I have been researching fluids for the Mercedes 722.6 Tiptronics in our 996TT's, as I'd like to put the "correct" fluid in it for a transfer case gasket repair.

The original Mercedes spec is 236.10, which is Shell 3403, which may be NLA.

Porsche dealer fluid is spec is 236.12 which is Fuchs Titan 3353. BTW, dealer charges $50/ L but I've seen the exact same fluid online for $10-13 / L

Both the 3403 and 3353 fluids are Dexron III -ish in composition.

Mercedes new dealer spec for the the 722.6 is spec 236.14 which is Fuchs 4134 or Shell 134 (a type IV composition) which they claim is backward compatible to 236.10 and 234.12. It is actually a thinner fluid than the previous fluids and is actually spec'd for the 722.9 7 speed trannies.

Autohaus AZ lists all Type IV type fluids for a 996TT. They carry the Fuchs 3353, but only list it for Mercedes vehicles.

Many aftermarket synthetic ATF's such as Redline, Amsoil, Royal Purple, etc. claim 236.10 "compatibility".

Can anybody clarify what is the "correct" fluid and share any good or bad experiences with specific fluids.

http://www.carquestprofessionals.com...%206.10.13.pdf

 

Another question: which fluid was / is the factory fill for my 2001 TT tip?

 

I used redline D4 in my Cayenne S that is basically the same trans.

After change I instantly noticed much better shifting. It has been in over a year now with no problems. If I had a tip turbo I would not hesitate to change with the D4.

 

Quote per Crossfire Forum, which also uses 722.6 trans:

236.10 - MB P/N 001-989-21-03-10 - Designed for the 722.6 5-speeds (used in Porsche 996 TT) in our cars and will produce the firmest and most accurate shifts (3403 fluid - NLA anywhere. Closest I can find is Pentosin ATF 1, which is same spec as Porsche ZF Tiptronics, but it's yellow).

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 (3353 fluid, red color, currently sped'd by Porsche for 722.6)

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 (4134 or Shell 134 fluid, red color).

BTW, 722.9 7 speed wan't introduced until late 2003.

 

so the tip uses the same transmission as the crossfire!?

that's gotta be a confidence builder lol

 

...and the Sprinter. Chrysler actually states that on their ATF bottles. STR8's and Maybachs also used the same box. Wiki 722.6, there is a long list of vehicles that used it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercede...c_transmission

If it makes you fell any better, when Mercedes introduced the 7 speed 722.9 "... all V12-powered cars such as the S600 and S65 AMG still retain the 5G-Tronic, which has a torque capacity of 796 lb·ft (1,079 N·m), as the newer 7G-Tronic is limited to 542 lb·ft (735 N·m), not enough to handle the torque from the V12 engine."

 

After reviewing many, many threads, I think I'm going for Shell 134 ATF (aka 4134). If it's good enough for the high mileage Benz guys, it's good enough for me.

http://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w2...-4134-a-6.html

Funny that the Benz's recommend replacing trans fluid every 38k miles.

EDIT: using Pentosin ATF 1, as it appears to be what's in it now per members observation / recommendation.

 

After what I have been through and saw with mine, I would agree that 38k would be a great Idea. I would replace filter as well. It's cheap insurance. As I told you on the phone, the most critical part is the proper fluid level!!!!!!!!!!

 

I agree. I just bought a VOM with temp probe for $29 at Harbour Freight.

BTW, O'Reily's and Advanced Auto now carry Pentosin ATF1, $19/L or $12-ish /L in 5 L jugs. Shell distributors carry Shell 134, locally it's $5-ish / L by the case, $62 / case of 12 bottles.

 

You should use the Porsche fluid. If the cost is too high at the dealer then you can try to source it for less elsewhere, but regardless I think you should use the Porsche fluid.

That is what is in there now. And Porsche recommends a 90K mile (IIRC) change interval. It can do this knowing from its experience with the fluid it will still be up to the task at 90K miles.

(I would however, if I owned a Tip equipped car have the fluid and filter changed at less than 90K miles, for instance having it changed at 60K maybe even 50K miles or possibly even 45K miles. The fluid in my manual equipped cars gets changed between 30K to 90K miles with the 30K miles the first change and subsequent changes coming at 60 to 90K miles later.)

If you go with another fluid the is considerable Porsche (or old) fluid level in the Tip. The two fluids may not be compatible/miscible. This could end up causing problems.

If you choose to not use Porsche fluid, if you choose to ignore the only authority on the proper fluid for your car's Tip transmission then you can choose any fluid you want.

 

The Pentosin is the fluid that was original in my 2001. It is yellow/goldish. I had more than one Porsche tech (really good ones) and a parts guy research this and they found the 2001 Turbo used this and switched to the red in 2002 and up. I fully rebuilt mine so I went ahead and updated to the Porsche branded red stuff. Brumos Porsche was kind enough to make me a deal I couldn't pass up on all my replacement parts as I have almost fully restored this 90,000 mile car back to new condition. There really isn't anything special or magical in this transmission. However, fluid level is more critical with this transmission than anything else. I recommend not mixing fluids with the Pentosin for sure! If your Tip bleeds yellow or goldish, put Pentosin back in it.

 

As my TT is a 2001, what is most likely in there right now is 3403 fluid (spec 236.10), which is NLA. Pentosin ATF1 is Merc spec 236.11 which is "close enough" to OG spec, just the wrong color (yellow / tan).

The "current"Porsche fluid is 3353 (spec 236.12), which was actually designed for the 7 speed Merc tranny, (not the 5 speed 722.6) and wasn't available until late 2003. It is also "close enough" to OG spec. See Crossfire post from yesterday.

The current Mercedes fluid is 134 / 4134 (spec 236.14), which they state is absolutely backward compatible to a 722.6. So, according to Mercedes, 134 is the current correct fluid for a 5 speed 722.6 and "close enough" to OG spec, at least for them.

 

this...at the proper temp with the proper method to measure temp

 

What is "NLA"? What color is yours? I thought you told me on the phone yours was yellow/gold also

One thing for sure, the Pentosin is very distinct in color, smell, and feel. It is very different from any other ATF. I had some of each here when I was trying to figure out what was in mine. As soon as I started comparing, it was very obvious that the Pentosin was a match.

 

First, thank you for all your assistance and patience with my transfer case repair. I really appreciate it!

NLA = No Longer Available (aka unobtanium, LOL)

I think my fluid is red-ish. It looked brown / tan-ish when it first came out of the sump, but close to the bottom of the sump, it started to appear more red.

BTW, I must have a "late" 2001 TT, as I have the 2002 up style sump with the 2 5mm drain plugs.