Found this interesting item on the Sonnax website.

"The Sprinter, Crossfire and Mercedes units require specific fluid due to calibration issues, while the other Chrysler applications use ATF+4."

According to Sonnax, it seems that ATF+4 is recommended only for US-built NAG1 transmissions. The MB ATF recommendation should be followed for Crossfires. The phrase "due to calibration issues" is interesting. What exactly does that mean? Could the use of ATF+4 actually damage the Crossfire transmission, or simply affect shifting performance? If the only difference is a slight difference in shifting performance, which some owners may not mind, it could be advantageous for them use ATF+4 due to its cheaper price .

 

I have ran both... And I prefer the ATF+4. Firmer shifts and a heck of a lot cheaper, even with my employee pricing at MB.

 

Here are my transmission notes.
Like Ronald said. "Trust and Verify."
Transmission lube and related parts:
http://europarts-sd.com/transmission...r2002-2009.asp
Transmission Leak Fix: Transmission adapter plug p/n 68021352aa ("Barrel Guide")
Mercedes Benz Transmission Conductor Plate 1402701161 (above valve body)
Transmission info - Mercedes-Benz 722.6 Transmission FAQ - Mercedes-Benz Forum
https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...-ta-daaaa.htmlrundown of the available trans fluids
236.10 - MB P/N 001-989-21-03-10 - Designed for the 722.6 5-speeds in our cars and will produce the firmest and most accurate shifts You can get the filter from them as well as the seal around the bottom and the crush washer for the drain plug.
Mercedes Transmission Filter 1402770095 - RM European Auto Parts
Mercedes Transmission Pan Gasket 1402710080 - RM European Auto Parts
Mercedes Seal Ring (10 X 20 mm) Automatic Transmission Drain Plug 1402710060 - RM European Auto
Mercedes Benz Transmission Conductor Plate 1402701161
volkstoymotorsports.com

236.10 - MB P/N 001-989-21-03-10 - Designed for the 722.6 5-speeds in our cars and will produce the firmest and most accurate shifts
236.12 - MB P/N 001-989-45-03-10 - Designed for the 722.9 7-speeds and MB also used it in the 5-speeds to reduce the number fluids they had to stock
236-14 - MB P/N 001-989-68-03-10 - Redesigned fluid for the 722.9 7-speeds to mitigate customer complaints of firm shifting
Or The correct fluid is : Mopar part# 05127382AA Transmission Fluid: Sprinter and Crossfire
Shell atf 134 has MB 236.14 approval http://www.epc.shell.com/Docs/GPCDOC...1006251627.pdf

 

My conductor plate went out and I ordered a kit. I am resurrecting this thread to clear up some confusion that still may be out there. I am choosing to use Shell 134 ATF vs Mopar ATF+4 or any other ATF+4 for these reasons:

Specific warnings on product to NOT use ATF+4 in Crossfire:


https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Mopar.../dp/B000TWDVM8

Specific notation in listing AND on the back of the bottle for Mopar ATF+4

The approved automatic transmission fluid for all vehicles factory filled with ATF+4. Check dipstick for fluid identification. A “fill for life” quality fluid. Do not use this transmission fluid for either Crossfire or Sprinter automatic transmissions.

There is a specific Mopar fluid that is 236.14 compliant, specifically for the Crossfire, albeit expensive using the Mopar branded label:

Specific Mopar ATF JUST for Sprinter and Crossfire: Mopar Part # 5127382AB

Mentions compatibility with 236.14 spec and Crossfire/Sprinter auto trans on the back of the bottle.

Specific listings/PDF that shows ATF+4 to be used in all sealed for life Chryslers with EXCEPTION to Crossfire/Sprinter:

Automatic Transmission Fluid Application Guide


Shell 3403 has been replace with 134, and is 236.12, 236.14 compliant and specifically mentions compatibility WITH the Crossfire (Crossfire mentions 236.10, 236.12 in manual)

https://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Mopar.../dp/B000TWDVM8


Shell ATF 134 is a premium semi-synthetic automatic transmission fluid designed for use in Mercedes Benz 7 speed transmission. • Meets MB approval 236.14 • This product replaces all ATF products listed on MB approval 236.12 • Shell ATF 134 is approved for use for the latest NAG2V sport transmission with west starting clutch (model 0722.930, 931, 932) and the 7G-Tronic (models 722.9 / W7A 700 /NAG2). it can also be used in all 5 speed transmissions with controlled torque converter lockup clutch for vehicles with rear wheel drive (model 722.6 / W5A 580 / NAG1) • Suitable for Chrysler Crossfire, sprinter vans and other vehicles requiring shell ATF 134 or Shell ATF 3353 fluids.

 

While reading ATF bottles at my local Advance Auto Parts I came across the Valvoline Import Multi-Vehicle Full Synthetic brand of transmission fluid.


On the back label where it says Recommended for use in: Mercedes-Benz - NAG-1, 236.10 and older. I could not find the Shell line of ATF fluids in my area.


The last owner of my new Crossfire let a lot of maintenance issues go. One was transmission fluid level in the damn car ! After reading the label I took a leap of faith and purchased a couple of quarts to use in the Crossfire. It has been shifting fine and I was wondering what other forum members think of this line of fluid. Did I do OK or am I on borrowed time ?


Thanks

 

I personally would stick with AT LEAST 236.12. The manual does however mention 236.10, 236.12 as compatible fluids. It depends on the age of the car. 2005 is now 12 model years, so you could be OK with that. If it's shifting fine, and you aren't tracking the car on a hot August day, and it's not leaking at the connector or throwing P0715 speed sensor codes, your conductor plate is holding up. Any part that mentions the Sprinter/Crossfire as compatible, or has 236.10/236.12 should be good to go. It's the ATF+4 that specifically warns against use in Crossfires that had me dropping it from the chosen list.