171 SLK

[LMV600]

Having owned my 171 for around 6 months I am considering changing the manual gearbox and differential oils , not for any particular reason , only that I cannot find any reference in the history to confirm it has been done since new ( 2008 ) .
I struggle to buy in to the oil for life scenario and my local MB specialist is advising me not to do it as it may cause a whine to appear .
Anyone got any thoughts on this or have personal experience to share .

[Stegel]

I have no experience with MB manual gearboxes but like you I don’t subscribe to the sealed for life argument. I’ve changed the diff oil on Mercedes varying between 60k and 140k miles, using Fuchs oil, and never had a problem. The old, certainly original, oil in a car changed at 100k miles smelled terrible and was opaque, whereas the second change of a car on c130k came out pretty clean. 14mm hex socket seems standard on MBs, and I use a cheap Draper hand pump to insert the new oil - about 1.2 litres per diff.

[paulwirral]

If your doing it yourself make sure you remove the fill plug before the drain plug just in case it's stuck or you round it off ! Nothing like watching the oil drain out whilst realising the fill plug is knackered !

[WJNB]

paulwirral said:

If your doing it yourself make sure you remove the fill plug before the drain plug just in case it's stuck or you round it off ! Nothing like watching the oil drain out whilst realising the fill plug is knackered !

Now that IS good advice. I also assume that with the filler plug removed allowing air in to replace the oil it will drain more quickly & thoroughly.

[PositronicRay]

When I first had my SL a 50mph diff whine was noticeable, I've changed the oil a couple of times. I can't remember when it went, but I'm either used to it or its quieter.

I'll have a listen.

[LMV600]

Thanks for all the replies , much appreciated .

Despite my local specialists comments I'm going to crack on and " get it done " !!

I have ramp access at work so i will order the fluids and do it myself .