the longest-lifed auto trans I have read about is ..
1975 Mercedes 300D  ( 5 cylinder non-turbo diesel )
750,000 documented miles on the auto trans, with just fluid changes and
service.

that from the Mercedes Benz club of North America.

needless to say,
Vanagon automatic transaxles can't do that., not usually anyway  !

----- Original Message -----
From: "Zeitgeist" <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, July 20, 2011 10:56 AM
Subject: Re: Automatic transmission question

>I don't have any experience with VW automagics, but just last weekend I
> finally got around to changing the fluid in my similar era high-mileage
> MB,
> and the nasty slipping symptoms I'd been experiencing went away.  I
> switched
> from an unknown fluid to the Dexron III replacement; Chevron MD-3.  I'm
> very
> happy with the results.  I'd also change your filter while yer at it...
>
>
>
>
> --
> Casey