Greetings
Ive been racking my head for weeks over whether to use Valvoline Max Life Multi-Vehicle to replace the ATF on my 2010 Mercedes - Benz GLK 350, and i keep going back and forth. [ATF in question: https://tinyurl.com/56dsp773 ]
My car requires ATF spec 236.14 for its 722.9 transmission, and is the Red fluid for the 2010 Mercedes Benz GLK 350 made before June 2010, which i have confirmed via the VIN#. I currently have 130KM [81K miles]
Valvoline Max Life Multi-Vehicle is listed as being recommened for MB 236.14, however, this ATF is not listed one the offical MB website https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/236.14/en
I want to use this ATF in my car, but everyone i ask and the MB forum posts i read are all extreamly addament to ONLY USE MB approved ATF, despite Valvoline stating they meet the MB 236.14 ATF spec. They stress that it will somehow damage my transmission, over time at the very least. No car manufactuer makes their own ATF, they source it out. And i hear these companies have to pay a fee to be on their "list" and Valvoline Max Life didn't pay to be on it.
What is your opinion to using "non-MB approved" on my car. How would meeting the MB ATF spec not be good enough?
I would only use the original Mercedes-Benz fluid.
Note: Scotty normally answers questions once and doesn't revisit them.
Is it just that it would work in theory, but why take the risk?
Yes, it's best to stick with the MB ATM fluid. Honda transmissions are similar in that it's best to use Honda ATF.
Thank you for the quick reply. However, this is the answer im getting without more context and was hoping to more insight.
Is Valvoline Max Life bad? if it meets the rated ATF spec, how would it hurt my transmission?
I understand that using the MB approved oil is the best way to go, and ATF is cheaper than rebuilding the entire transmission. But Volvoline is a reputable company. Is it just becuase this is a mercedes benz? and people would be more than happy to use MaxLife in an old toyota, ford etc.?
Is it just that it would work in theory, but why take the risk?
Thanks in advance