[R129 SL] Transmission oil changes

[SamShentonTan at aol.com]

Hi All
 
Just to add to the oil change debate........
 
I run a C250 Turbodiesel Estate as an everyday dog carrier and was told on  
many occasions by my dealer that the gearbox oil did not need changing as it 
was  a sealed unit.... I have since discovered this to be total nonsense, much 
to my  cost! The gearbox self distructed for no apparent reason due to the 
needle  bearing on the planetary gear set falling apart. Apparently this is a very 
 common problem on Mercedes cars with the later 5 speed 'electronic' type  
gearboxes. Having spoken to many gearbox specialists, they have all confirmed  
this to me saying the cause for this problem is the cramming of more components 
 into a smaller space.... something has to give I guess!
 
All I will say to you all is.... have the oil changed as frequently as you  
see fit, from now on (1 totally rebuilt gearbox later) I will be changing the  
oil at least every 20k miles, its cheaper than a new gearset... believe  me!
 
Happy New Year to all... hope the year to come is a happy motoring  one.
 
Sam Shenton-Tan
UK
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