Over the years there have been different types of ATF oil or trans fluid developed by different manufacturers and the introduction of new technologies. HFM-Style Fluids – These ATF oils have been specially developed for all Audi, VW, Porsche, Volvo, Toyota, Lexus and Saab models (amongst others) fitted with an Aisin Warner automatic transmission.

They might be OK in 5-speed and 4-speed auto transmissions but they cost the same as the correct truly equivalent fluid, so there is no reason if the correct fluid is available for those, 236.10 usually.If the fluid is new, it will be reddish-pink. However, when it needs replacement, it will look brownish red instead.

This information is usually found in the owner's manual. If there is an emergency and you do not know which transmission fluid you should use, you can use a SAE 75W-90 fluid, and your transmission will be safe until you can buy the right one. Over time, the transmission may get damaged. You will not notice it right away, but you will surely see this after a few thousand miles. You may also notice that the car jerks when you change gears or that such gears feel stiff. If you have an automatic transmission, you may start feeling the clutch slipping when you accelerate. There is a host of other fluids claiming to meet the MB 236.10 or ATF 3403 specs (some were even on Mercedes training documents and carry the Mercedes part number on the bottle). For various reasons (some are business reasons), they are not on the current 236.10 sheet approved list (Shell 3403 is the only non-Mercedes fluid that is on the current 236.10 list). Do NOT use ANY fluid that states "DEXRON XXX" nor ANY Multi-spec or generic "6-speed ATF transmission fluid" in 7-speed or 9-speed gearboxes. This problem occurs because there’s not enough hydraulic transmission pressure to create the gear change normally. 4. Irregular ShiftingThe difference between the two could mean a simple fix of a new filter and fluid change, or a much more expensive one, requiring an overhaul or a brand new transmission. Lifetime transmission fluids and sealed units