Automatic fluid change
Q How can I change the automatic transmission fluid on my 2005 Mercedes-benz C-class 1.8 with the Febi-bilstein gearbox? Having done 73,000 miles, I believe a change is due. I have four litres of Febi-bilstein fluid bought for a 1999 C250 which is about two-years-old and the foil seals are intact. Will I be able to use this? Regarding the oil filter for the gearbox, is it necessary to change this at the same time?
R Oates
A With regard to the oil you have, the Mercedes part number for your C-class is MB 236.14 and, according to my data, this is the same as your C250. If this is the part number you have, using this oil should not be a problem. The capacity of the gearbox on your C180 is five litres, but the oil in the torque convertor will also need to be drained. Your Mercedes will not a have a dipstick for the gearbox, but there is a dipstick tube – a workshop dipstick (part number 140 589 15 21 00) will be required to check the level.
I would recommend removing the gearbox sump and replacing the filter as this will ensure that a more thorough oil change is performed. The procedure is as follows: 1) Remove the gearbox sump and drain the oil.
2) Remove the cover in the base of the gearbox bellhousing to expose the torque converter. Slowly turn the engine until the torque converter drain plug is visible and remove the drain plug.
3) When the oil has drained, refit the torque converter drain plug, replace the gearbox oil filter and refit the gearbox sump.
4) Break off the safety tab on the gearbox dipstick/filler tube and remove the cover. Fill the gearbox with five litres of oil.
5) With the gearbox in ‘Park’, start the engine and, with the engine running, check the fluid level using the workshop dipstick.
6) With the engine still running, place your foot firmly on the brake and select each gear in turn, returning to the ‘Park’ position. Recheck the gearbox oil level noting that the workshop dipstick has a level mark for hot and cold. Although an accurate reading of the oil temperature can only be made using diagnostic equipment, an educated guess should enable you to determine the correct level for the oil.
7) Once you’ve finished the checks, the dipstick/filler tube top should be refitted using a new locking tab.