5 speed auto transmission

I have been reading up on other Mercedes forums about the new 5 speed auto box as fitted to all Mercedes from 96 ish onwards so including the G500 and some G320's and 300 diesels. Reason being I wanted to check the fluid level on my SLK auto box the other day (perfectly reasonable job for the owner to do) and after removing the cap marked MB WORKSHOP ONLY found there is no dipstick to check the level!! This is because the dealer keep a special dipstick for these gearboxes locked away and let you use it for £80+Vat per hour. These gearboxes apparently are sealed for life and never need any maintenance according to Mercedes, so in reality read life to mean 80,000 miles before you start to have problems and probably 100,000 for you to replace the whole unit!! ouch. There must be loads of these cars out there with a full dealer service history and knackered burnt transmission oil as they don't do this job anymore unless specifically asked to.

There are many people on the forums with various Mercedes models that also thought this was stupid and have ordered the workshop "measuring stick" to keep at home, I have just done the same so now I will be able to check/change the oil when I like and maintain it properly. There is only one "stick" to cover all 5 speed auto models so I will post the part number when I receive it so others can do the same (they don't like selling these bits though I warn you as it hurts their profits!!). The oil change job is the same as for an older 4 speed auto once you have the magic stick!!