Synthetic Or Conventional Atf?? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 10-08-2003, 10:45 PM

Hi,

I always use synthetic motor oil in my 92' 500E engine and it provides superior protection to conventional motor oil.

I heard that synthetic ATF is superior to conventional ATF. decided to change to synthetic ATF next time due. any expert opinion welcome.

CurrysAuto · #2 10-10-2003, 10:39 AM

It's difficult to answer your question without knowing the service history of your car -- specifically as it relates to the transmission. For instance, if you kept up with the transmission service intervals recommended by MB (you didn't state how many miles were on your 500E) and had the fluid flushed, as opposed to just having a drain and fill procedure done, switching to a synthetic transmission oil probably won't hurt. This also assumes that you don't have 300K miles on your car too.

We work on a lot of MB transmissions here, but as a general rule if we are servicing a high-mileage vehicle or one where the trans has not been regularly flushed, we do not recommend switching over to a synthetic ATF. If you do decide to make the move over to a synthetic, make sure that the shop flushes the system and adds a conditioner to the system too.

I hope this helps.

ke6dcj · #3 10-13-2003, 11:17 AM

No need to go to synthetic ATF on a 500E, esp. if you diligently change out ATF & filter every 30K miles, 15K (fluid only) for city or towing service.

If you want better shifting try either SWEPCO's 714 20wt. or Schaeffer's synthetic-blend ATF.

The Porsche 928 club-races swear that the SWEPCO ATF really makes the MB-tranny's (500E & 928-auto share the same tranny) much better. I've switched over to SWEPCO, and have to agree, especially since I've previously used Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF for 60K miles.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG (Swepco ATF)
1993 500E (Swepco ATF)

run.exe · #4 10-13-2003, 05:17 PM

I'm with Neil V.; I have run Mobil-1 synthetic motor oil (5W50 or 15W50) since day one - along with Red Line synthetic differential gear oil.

I have run both SWEPCO's 714 (20wt) and Mercedes-Benz (OEM, synthetic) ATF, given their high temp-handling/high viscocity rating (per my tech's advice) -
no problems, yet, in the past (hard-driving) 4 years...

Michael · #5 10-13-2003, 07:49 PM

My 300E has 200k miles, and shifts as-new with Red Line Syn ATF (which has been in there since the car had 68k miles, and had 2 dino fluid changes in its prior history). My 500E has over 100k on it (with well over 50 track days) and still shifts very well (but I'll admit that under part throttle, the 2-3 shift slips a bit when it's cold). I've heard great things about SWEPCO, though, so on your advice Neil I think I'll try it next time. Do they have a fully syn product?

One of my good friends runs a trans rebuild shop, and recommends synthetic to anyone who will listen. But regardless, he says frequent changes can do nothing but help (I do my 300TE at 30k mile intervals, the 500E is more like every 15k).

FWIW.

ke6dcj · #6 10-13-2003, 11:45 PM

With the properly chosen base-stocks and additives, the only advantage of a synthetic really is extended drain-intervals.

My mechanic, whom I forced to fill my tranny with SWEPCO ATF, was absolutely amazed when he drained the fluid 30K miles later.

The fluid was so clean and red he thought it was new, and the tranny valve-body was so extremely clean. Even the tranny filter showed no particulates, and he can attest to hard my shifting is on both the 500E and C36-powered wagon.

The same was true wth the SWEPCO 201 80w90 gear/diff oil. The fluid came out SO CLEAN 30K miles later.

My mechanic also races SCCA SPEC-7 RX-7's and Improved-Stock Subaru's. He's now a believer and ONLY uses SWEPCO products.

Rick Ellington of RC-Imports who races MB's, had a diff that lost a fill-plug, and they continued to run at less than full-capacity for the duration of the race.

He tore-apart the diff later, and measured no wear! Rick is the one who told me to use SWEPCO lubricants, esp. since I purchased a 3.07 LSD from him.

:-) neil

BTW: I'm always on the lookout for better products, and I'm going to give Schaeffer Lubricants a try. Industrial and agricultural users swears by them, as do some racing teams. While Schaeffers does provide a 100% synthetic, they don't heavily promote it, because their blends also use such good base-stocks and additives and have proven themselves in engine and gearbox oil-analysis, and they (blends) cost less than 1/2 of their 100% synthetic-line.

#7 01-02-2004, 09:21 PM

Looking for Swepco ATF? Anybody know of a good source for Swepco ATF. I couldn't find anyone who sells it using internet search. Thanks.

Michael · #8 01-03-2004, 03:28 PM

Well, it let go at 135k miles. No reverse, barely moves forward. Goes in Monday for a complete rebuild to the 600SL specs (one add'l clutch, diff. basket as I understand).

So, what fluid does the Board recommend for break-in? When should I change it for the first time (I'm thinkin' 2-3k miles, w/ filter)? What fluid do I run going forward?

Thanks in advance, guys

ke6dcj · #9 01-03-2004, 08:40 PM

I still recommend the SWEPCO 712 20wt. ATF and so do Porsche 928 users who have the same automatic tranny.

:-) neil

Try below (call them- not listed on their website); your local Porsche independent; or your local Porsche club.

http://www.drivewerks.com/catalog/shopcart/CARE/POR_CARE_SWEPCO-detail.htm

http://www.rwparts.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=62
http://www.pap-parts.com/store/products.asp?dept=2538