Front Differential - Fluid Change Deletion

REF. NO. 33/25

TO: OUR MERCEDES-BENZ PASSENGER CAR DEALERS

DATE: DECEMBER 1989

SUBJECT:
ELIMINATION OF FRONT AXLE DIFFERENTIAL OIL CHANGE
MODELS 124.230/290 (300E/TE 4-MATIC)

Based on experience gained with the hypoid gear oil SAE 90 filled at the factory, it is no longer necessary to change the front axle differential oil at the inspection service (800-1000 miles); it is a life-long filling.

PLEASE NOTE THIS CHANGE ON THE CURRENT ISSUE OF THE MAINTENANCE





On early M.Y. 1990 vehicles, the oil drain opening is closed with a break-away plug. However, current production vehicles have a front axle differential cover without an oil drain plug/opening installed (Figure 1). The fill quantity of the front axle differential remains at 1 liter.

Note:
If replacing the front axle differential, hypoid gear oil, part no. 001 989 05 03, must be used. The subsequent oil change at 800-1000 miles is no longer required. In case of repairs which do not require refilling, the previously used hypoid gear oil, part no. 000 989 28 03, can be used. Both hypoid gear oils can be mixed together.





On European vehicles with front axle differentials which still have an oil drain plug, the plug must be replaced with a break-away plug and copper seal ring. The front axle differential drain plug is located on the left side of the vehicle (2, Figure 2). The head break-away torque is a minimum of 30 mm.

Do not mistakenly replace the engine oil drain plug (5, Figure 2).





Parts Information





Damage Code