Mercedes 722.9 7G Failure Prevention Part 1: Fluid - Filter - Flush @ 40K

I present part 1 of my multi-part preventative maintenance series on the 2004 to 2010 722.9 automatic transmissions. After 2010 it was called the 722.9+. Here, we will take a close look at the fluid and filter from a 2004 transmission with 78,000 miles. It is not a pretty sight. Later I will discuss an upgrade you can do on a 2004 to 2010 model (part 2), how to do a DIY full system flush (part 3), how to repair a failed transmission (part 4), and how to use a new generation scanner (around $500) to troubleshoot problems and get you home when your transmission glitches or fails to move. (part 5) and finally, doing a service on a 2014 model 722.9+ with only 40K miles on it. (part 6). Factory says 60K on these later versions. Let us see if that is true.
Here is the link to all my detailed instruction videos. Good way to support my channel and learn something new in return. mercedessource...
LINK TO PART 2: • Mercedes 722.9 7G Fail...
LINK TO PART 3: • Mercedes 722.9 7G Fail...

[@michaelanderson9237]

As an owner of a 2008 E350 I'm so glad to see you creating videos on this series. I love this car, purchased this one owner (airline pilot) as certified preowned from the dealer, in it was literally perfect. 100K miles later it still runs great with only a few issues.

[@Susan-n7m5f]

Great advice on all your mech experience.. thankyou.

[@m60kaf]

I agree with everything you say about the 722.9 . The system is too dirty for the precision metered solenoids. I have taken valve bodies apart where the oil inside is like thick grease. Also the dirt in the fluid drops into the body from above

[@ArneKrüger-t6s]

"Then you should be good to go. Just put the new fluid in, put the new filter on, and you will be fine. That's what you've been told. But I disagree." Yes, sir! Dead right... :)

[@chris4321das]

Thanks Kent!
I still kick myself for not buying your 1979 w116 300SD with a 1982 OM617 18 years ago! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@ztech6596]

What is the composition of the whiteish/milkish residue on the bottom of the pan? Water/condensation, fine aluminum particles or some breakdown product of the fluid itself?

[@thetruth7633]

Superb video! Friend of mine has a W212 350CDI 2010, Mercedes said "lifetime" for the AT oil, but I told him get it flushed because it started to shift less smooth. He has had the gearbox flushed once, very black oil, and now changes oil every 100000km, comes out pretty clean. Must be 722.9+ box or it would not have survived 400000km?

[@rusty358]

Mercedes recommends Shell ATF 134 fluid. There are 3 or 4 German fluid manufacturers and FCP recommends Pentosin, 2 types. I have a 2006 ML350 and wonder if the Shell is OK?

[@8MunchenBayern8]

I thought flushes were not good for transmissions? My independent Mercedes specialist says to stick with drain and fill with filter replacement. do you agree?

[@Mercedessource]

I do not do a typical pressure flush. I take a more gentle approach, so I am going to refrain from using the word flush in the future when I can. I will instead call it a "power-drain" of the transmission fluid. I will be explaining more in upcoming videos.

[@ricksteelcustoms3196]

I have an 05 R230 SL500 I have 2 rectangular covers is one of the for giving access to the toque converter drain plug?

[@markhabel2252]

Kent, which coil over brand did you end up using for your conversion?

[@Mercedessource]

mercedessource.com/news/kent-converts-his-sl500-abc-adjustable-coil-overs-and-couldnt-be-happier

[@RadFox1320]

What about the transmission cooler?

[@Mercedessource]

My power drain procedure removes the old fluid in the transmission cooler as well as the torque converter.

[@abhishekmalik8359]

Hlo Sir, hope you are doing great.
I have W211 E350 my car’s transmission is slipping from stand still to 2nd and then goes to limp mode. What can be the issue and how it can be solved.

[@Mercedessource]

I am working on that video now. Curious - what is the mileage on your car and has the fluid ever been changed?

[@abhishekmalik8359]

86k kms

[@Mercedessource]

you most likely have a conductor plate failure. Google 722.9 conductor plate problems.

[@rafaelmeneses5066]

@@abhishekmalik8359have someone run the codes. If there are speed sensor faults the conductor plate needs to be repaired.

[@markgideon23]

lesson learned: drain it overnight