Mercedes-Benz 7-Speed Transmission Fluid and Filter Change Instructions

Mercedes-Benz cars made after 2003 use a 7-speed automatic transmission called 7G-Tronic. The 7-speed transmission offers better performance, shorter shift times, and improved fuel economy. Even though the manufacturer may recommend it, the transmission is sealed for life. It doesn’t need servicing; transmission fluid and filter changes every 60,000 miles can extend the transmission life when properly performed.

This guide provides steps to change the transmission fluid and filter on the 7-speed transmission. This is a simple job that you can perform in your garage. It requires a few basic tools and a special connector.

Parts you will need

• Transmission oil 236.15, ATF 134 FE –  0019897703 (6 quarts)
  • Recommended Shell or Fuchs Europe.
• Transmission filter – 2222772000
• Transmission pan gasket 2202710380
• Drain plug washer  007603012102
• Overflow pipe 2222710097 (optional)
• Pan bolts 0049903512 (recommended)

Tools required

• 722.9 Transmission Fluid Adapter Filler adapter
• Fluid transfer pump
• 6mm Allen key socket
• 10mm Allen key socket
• Extension for sockets
• Universal joint (on some models)
• Flat screwdriver
• MB-specific scan tool or an IR thermometer
• Oil drain pan
• Torque wrench

Before you start

• Avoid letting fluid get in contact with your skin. Use gloves and safety glasses.
• Transmission fluid may be too warm and cause burns.
• Secure the vehicle with jack stands in addition to the jacks.
• This procedure only replaces the fluid in the oil pan, which is about 40% of the total capacity of the transmission fluid.

Procedure

1. Jack up the vehicle at all four-wheel. The vehicle needs to be level. The easiest way to do this is on a lift. Still, if you don’t have access to it, lift both the front and rear sides of the car on jack stands, ensuring it is leveled and sits securely.
2. Depending on the model, you must remove the whole splash guard or just the rear section. You will need an 8mm socket to remove the screws that hold the splash guard. 
3. Place an oil pad directly under the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission pan. Using a 6mm Allen key, loosen the drain plug at the bottom of the transmission pan.
4. Only one portion of oil will flow out, as there is an overflow pipe above the drain hole. After the oil stops flowing out, use a suitable flathead screwdriver to push the overflow pipe up, allowing the rest of the oil to drain.
5. Locate and remove eight bolts that hold the transmission pan in place. For this, you will need a 10mm Allen key socket and a suitable extension. Carefully lower the transmission pan and move it out of the way. A small amount of oil remains in the pan, so be careful as you lower the oil pan. Don’t tip the pan to the side. 
6. Carefully pull down and remove the filter, which is integrated into a metal housing. You may need to wiggle until it comes free. The oil filter snaps in place.
7. On the transmission pan, remove the old gasket and the overflow pipe. Locate and remove two disc-shaped magnets. Thoroughly clean both magnets and the pan itself, ensuring no metal shavings. Install a new washer on the drain plug.
8. Refit magnets and overflow pipe at their previous locations and install a new pan gasket. While fitting the gasket, make sure it sits properly.
9. Install the new oil filter by carefully pushing it into the hole on the control valve body. Using a brake cleaner and rugs, clean the mating surface at the gearbox housing.
10. Raise the transmission pan in its location and bolt it down. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to three lb-ft.
11. Fill the transfer pump with five liters of gearbox oil and build up the pressure. If you use an electric pump, connect the pump to a twelve-volt power source and insert the pickup tube in a full fluid container.
12. Place the filler adapter into the drain plug, connect the pump hose, and open the valve. Let the pump work until five quarts are in, and then close the valve.
13. Setting the correct level requires the gearbox oil to be at 45 °C, turn on the engine, and leave it running until the gearbox oil temperature reaches this value. You will need a specific scan tool to access these values or an IR thermometer for the gearbox housing temperature.
14. With transmission temperature at 45 °C, push the gearbox lever through P-R-D and back several times.
15. Return underneath the car, disconnect the filler adapter, and allow excess fluid to drain until only a small amount still drains out. If there is no transmission fluid draining out, add more fluid and repeat the process as needed.
16. When drainage is almost over, quickly reinstall the transmission drain plug, tighten it to 17 lb-ft using a torque wrench, and reinstall all remaining parts.

Where is the dipstick to measure the transmission fluid level?

The 7-Speed 722.9 transmission has no dipstick tube or dipstick. The fluid level is checked using the oil drain bolt-hole overflow method. Always check the transmission fluid at the recommended temperature for the transmission fluid.

Applications

Applications of the 7-speed automatic transmission include:

• 2007-2010 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Coupé
• 2005-2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 280 Roadster
• 2005-2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Roadster
• 2005-2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Roadster
• 2005-2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series Roadster
• 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK 200 Roadster
• 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 Roadster
• 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK 250 CDI Roadster
• 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Roadster
• 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Roadster
• 2003-2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Roadster
• 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 350 Roadster
• 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Roadster
• 2008-2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 280 Roadster
• 2008-2011 Mercedes-Benz SL 350 Roadster
• 2008-2011 Mercedes-Benz SL 550 Roadster
• 2008-2011 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Roadster
• 2009-2011 Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Roadster
• 2012-2014 Mercedes-Benz SL 350 Roadster
• 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz SL 400 Roadster
• 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Roadster
• 2012-2014 Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG Roadster
• 2012-2018 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Roadster
• 2016-present Mercedes-Benz SL 400 Roadster
• 2016-present Mercedes-Benz SL 500 Roadster
• 2006-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 320 CDI 4MATIC LWB
• 2006-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 350 4MATIC LWB
• 2006-2007 Mercedes-Benz R 500 4MATIC LWB
• 2007 Mercedes-Benz R 63 AMG 4MATIC LWB
• 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 280 LWB
• 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 280 CDI LWB
• 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 350 LWB
• 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 500 4MATIC LWB
• 2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz ML 280 CDI 4MATIC SUV
• 2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz ML 320 CDI 4MATIC SUV
• 2005-2008 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 4MATIC SUV
• 2005-2007 Mercedes-Benz ML 500 4MATIC SUV
• 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz ML 420 CDI 4MATIC SUV
• 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG 4MATIC SUV
• 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML 500 4MATIC SUV
• 2005-2007 Mercedes-Benz C 320 CDI Sedan
• 2006-2007 Mercedes-Benz C 230 Sedan
• 2006-2007 Mercedes-Benz C 280 Sedan
• 2006-2007 Mercedes-Benz C 350 Sedan
• 2004-2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 4-Door Coupé
• 2004-2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 4-Door Coupé
• 2005-2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 320 CDI 4-Door Coupé
• 2006-2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS 320 CDI 4-Door Coupé
• 2006-2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 4-Door Coupé
• 2006-2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CGI 4-Door Coupé
• 2006-2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 4-Door Coupé
• 2006-2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG 4-Door Coupé
• 2007-2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Black Series 4-Door Coupé
• 2006-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 280 CDI 4MATIC Sedan
• 2006-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 320 CDI 4MATIC Sedan
• 2006-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 350 4MATIC Sedan
• 2006-2007 Mercedes-Benz R 500 4MATIC Sedan
• 2007 Mercedes-Benz R 63 AMG 4MATIC Sedan
• 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 280 Sedan
• 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 280 CDI Sedan
• 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 350 Sedan
• 2008-2010 Mercedes-Benz R 500 4MATIC Sedan
• 2006-2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 320 CDI 4MATIC SUV
• 2006-2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 420 CDI 4MATIC SUV
• 2006-2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 450 4MATIC SUV
• 2006-2009 Mercedes-Benz GL 500 4MATIC SUV

There may be other applications of this transmission not included in this list.

We hope you find the Mercedes-Benz 7-Speed Transmission Fluid and Filter Change Instructions guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mercedes-Benz.