[R129 SL] New to the 129

[MBKindOfGuy]

I think you may need to get a new dealer <grin>.  Sounds to me like they 
either don't know your car very well, or they really don't care to service 
your parts needs very well.  Just my (not so) humble opinion.

As far as I've been able to tell, the dipstick is not a permanent one, 
rather it is used for "testing" the level.  It's a workshop tool, not a 
permanent dipstick.  The cap on the filler tube is removable (breaking off 
the red "tab" lock, sometimes called the filler neck cover pin).  You test 
and fill through the tube, and when done you replace the cap and put in a 
new red locking tab.  This is, of course, assuming your R129 has the 722.6xx 
transmission.  I am speaking in terms of my 1998 SL500, and am not sure if 
this information applies to others years, models, etc.

The dealer part number are:
- Tranny dipstick: 140-589-15-21-00 (about $40-$45 from on-line OEM sources)
- Filler neck cover pin (red tap on filler tube cap): 140-991-00-55 (about 
65 cents each from on-line OEM sources)
- If you use the MB tranny fluid, p/n 001-989-21-03-10, it costs about $8.50 
per liter from on-line OEM sources (this appears to be the actual MB fluid 
too).  My SL takes about 10 liters.
- A couple of other parts to have on hand for this are the tranny filter, 
drain plugs (2) and crush washers (2) for the torque converter and fluid 
pan.  Also, there should be a magnet in the pan, and if not, here's the p/n 
for that too:
Filter: 140-277-00-95
Drain plugs: 126-997-01-32 or 000000-000648
Crush washers: 140-271-00-60 or 007603-010112
Pan magnet: 220-271-00-98

I encourage you to double check the part numbers for your particular model 
and VIN.

Personallly, I tend to order these parts from on-line OEM parts suppliers. 
However I've recently found this site which appears to sell genuine MB parts 
at reasonable prices, although I've not used them yet: 
http://www.mercedesbenzgenuineparts.com/

One note is to make sure the tranny fluid is checked hot, i.e. 80-deg C. 
This is from what I've read on some on-line forums.  I've recently ordered 
the various service books and maintenance manuals, but I don't yet have them 
in hand.  I point this out as I don't know the exact procedure, although it 
should be pretty straight forward.  I also don't know what level to fill to 
on the dipstick.

I intend on changing the fluid every 30,000 miles.  I just purchased my 
SL500 a couple of weeks ago and it has 51,xxx miles on it.  So I'm preparing 
now for the 60K service.  The maintenance records do not show the tranny 
fluid as ever being replaced on mine, so my 60K service will be the first 
tranny fluid replacement.

Here's an interesting forum to read on this topic: 
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?t=102541.  I 
particularly liked the 08-31-2004, 07:42 PM posting by "Gilly" where he 
quotes Service Information 27A95105.  It looks like MB even says "We never 
specified who's life" in the service info, when referring to the sealed or 
filled-for-life statement.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Howard M. Ginsberg
1998 SL500, 51KMiles
1993 300E, 110KMiles
1988 300E (Sold at 162KMiles)
1986 300E (Sold at 180KMiles)

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "George Jenner" <gjenner at nc.rr.com>
To: "SL Mailing List" <r129list at mbcoupes.com>
Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2005 10:46 AM
Subject: Re: [R129 SL] New to the 129


> Howard, you mentioned ordering an A/T dipstick for your SL.  I called my 
> MB dealer today and asked for one.  The response was that there is no 
> dipstick available.  Where did you go for the one you ordered?
>
> Thanks, George
> The MB Coupes Website!
> R129 SL Mailing List