Transmission fluid change questions.

[SteveDuNord]

Firstly, do you also change the torque converter fluid or not? I've seen conflicting opinions.

Secondly, if you drain the transmission fluid using a pump extractor via the filler tube, does this drain anything from the torque convertor?

 I'm guessing not. I'm also guessing the tube from the extractor won't go deep enough to get all the fluid out anyway. I'll be renewing the filter and gasket and am expecting some residual oil to drip out,  just using the extractor so I don't have to deal with litres of fluid while underneath the car.
I'm aware that you have to crank the engine to reveal the TC drain plug.

[Jan S]

According to Mercedes you drain the torque converter. (https://handbook.w116.org/cd/Maintenance/My72/170.pdf)

I believe it's ok to use a pump extractor ... I have used it once to correct the oil level.

[Jan S]

I'm surprised to see that the 6.9 was delivered with "the weaker" 722.004 trans ... I thought all 6.9 were delivered with the reinforced 722.003.

See page 1: https://handbook.w116.org/cd/Maintenance/My72/170.pdf

[SteveDuNord]

According to Mercedes you drain the torque converter. (https://handbook.w116.org/cd/Maintenance/My72/170.pdf)

I believe it's ok to use a pump extractor ... I have used it once to correct the oil level.

Thanks.

I noticed today that the transmission was hanging onto a lower gear until 75 mph, which didn't feel or sound right to me.

Checked the level after arriving home and it is overfilled.

[SteveDuNord]

My filter seems to be welded on. I managed to get one screw off but the other one won't budge. I even bought a stubby screwdriver today just to get a bit more torque involved. Damnit.