Mercedes-Benz W203 automatic transmission oil change (722.6)
Mercedes-Benz W203: which oil belongs in the 722.6 automatic transmission?
The oil must be approved for the transmission, not just any ATF. The 722.6 takes oil rated MB 236.10 or 236.14, the 722.9 transmission only 236.14. Check the rating from the label on the container. The wrong oil can damage the transmission.
Mercedes-Benz W203: is draining the oil pan enough or should the oil be flushed?
Draining from the pan alone leaves more than half of the old oil in the transmission, because some remains in, among other places, the torque converter. A flushing change is the recommended method: old oil is removed in 3-litre batches until the oil coming out is clean. The filter and the oil pan gasket are replaced at the same time. The oil pan bolts are single-use.
Mercedes-Benz W203: how do you check the oil level?
The level is checked with the transmission warm, at about 80 degrees, on level ground with the engine running. With cold oil the measurement is not reliable. The fill amount depends on how much old oil remains, so the final amount is always measured with the dipstick.
Mercedes-Benz W203: how often is the automatic transmission oil changed?
The change interval varies: the general recommendation is about 60 000 km. The change is not part of normal servicing but is ordered as extra work. If the oil is black or smells burnt, the transmission is already worn and a flushing change is needed.