The Mercedes 722.5 (or W5A030) 5-speed automatic transmission was produced by the company from 1989 to 1997 and was installed in rear-wheel drive versions of the E-Class and S-Class models with engines up to 3.3 liters. This transmission was a modification of the 722.3 with the Overdrive package installed. The 5G-Tronic family also includes the 722.6 and 722.7.
Specifications
| Type | automatic transmission |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Type of drive | rear |
| Engine volume, l | up to 3.3 |
| Torque output, Nm | up to 330 |
| Recommended oil | ATF MB 236.14 |
| Oil capacity, liter | 7.3 |
| Partial replacement, liter | 6.2 |
| Maintenance | every 60 000 km |
| Gearbox lifespan, km | ~300 000 km |
| Weight, kg | 77 |
In 1989, the company’s engineers developed a 5-speed automatic transmission specifically for the all-new SL-Class R129 roadster, which was later used in the E-Class and S-Class. For this purpose, the old and proven 4-speed 722.3 automatic with hydraulic control was equipped with an additional planetary gear set and two clutches to achieve 5th gear. The design was not very reliable, and this automatic transmission was not installed with engines larger than 3.3 liters.
Gear ratios Mercedes 722.5
Using the example of a 1993 Mercedes W 124 with a 3.2 liter engine:
| Main | 3.69 |
| 1st | 3.871 |
| 2nd | 2.247 |
| 3rd | 1.436 |
| 4th | 1.000 |
| 5th | 0.750 |
| Reverse | 5.586 |
Using
The transmission was installed on:
- Mercedes E-Class W124 in 1991 – 1997;
- Mercedes E-Class W210 in 1995 – 1996;
- Mercedes S-Class W140 in 1991 – 1996;
- Mercedes SL-Class R129 in 1989 – 1996.
Disadvantages of the Mercedes 722.5 gearbox
- A common problem with this automatic transmission is the sudden loss of fifth gear. This is due to a design flaw, as the oil pump of the 4-speed 722.3 automatic transmission is simply not designed for the Overdrive package and wears out quickly due to insufficient oil.
- If strong jolts and delays occur during gear shifting, the search for the culprit should begin with an inspection of the vacuum modulator tube or diaphragm. A broken kickdown cable can also cause improper operation.
- All other problems are related in one way or another to normal wear of the clutches and contamination of the valve body channels. However, this only occurs at high mileages. The service center also frequently replaces the Reverse package, where the springs have weakened and popped out.
