To ensure long life and peace of mind in your seven-speed (722.9) Mercedes-Benz automatic transmission, periodic service is a must. Many manufacturers, including Mercedes, claim that their transmission fluid is for life, but that's simply not the case. Instead, follow this service procedure to...

Mercedes-Benz chassis codes can be confusing to a newcomer. We have chassis codes that change from model to model, cars that move from chassis to chassis, and a general disarray that can make anything starting with a “W” feel interchangeable with your neighbor’s Silver Arrow. While this guide...

Originally touted as the “maintenance free” transmission by Mercedes, the 5-speed automatic that began appearing in the late 1990s was an excellent and versatile gearbox. The “maintenance free” title of this transmission was really a misnomer as the manufacturer eventually recommended servicing...

I do a lot of window shopping on Craigslist. I actually consider it one of my favorite forms of entertainment. Doing the homework and researching a particular type of car is half of the fun when car shopping (yes, I consider it fun). I have found that certain groups of sellers exist with...

Have you ever pulled up to a valet drive in your Mercedes Benz only to have the engine continue to run? Did you go through the further embarrassment of popping your hood to shut it off and then explain to the porter how to do this? I have. And I won’t do it again. Older Mercedes diesels are known...

The newer C-Classes and E-Classes like the Mercedes E350 have really made cabin filter replacement much more of a chore. No longer are the cabin filters located under the hood in a large plastic box like their predecessors. Now you must earn your purified air if you choose to do this job...

If you have an older Mercedes station wagon (pre-2004) you have probably dealt with poor ride quality at some point. I like to compare it to driving around a basketball. This is similar to driving a car with cut coil springs or having no give to the suspension. These station wagons are equipped...

A common ailment to the 2006-2012 Mercedes-Benz ML and GL (W164 and X164) is the automatic tailgate. The automatic tailgate is an option that was almost always been chosen when they were new. If you own one of these, chances are you have had trouble with inconsistent closing, opening, and latch...