You know I love having price points for comparison, here's one for your reference. Transmission fluid changes are always a hot topic, frankly the need to raise the car and monitor the fluid temp while filling to the top are probably beyond my comfort zone, though I agree with the majority that it should be done sooner or later. Of course that kind of complexity has a way of turning into big bucks so I wanted to get a handle on what an experienced mechanic will charge.

I checked with a nearby (central NJ) foriegn car repair place for my 1998. Turns out he has a lot of experience with these transmissions. I was impressed with his knowledge and pedigree. I was happily surprised at his perspective - "these are no problem, I do it all the time". He would charge $300 for a transmission fluid change (proper fluid price included),though he recommends I wait about 20K miles to the 100K mile mark to make it most cost effective. I thought it would be a lot more money, will have to add this to the maintenance list.

 

A couple of the relatively trustworthy indy shops around here have quoted me $120 to $150 for a ZF drain-and-fill if I bring my own ATF. Keep shopping around and let them know that you will supply your own ATF....

 

I just had the fluid & filter replaced in the wife's Merc ML350 for $320 at an independent shop in central PA. It's the same temp sensitive top-up using the OEM fluid, which is expensive. Going back to the dealer will probably set you back $400 for this type of service.