know definitively whats real and what's not in the wonderful world of 722.6 and the 'lifetime' stuff, please post away! Thanks in advance for all the confused owners-

Bob

 

look at general tech section and see how fill my transmission theres some good info . as to what you said the 722.6 (1995 mid yr. - 2005) was billed and quoted to be life time fill by MB at leased before i left dedaler in 1996. i have not see any so.cal dealer recommend trans services on those trans only pre-1995 which would fall under 30k service your car is probably A and B services if you got a 1999 sl 500 A&B car need additional maint. not done under A&B like fuel filter (60k) ,air filter(50k, or more frequently if i owned it , since the cost of air mass far out weights that of the paper filter by not changing it(thats another topic)).spark plugs (100k) all these are seperate prices inaddition to oil service.dont forget your only paying $300 or so for B service verses $5-600 + on some pre 95' 30k interval cars.
ive seen the 722.6(.6) trans go 100k and i built plenty that didnot make it past 60k for one reason or another. will changing trans fluid preserve trans . i dont thing so plus when you figure in $20 - $26 per qt. and it takes min 7qt which doesnot include the T.C or cooler lines (figure 12 qts to be safe ) and a $60 or so filter and $30 for pan gasket + that labor figure $140 or so your looking at 4-500 just it trans service . now every one knows these trans have problem with leaking 13pin electrical conn . rt front trans , the o-rings go bad fluid leaks past so youll loose some fluid there and have to add anyways
AS FOR THE NEW 722.9 FLUID THATS FOR ONLY THE 722.9 to my understanding ( its thinner and has some other slicker properties if you pour them side by side the obvious indication would be the 722.6 is darker red while .9 is pinish and seems thinner I WOULD NOT SW FROM THE .6 FLUID TO THE .9 MB DIDNOT RECOMMEND IT I WOULD NOT DO IT . as for the magnets on the bottom of the trans pan most of the (.6 ) had them inside unless the last tech working on it forgot to put it back. hope this shed some light on the subject feel free to email or throw up ? ill try to answer them , MOST IMPORTANTLY FOREGIVE THE MISSPELLINGS I RUSH THOUGH THESE AND TR TO ADD AS MUCH INFO AS POSSIBLE . CHECK OUT MY OTHER POST THERE IS SOME GOOD INFO !!!!!!

 

Thanks westcoastmercedes, good info

Bob

 

also try some of my other post there is some good info . ex/ trans refill , diff in A & B service

 

I have a 722.9 ECU (old) cannot use in other car, how can i find a special tool for refresh or delete chassis number.