Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: mauro12 on April 06, 2024, 16:30:54

Title: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: mauro12 on April 06, 2024, 16:30:54
Hi guys , yesterday I was in my local Mercedes Benz dealer and I saw for sale the genuine Mercedes atf 236.14. I was wondering if it’s a good idea to put in my 5speed zf gearbox or is a too modern version for our cars .
Last time I replaced the oil was 4 years ago with regular atf ( maybe from castrol ). The original service manual says to replace the manual gearbox fluid every 20.000km but doesn’t explain how often if you don’t cover that distance ( I do barely 1000km per year ). What do you think it’s a good idea ?
Same question for the differential oil , in this case is recommended 75w90.
Thank you
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: mauro12 on April 07, 2024, 10:51:21
Any ideas ?
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: Jowe on April 07, 2024, 18:54:34
In the Enthusiast Service Manual, page 5, you will find all the fluid specs. See https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/ServiceManual

Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: Benz Dr. on April 07, 2024, 22:18:29
I use a synthetic ATF in my car. For such a rare and valuable item why not use the best you can get.
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: mauro12 on April 07, 2024, 22:38:27
Genuine Mercedes atf ( probably made by Petronas ) would be ok or maybe too modern ?
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: MP on April 13, 2024, 10:59:18
ZF recommend a 75w80 ( Ecofluid M ) for the S5-20 gearbox, look on their site and gearbox list and fluids.
An alternative is Pakelo Golden gear LD Plus, similar spec .
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: mauro12 on April 14, 2024, 17:41:15
That’s strange because Mercedes has always recommended atf
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: MP on April 14, 2024, 19:41:24
ZF make the box, look at their site.
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: Benz Dr. on April 14, 2024, 20:02:54
ZF make the box, look at their site.

I'm sure MB would have been using ATF back when the car was new. They would be the ones covering warranty.

 
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: MP on April 14, 2024, 21:46:34
I'm not saying don't use it, I was but things move on.
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: DaveB on April 15, 2024, 02:51:47
ATF would be worth trying..at least you know it won’t do any harm.
I see the pdf that recommends Ecofluid M also recommends a wide range of other transmission and engine oils for use in the ZF S5-20.
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: DaveB on April 15, 2024, 03:01:53
As to whether that specific ATF 236.14 is good for the job Mauro, I don’t know but you can check it’s specifications against those in the pdf and Jowe’s link.
Only 1.1 litre required so yes ‘use the best you can get’.
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: MP on April 15, 2024, 08:12:23
I was told by a gearbox engineer the ATF gives a good change but does not protect the gears like the 75w80.
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: mauro12 on November 10, 2024, 15:27:40
HI ; in the mercedes owners manual is written to use atf type a which no longer exist . Some days ago i was in my local mercedes dealer and i was looking at genuine fluids. My question is still the same : Are modern atf (236.15) compatible with the 5speed zf or not ? i've always used regular atf from castrol or motul.
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: zoegrlh on November 10, 2024, 16:21:14
I have Euro spec 4 speed manual, I use
MERCON ATC. The new product is Denton III.
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: mauro12 on November 10, 2024, 16:22:49
I was thinking if the latest atf from
Mb could improve the shifting , since it is more fluid .
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: MP on November 10, 2024, 16:25:29
If ZF recommend Ecofluid M  75w80 why would you be looking for an ATF
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: mauro12 on November 10, 2024, 18:30:56
That’s an interesting topic because is no sense . Zf reccomend one thing and Mercedes another thing . I’ve read too that zf suggest 75/80 , I’m just wondering why .
I guess the shifting with 75/80 is much heavier than atf .
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: MP on November 10, 2024, 23:11:11
Do Mercedes really still recommend ATF ? Wouldn't they take the advice from ZF who make the gearbox. ATF was recommended originally but time and things move on.
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: mauro12 on November 11, 2024, 10:45:09
I believe so . Maybe more expert in the forum can clarify this aspect .
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: stickandrudderman on November 12, 2024, 18:05:45
Back when I worked in the dealership (40 years ago....) we used ATF 200 in all manual gearboxes. It was a gold colour rather than the red of the ATF 220 we put in autos.
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: mauro12 on November 13, 2024, 18:34:22
You were working in a Mercedes dealership back 40years ago ?
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: AndrewB on November 13, 2024, 21:07:30
This is why stick knows so much about our Mercedes Benz cars ! He was trained by Mercedes Benz and has worked on these cars his whole life. His workshop is a wonderful place to visit
Title: Re: 5 speed zf gearbox fluid
Post by: stickandrudderman on November 14, 2024, 10:16:28
You were working in a Mercedes dealership back 40years ago ?

Sad but true!  ;D