My '03 XJR has 53K miles and I'm about to have the transmission fluid changed. The transmission shop quoted me $57 a litre and indicated I needed 10 litres.

I searched the forum to see if I could find a retailer who sells appropriate fluid for the Mercedes 722.6 transmission. There was a mention of a dealer on eBay (mbdeals) but I cannot find that seller nor can I find any transmission fluid for the 722.6 anywhere on eBay. I wasn't able to find anything else in the forum.

Does anyone have a lead on where I can get 10 litres of appropriate fluid for less than $57 a litre? I'm in Canada if that makes any difference.

Thanks - appreciate any advice I can get.

 

The XJR has a different transmission then the non supercharged cars.

It is a very durable unit and was originally developed for MB high horsepower applications. Way back 8-10 years ago it was the only game in town.

I have basically the same transmission in my 911 twin turbo and had it in my now gone MB SL -- nobody I know has ever changed the fluid.

You must use the proper fluid - and it must be filled exactly per factory instructions. Also you can not get it all out anyway -- so it is just a partial change.

You do want to make sure that it shows no signs of leaking - My XJR has just over 50K on it and I am going to have the fluid level checked the next time its in for service -- since no dipstick supplied.

 

http://eurotoysltd.com/catalog/produ...oducts_id=1225

You will also need a dipstick as Jaguar didn't provide one but do a search the changing proceedure is here. I think in the XK sticky section. As fairlane says the tranny is much bette than the XJ8 tranny but I definately do not believe any fluid is good for the life of the vehicle. As soon as time allows I'll be doing a change on mine (was done at 30k, now at 66k). From my understanding, the same tranny was advertised as sealed for life in the mercedes world but TSBs have been issued taking it down to changing every 30k now.

Here is the ebay seller but he no longer includes a filter so the eurotoys might be the better deal

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...item35abea0303

 

Many transmissions are supplied with lifetime fluid -- the early w210 E Class Mercedes 5 speeds had a higher than normal failure rate. The drum separates on the ZF - often reverse

This is not the same transmission as the XJR.

 

Thank you Benebob. I have checked both links . The eBay link shows 8 litres and eurotoys shows 5 litres. The tranny shop mentioned 10 litres was required. Why the difference? I guess buying one of each would get me 13 litres and a filter at far less than the shop quoted. At one point, I had a link to a dipstick (on eBay I believe), but I can't find it. Anyone know where I can get a dipstick?

Thanks again for the valuable info

 

I went back to eBay and found 5 listings

http://shop.ebay.ca/i.html?_nkw=dips...&_sop=15&_sc=1

Will any or all of there work in a Jag XJR? I did send an email to the first listing asking that question

Thanks

 

Not all of the fluid will drain out - the best you do is about 1/2. Your transmission shop should have known this ???

I believe it was in 2000 that Mercedes eliminated the additional converter drain plug - so after that point the only fluid that you get out is from the pan. That may account for some of the difference in the fluid amounts listed in the MB "kits" you see being offered.

The information available on the internet regarding the MB transmission is overwhelming - same for the ZF. The transmission had typical production upgrades throughout its life, some early examples had a later filter/ fluid change recommended to eliminate the possibility of shaving. The original fluid supplied by MB has been superseded - so this adds to the confusion as well.

 

Just done this on mine, nip to your local Merc dealer and oggle the good looking girl on reception as she directs you to the parts department.
You'll need the correct dip tool and red fluid, sump gasket, copper washer for drain plug, and the key tap on the dip stick tube. To read about the procedure gives you the knowledge to question whoever is charged with the job.

All the guys comments are good advice, use the correct Merc parts and fluid.

They're good gearboxes.

 

10 litres should be about the capacity of the tranny. You will not get 10 liters out unless they put it on a machine to pump it out. I'm not a fan of machines in transmissions but that goes back to the damage they've done to Subaru awd trannies. I would rather do a change, drive a bit and do another change if your fluid is cooked that way you'll be 75% new,

Sean do you remember the key tap size?

 

Benebob, I can give you the part number - A140 991 00 55 I bought a couple, I'm going to keep changing the trans fluid at regular intervals.
Part number for the ATF is A 001 989 68 03 13. It cost £12 per litre, (about $20 USD).

 

I went back to eBay and found 5 listings

http://shop.ebay.ca/i.html?_nkw=dips...&_sop=15&_sc=1

Will any or all of there work in a Jag XJR? I did send an email to the first listing asking that question

Thanks
____

I received an answer from one of the sellers indicating the dipstick was not compatable with the tranny in an XJR. Any ideas on where to get a dipstick?

Thanks

______________

 

You can contact our vendors
Dan at Nalley

JPAM

or

ken@britishparts.com

www.jagbits.com

 

The dipstick length is dependent on the application -- different cars different dipstick length.

I believe you can buy the proper measuring tool (dipstick) from the dealer - I know one independent that fabricated one but that did not make me warm and fuzzy.

The fill is critical.

 

I did my 00' XJR about a month ago with the kit from mbdealz on ebay. I bought a clear plastic container from the dollar store, marked it in 1 qt. increments, and placed under the drain plug. I was able to drain right at 5 qts. (including what was in the pan). Installed the new filter, gasket, drain plug w/ring and poured the exact amount into the filler tube up top. My car had 121K miles at that point and I was very surprised to see how clean the old fluid was. I'm not sure it needed to be changed, but better safe than sorry I suppose.
The car shifts firm and on cue. Probably do it again after another 30K or so.

 

We have fleet cars go 250k on the original transmissions and fluid - never touch them. On our Lexus vehicles transmission service is recommend at 100k -- I normally have it done since its built into the timing belt package price and they use a conventional design with standard fluid.

The lack of a proper dipstick does annoy me with the "sealed" units. My experience is that some transmissions - even with no evidence of any leaks - require a top up along the way. Some are unbelievably sensitive to even slightly low fluid levels.

Many transmission failures have nothing to do with the fluid -- but the fluid gets blamed. You can not determine correct fluid level by the replacement method - its not accurate and the correct starting value is not verified.

 

So, if 5 qts. come out, more or less goes back in?

 

You are assuming that the transmission is properly filled at the start of the process -- and then I guess you add a little for the loss on the containers and the filter.


It is not an accurate way to do it -- although it may work.


I understand the reason why the dipsticks are locked -- to stop any introduction of the wrong fluid. But, by not providing a dipstick or even the tube in many cars -- the checking of the fluid becomes difficult enough that it is often overlooked. Some transmissions never need additional fluid but most do at some point -- even being 1/2 quart low can have an effect.

 

Ahh, good point.

 

a pint low caused me all sorts of problems. buy a ebay dipstick for 25 bucks. It is worth it.