5 speed zf gearbox fluid

[mauro12]

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

[mauro12]

Any ideas ?

[Jowe]

In the Enthusiast Service Manual, page 5, you will find all the fluid specs. See https://www.sl113.org/wiki/Restricted/ServiceManual

[Benz Dr.]

I use a synthetic ATF in my car. For such a rare and valuable item why not use the best you can get.

[mauro12]

Genuine Mercedes atf ( probably made by Petronas ) would be ok or maybe too modern ?

[mazmonza]

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 .

[mauro12]

That’s strange because Mercedes has always recommended atf

[mazmonza]

ZF make the box, look at their site.

[Benz Dr.]

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.

 

[mazmonza]

I'm not saying don't use it, I was but things move on.

[DaveB]

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.

[DaveB]

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’.

[mazmonza]

I was told by a gearbox engineer the ATF gives a good change but does not protect the gears like the 75w80.

[mauro12]

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.

[zoegrlh]

I have Euro spec 4 speed manual, I use
MERCON ATC. The new product is Denton III.

[mauro12]

I was thinking if the latest atf from
Mb could improve the shifting , since it is more fluid .

[mazmonza]

If ZF recommend Ecofluid M  75w80 why would you be looking for an ATF

[mauro12]

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 .

[mazmonza]

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.

[mauro12]

I believe so . Maybe more expert in the forum can clarify this aspect .

[stickandrudderman]

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.

[mauro12]

You were working in a Mercedes dealership back 40years ago ?

[AndrewB]

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

[stickandrudderman]

You were working in a Mercedes dealership back 40years ago ?

Sad but true!