dtownkennel

Well my warranty just ended on the car so I'm wanting to do the maintenance myself. I just changed my brakes and rotors, air filters, and replaced my powersteering reservoir. Next is an oil change, Any recommendations on a good engine diagnostic reader??

Also what oil does the 09 ml550 use?

Thanks in advace

Anthony550

I am going to change my brakes and rotors this weekend. I also did the powersteering reservoir.. It sounds like a common problem, leaking from the seal..

I use Mobil 1 0w-40 from ECS tuning.. They have a kit with oil, filter, and drain plug for 75 bucks.

I have a VW/Audi Autel scanner that I use on my A8 and it works on the ML fine..

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mercedes_Be...ice/ES2588636/

dtownkennel

Thanks, where did you end up getting the pump to pump out the oil??

Have to found the hex bits for the brakes yet? 9mm front and 7mm in the back if i remember correctly. Only place that had 7mm was napa auto. and the impact screwdriver for the rotors is a torque bit just dont remember what size... any problems just post on here I hope I can help.

Anthony550

I don't use a pump.. i just drive it up on ramps, take off the lower splash shield, and drain the oil from the bottom.

I think I have all the hex bits that I need. I will let you know if I run into any problems. I also wanted to paint the calipers because they are starting to look like crap..

dtownkennel

Anthony is there a picture of where the drain is if I wanted to drain it on the bottom?
how much was your VW/Audi Autel scanner?

What other maintenance do you do on your car? ex. miles/maintenance

Anthony550

I will try to take a pic of it this weekend for you but the drain plug is facing the front of the car when you look underneath after the plastic guard is off.

The scanner was only 60 bucks on ebay I think..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VAG405-ABS-Code-Reader-OBD2-EOBD-HandHeld-Scanner-for-CANBUS-VW-Audi-Vehicle-Car-/331137004820?hash=item4d194db514&item=331137004820&vxp=mtr
I just got done putting new spark plugs in the other day. I usually change the oil every 8,000 miles and cabin and engine air filters around every 20,000. Iam going to replace the front and rear diff oil soon too.

dtownkennel

Anthony, how often do you change the diff oil? I didnt see anything in the manual about changing that...

And to add on the debate of changing the transmission oil, do you change it or just leave it?

Anthony550

This is the first time I am going to chnage the diff oil.. The car just hit 100,000 miles so I thought it would be good to do it but I am not sure what the interval for it is..

I think my trans oil has been changed by the dealer once around 40k miles but i have heard many different things on that. Some people say to leave it and others say to change every 40k.. I think I might leave it..

20swrt

I use a $12 OBD2 reader called ELM 327. Microcenter has it. Then I use a software called Dashcommand for iphone/ipad to display the data ($49). It has a lot to offer than just diagnostics. Just google DashCommand.

dtownkennel

Thanks ill look into that

dtownkennel

Anthony, had you ever had to top off the oil before ? I had my oil changed about 2 months ago and had a message on the dash today to add more oil. I put in a whole quart and got almost barely above the low line. I'm curious if they didn't add enough oil or is my car burning more oil for some reason. I don't see any leaks either... Jus wondering if you have the same problem

Anthony550

Mine never loses any oil.. They probably only put 5 quarts in but the ml550 takes 9.5 quarts.. You should top it up and keep an eye on it..

dtownkennel

Thanks!