Tried searching for this but could not find it...

I was trying to fix my wipers yesterday and I was pulling the cowl cover off I noticed there was an easily reachable "plug" over the transmission bell-housing directly behind the engine. Can fluid levels be checked and/or filled through this plug?

I am very sensitive about transmission fluid and if there's a way to make sure I've got the right level etc. that would be pretty cool.

 

You have to buy a special tool from the dealer if they sell it. The tranny is said to not need any service or at least from any of us.

 

Gotcha,

I realize Mercedes, like BMW states 80-100k mile service intervals as well, but some of the guys on the BMW boards like to change their fluid every 30k miles for maximum trans longevity.

What concerns me a little more is that I've read (and recently saw one example here) that the SLK/XFire has a known issue with a trans seal going bad and fluid leaking out. Just wanted to see if there was any way to check the level or top off the fluid.

I'll leave it alone in that case.

Thanks!

 

The leak is a TSB and is only noticeable if the car is parked for more than one day. Mine was such a small leak, even though it looked like a good sized puddle after a few days. I would just take it in and get it taken care of even if it's not leaking yet.

 

You know, its funny. I just found and downloaded all the documentation for our cars, and I JUST finished reading the TSB for the trans leak. Now that I see exactly where it happens, I'll keep an eye on it and/or have it checked when I take the car in for a few other service items.

Thanks again.