I am a mechanic, so please understand my query. I have a 1999 W210 E430. It has just clocked up 175,000 kilometres. It runs like a dream. Does the transmission need a service at any stage. It has been babied all its life. I know the trans is Filled for Life. But being a mechanic, I know what oil neglect can do to a transmission. Is it advised to replace the oil?, or just leave it alone. If I do leave it alone, what can happen. I know frictions can wear out, but abuse would play a big part of this. Does oil neglect affect the valve body? Any help will be greatly apprieciated. I know of the saying "if it ain't broke....blah blah blah", but I just can't accept the fact that the oil never needs to be replaced. I have worked on hundreds of cars in Australiawhere trans service neglect hasplayed a major part in trans failure. Also, do you drain the convertor also? is there a brain plug? Thanks in advance.

 

Up to production date sept 99 it had a TQ. drain.
MB is now changing their tune on the whole lifetime fluid thing and saying about 40k miles.
MB spec fluid 722.6 autohausaz.com has the fluid and filter and gasket.I have the special dipstick delivered for $45 in the states.
Diy on benzworld.org w210 section and mercedesshop.com
Easy if you have a lift.Check the electrical connector while down there it is an upgraded part to prevent the common leak failure.
Have fun.

 

Thanks Ohlord. I can always trust your expertise.

 

Hi Ohlord, I live in Australia, can you post a dipstick tube to Melbourne Australia? If so, how do we go about it?

 

hi ohlord what is part #of electrical conector that leaks on 99 e320

 

Plastic locking Connector with 2 O-rings PN: 140 270 02 50
O-ring for the plug PN 026 997 40 48
diy on benzworld.org search 722.6 trans leak repair

I will check postage to Australia and pm me.
ohlord

 

i would not do anything. if its not broke then do nothing. i used to have a 93 lsc with no problems and the oil change guy suggested a trans tune up(fliud change and filters), i did it and two weeks later my transmission gave out. cost me $1000.00

 

He did it wrong.if you do not change the fluid on the electronic 722.6 trans you will have problems with the mistaken life time fluid.Sorry you ran into that problem,but thinking like if it ain't broke don't fix it is foolish logic left to fools.
A 722.6 trans costs 2-7thousand U.S. I do bunches of them for fluid and filter changes for club members and have not lost one.I sell the dipsticks and give mail and phone support to forum members and have not had an issue The guy did something wrong on your trans or something was wrong before he did it.But a proper fluid drain and filter was not the cause.
Your logic would dictate leaving the oil in the engine till the bearings fried then fixing the engine upon failure.[&o]
ohlord