The Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is not just another addition to the German automaker’s lineup; it’s a testament to the brand’s commitment to coupling elegance with performance in a compact sedan format. Launched as a stylish alternative for those who desired the luxury of the Mercedes-Benz badge without opting for larger sedans, the CLA-Class swiftly became synonymous with a blend of dynamic design, sporty performance, and advanced technology.
Key Takeaways:
- Transmission’s Central Role: The transmission system is integral to a vehicle’s optimal performance, acting as the bridge between the engine and wheels.
- Fluid Maintenance is Crucial: Regular checks of the transmission fluid, including its type, level, and quality, are essential for the health of the system.
- Symptoms Shouldn’t Be Ignored: Warning signs such as slipping gears, delayed shifting, unusual noises, and overheating indicate potential transmission issues, possibly stemming from incorrect fluid use.
- Fluid Capacity: In general it is close to the 5.6 quarts (5.3 liters).
- Correct Fluid Matters: Always ensure the use of manufacturer-recommended transmission fluid for your specific Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class model. Using the wrong type can lead to substantial damage.
The CLA’s design evolution has been fascinating, transforming from a groundbreaking four-door coupe in its initial years to a more mature yet aggressively styled compact sedan in its later generations. But beyond the aesthetics, lurking beneath the hood is the vehicle’s heart: the transmission system.
As with every other aspect of the car, the transmission systems of the CLA-Class have seen considerable evolution. With the progression of generations, the CLA’s transmission has been refined, improved, and adapted to ensure it continues to deliver the smooth, responsive drive that Mercedes-Benz vehicles are celebrated for.
From the fluid mechanics that ensure seamless gear shifts to the choice of materials that promise longevity, every iteration of the CLA’s transmission system has brought with it advancements that speak to the brand’s unyielding commitment to excellence.
2014-2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class C117 Transmission Fluid Capacity And Type
The C117, the inaugural generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, set the stage for the model’s entire lineage. With its avant-garde aesthetics and performance-oriented engineering, it quickly captivated both critics and consumers alike. Central to its performance was the transmission system, which needed specific care and attention in terms of fluid.
Capacity: The C117’s transmission fluid capacity is 5.3 liters.
| Gearbox | Fluid Capacity | Fluid Type |
|---|---|---|
| CLA250 7-speed 7G-DCT 724.011 | Total fill: 5.6 quarts (5.3 liters) | MB 236.21 |
| CLA250 7-speed 7G-DCT 724.003 | Total fill: 5.6 quarts (5.3 liters) | MB 236.21 |
| CLA45 AMG 7-speed 7G-DCT 724.015 | Total fill: 5.6 quarts (5.3 liters) | MB 236.21 |
Fluid Type: Mercedes-Benz has always maintained strict specifications for transmission fluids to ensure optimal performance and longevity. For the C117 from 2014 to 2016, the recommended fluid type is usually MB 236.21.
- Formulated with premium friction modifiers to ensure smooth shifting performance under variable driving conditions
- Formulated with premium synthetic base oils to minimize thermal breakdown and deposits
- Advanced anti-wear technology to better prevent gear wear
- Excellent anti-shudder durability
Change Interval: For the 1st generation CLA-Class, the general recommendation for transmission fluid change intervals is every 30,000 to 40,000 miles. However, factors like driving conditions, driving habits, and regional climates can affect this interval.
Based on my personal experience, I have found that it is possible to go up to 60,000 miles without changing the transmission fluid.
The C117, while being the first of its kind, carried the weight of expectation effortlessly, laying a solid foundation for subsequent generations.
2017-2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class C117 Facelift Transmission Fluid Capacity And Type
The facelifted C117, which graced the automotive market between 2017 and 2019, didn’t just introduce aesthetic refinements but also came with technical tweaks and enhancements.
🔴 For those working on the CLA43 AMG equipped with the M133 engine, Model Year 2016 or later:
After adding the complete additive pack, ensure you mark the dipstick cap with a distinct white dot. This mark will serve as a reminder and confirmation that the additive has been successfully installed.
This procedure is not just a recommendation; it’s a necessity for the continued health and functionality of your CLA43 AMG’s transmission. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and specifications meticulously.
While retaining the core of its predecessor, the facelifted variant aimed to offer an even smoother and more efficient driving experience. Such ambitions hinged, in part, on the transmission and its meticulous maintenance.
Capacity: For the facelifted C117, the transmission fluid capacity remains relatively consistent with its predecessor, ranging between 5.3 to 5.5 liters.
| Gearbox | Fluid Capacity | Fluid Type |
|---|---|---|
| CLA250 7-speed 7G-DCT 724.011 | Total fill: 5.6 quarts (5.3 liters) | MB 236.21 |
| CLA250 7-speed 7G-DCT 724.003 | Total fill: 5.6 quarts (5.3 liters) | MB 236.21 |
| CLA45 AMG 7-speed 7G-DCT 724.015 | Total fill: 5.6 quarts (5.3 liters) | MB 236.21 |
Fluid Type: When it comes to the type of transmission fluid, the facelifted C117 typically utilizes the MB 236.21 fluid specification, which has been formulated to cater to the enhanced transmission systems in these models. This fluid ensures optimal performance, longevity, and efficiency for the transmission.
The facelifted C117, with its refined aesthetics and technical enhancements, further solidified the CLA-Class’s reputation as a compact luxury vehicle that did not compromise on performance.
Ensuring the right transmission fluid type and adhering to the correct capacity is essential to guarantee that the vehicle continues to operate at its peak potential.
2020-2023 Mercedes-Benz CLA-class C118 Facelift Transmission Fluid Capacity And Type
The advent of the C118 heralded the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. As a step forward in both design language and technical sophistication, the C118 brought with it the promise of an even more immersive driving experience.
Advanced transmission systems played a significant role in this promise, necessitating rigorous adherence to maintenance norms, especially regarding transmission fluids.
Capacity: The C118’s transmission system typically has a fluid capacity that ranges between 5.1 to 5.5 liters. To ensure the correct volume for your specific model, it’s always best to refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual or consult a certified Mercedes-Benz service technician.
| Gearbox | Fluid Capacity | Fluid Type |
|---|---|---|
| CLA250 7-speed 7G-DCT 724.044 | Total fill: 5.4 quarts (5.1 liters) | MB 236.21 |
| CLA250 7-speed 7G-DCT 724.033 | Total fill: 5.4 quarts (5.1 liters) | MB 236.21 |
| CLA35 AMG 7-speed 7G-DCT 724.0 | Total fill: 5.4 quarts (5.3 liters) | MB 236.21 |
| CLA45 AMG 8-speed 724.1 | Total fill: 5.8 quarts (5.5 liters) | MB 236.22 |
Fluid Type: Mercedes-Benz, in its pursuit of perfection, has continually updated fluid specifications to match the advancements in its transmission systems. For the C118 from 2020 to 2023, the recommended fluid type is generally MB 236.21 or the newer MB 236.22.
These fluids have been formulated to ensure optimal lubrication, cooling, and functioning for the advanced transmission systems in the C118.
The second-generation CLA-Class’s launch, represented by the C118, reiterated Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to pairing luxury with performance in a compact frame.
Ensuring the proper transmission fluid type and adhering to the stipulated capacity plays a crucial role in maintaining the vehicle’s standout performance and durability.
Importance of Correct Transmission Fluid Maintenance
The transmission system of a vehicle, often deemed its “heart,” is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels, ensuring smooth acceleration and deceleration. It’s a sophisticated mechanism, especially in luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class. And just like our heart requires healthy blood flow, the transmission necessitates the right fluid—both in terms of type and quantity—to function optimally.
Let’s delve deeper into the significance of meticulous transmission fluid maintenance.
Advantages of Regular Fluid Checks:
- Smooth Gear Transition: Regularly checking and maintaining the right level of transmission fluid ensures that gear shifts occur seamlessly, offering a buttery-smooth driving experience.
- Prolonged Transmission Life: Transmission fluid acts as a lubricant, reducing friction between moving parts. Regular checks ensure that wear and tear are minimized, extending the lifespan of the transmission.
- Overheating Prevention: The fluid cools the transmission, preventing it from overheating, especially during demanding driving conditions.
- Cost Savings: Early detection of leaks or low fluid levels can prevent more severe and expensive transmission problems down the line.
- Optimal Performance: Ensuring the right fluid level aids in transmitting power efficiently from the engine to the wheels, ensuring peak vehicle performance.
The Significance of Using Recommended Fluid Types
- Tailored Performance: Manufacturers recommend specific fluid types because they are tailored to the needs of the vehicle’s transmission system. Using the correct fluid ensures the transmission operates as intended.
- Material Compatibility: The right fluid type ensures compatibility with seals, gaskets, and metal components, preventing degradation and leaks.
- Advanced Additives: Manufacturer-recommended fluids come with a set of additives that cater to the specific requirements of the vehicle’s transmission, such as anti-foaming agents, corrosion inhibitors, and friction modifiers.
- Warranty Compliance: Using unauthorized or incompatible fluids might void the vehicle’s warranty. Sticking to recommended types ensures you remain compliant with warranty terms.
- Avoiding Damage: Incorrect fluids can cause material breakdown, lead to inefficient lubrication, and even damage the intricate components of the transmission.
Signs of Potential Transmission Issues
The transmission system is an intricate component of any vehicle, and its health is paramount for an optimal driving experience. Just like a well-tuned instrument, when there’s a discordant note in its performance, it becomes evident.
Recognizing the symptoms early on, especially those arising from incorrect fluid use, can prevent substantial damage and expensive repairs.
Recognizing Symptoms of Incorrect Fluid Use
- Slipping Gears: If your vehicle unexpectedly changes gears or has trouble staying in gear, it could be a result of low fluid levels or the use of incorrect transmission fluid that doesn’t provide the necessary friction.
- Delayed or Rough Shifting: Experiencing a hesitation when changing gears or feeling a jolt when the gear does change can be signs of deteriorating transmission fluid or incorrect fluid type.
- Unusual Noises: If you hear grinding, humming, or clunking sounds when your vehicle is in neutral, it could be due to inadequate lubrication from the wrong type of fluid.
- Overheating: Transmission fluid cools the system. If it’s incorrect or degraded, the transmission might overheat, leading to further damage.
- Cloudy or Burnt-smelling Fluid: Healthy transmission fluid is typically a translucent red. If it’s brown, cloudy, or has a burnt odor, it might be degraded or incorrect for your vehicle.
- Check Engine Light: Modern vehicles have sensors that monitor the health of various components, including the transmission. The use of incorrect fluid might trigger the check engine light.
Preventative Measures
- Regular Checks: Regularly check the color, consistency, and level of your transmission fluid. This will help in early detection of any issues.
- Use Manufacturer-Recommended Fluid: Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure you’re using the correct transmission fluid type. Remember, not all fluids are the same.
- Routine Service: Follow your vehicle’s recommended service intervals. Regular transmission service, which involves changing the old fluid and cleaning the system, can prevent many potential problems.
- Install a Transmission Cooler: If you’re in an area with high temperatures or you use your vehicle for towing, consider installing a transmission cooler to prevent overheating.
- Be Cautious of Additives: There are many transmission additives in the market claiming to fix or prevent transmission issues. Consult with a trusted mechanic before adding any to ensure they won’t cause more harm than good.
- Seek Professional Advice: At the first sign of trouble, consult a trusted and certified mechanic. Early detection and intervention can prevent more extensive damage.
The transmission is one of the most complex systems in your vehicle. Being proactive about its maintenance and alert to any potential issues, especially those related to incorrect fluid use, will ensure a long-lasting and smooth-operating transmission system.
Remember, your Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class is engineered for excellence; giving it the right care will guarantee it performs that way.
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Last update on 2024-04-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
