I have an 87 260e with 250,000 miles on it. The last time I took it in for a trani flush was at about 75,000 miles. It is an automatic transmission and it seems to be shifting fine, but I just want to replace the filter, gasket, and fluid anyway. The fluid is still pink, but I feel I've let it sit with the same fluid for too long. Would it be safe for me to replace the fluid, or should I try and reuse the same fluid? How do you tell ?

 

Or should I just forget about replacing the fluid since it's been so long. I've heard that over thime, shavings of the gears get mixed in with the fluid and provide the "grit" needed for the gears not to slip. If this is the case, would it be safe to mix half old fluid and half new fluid, and the next time i do it, use all new fluid?

 

I think changing the fluid in your car, with as many miles on the fluid that's in it, is cause for certain death of the tranny. Your thinking is correct aboutchanging fluid that is really old in automatic transmissions. The new fluid will loosen all of the crud up in your tranny and that's when the clutch packs start to slip, not recommended at all!!! Drive'er till she dies!!

 

Do you think it would still be a good idea to replace the trani filter and gasket though? And would putting in one of those trani fluid additives at the auto parts store be a good idea? (They claim to increase trani life.)

 

I wouldn't touch it, nor would I put any additives in it. If it works fine now than I would definitely leave it alone!! When the time comes to replace it there are several used car part suppliers that have these transmissions for under $1,000. Heck you can get it rebuilt for about $1,500 so I wouldn't worry about it.

 

NO TOUCHY as Kusco says in one of my favorite movies "Emperors New Groove"