C-Class (S203/W203) 4MATIC thread - All you want to know
At every 52,000 miles or 4 years: Air filter: Replace element (code 0980).
Any idea what this is?
I called the dealer and the service department told me it was the air filter above the battery. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that filter is the dust filter which is covered by the B-service schedule. (I can't fathom leaving that one for 52,000 miles!!! 26,000 is already a stretch - who is Mercedes kidding?)
Some additional info: My vehicle does not have the in-cabin Activated Charcoal filter. Maybe this 'filter element' is some other cabin filter?
I'd appreciate any help! Thank you.
At every 52,000 miles or 4 years: Air filter: Replace element (code 0980).
Any idea what this is?
I called the dealer and the service department told me it was the air filter above the battery. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that filter is the dust filter which is covered by the B-service schedule. (I can't fathom leaving that one for 52,000 miles!!! 26,000 is already a stretch - who is Mercedes kidding?)
Some additional info: My vehicle does not have the in-cabin Activated Charcoal filter. Maybe this 'filter element' is some other cabin filter?
I'd appreciate any help! Thank you.
Why don't you just replace it with a K&N filter? It's one of the first and easiest mods that's performed as soon as we get into our cars. Here's the filter replacement for you cars: http://www.knfilters.com/search/appsearch.aspx for your E class and your c240
:v
Last edited by Zillarpillow23; Nov 19, 2005 at 01:43 PM.
Front Axle: 0.5 qts. Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 85W90
Rear Axle: 1.2 qts. Hypoid Gear Oil SAE 85W90
but does not give any information on how often. Suggestions? Comments? The dealer did not have a firm response other than to say they look at it during the A/B service plans, so be sure not to miss any. (yeah right)
Thanks for your help!
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
IMO, as a list of priorities, I'm thinking changing the diff lubricant would rank somewhere between priority #250-300, well off the radar screen. YMMV.
Someone with extensive MB mtce experience may reply with a better answer, but I wouldn't hold my breath...
:v
Now, do you find this surprising? They also call-out the first Tranny Fluid check at 143,000 miles! Doesn't that seem a bit late!?
1. Is it worth the upgrade to the 4matic? I live in Seattle and drive in our snow/slush. For those of you that drive in real snow, time to chime-up.
2. Reliability? Issues (other than the stealership)?
3. Fun factor? Is this a fun car to drive?
4. Other considerations?
Thanks for you comments.
2. Reliability? Issues (other than the stealership)?
3. Fun factor? Is this a fun car to drive?
4. Other considerations?
2. This are the repairs I had so far
3. I have the sport sedan 4MATIC , yes it's fun doing doughnuts in snow
4. Get a C350 4MATIC or a Subaru STi or Mitsubishi Evo
Last edited by Bing; Nov 23, 2005 at 04:18 PM.
and i say "4matic is 4fun"
handled great in the snow (i live in boston) last winter, we had a lot of snow.
i also made a 200 mile drive in the snow from boston to ny, icey highways, snow, rain, and it was robust as ever.
repairs so far:
- SRS sensor failure/replaced (1st month)
- Driveshaft center bearing defective/replaced (4th month)
- both BiX assemblies changed (6th/7th month, they flickered then went out)
- bubble in tire side wall
- bunch of rattles fixed (e.g. trunk release button, rear deck, coned grill)
i echo the above as far as getting the c350 4matic
Last edited by raunen; Nov 24, 2005 at 10:29 AM.
The article classifies that 4MATIC system as an "active differential" design. This is true of the 1st generation 4MATIC which ceased production in the mid-90s, but not the current system. This system was only installed on the E-class.
The 2nd generation 4MATIC, introduced in 98 and used currently, has completely different design that doesn't fit into any of the categories listed above.
The current 4MATIC system works just like a non-limited slip RWD car, except that MBZ added a front differential and a center differential that splits torque front/rear. Wheel slip is limited by brake-modulated electronic traction control, just like the RWD cars, but with the front wheels controlled too. The result is a super-reliable system that adds minimal complexity.
The Torsen system used by Audi may be better in some ways, but ours is simpler.
When the differential oil properties are deteriorating you should be able to hear some chatter from the differential when making sharp turns. (assuming you keep your stereo off and the kids are quite...)
I have a 99 C230K with 60K and it sounds like it is time for a differential oil change.
Since I already use Amsoil for the engine and transmission oil, that's where I am getting my differential oil from.
In your case with a new car you still have long to go before worrying about this.
Just keep up with your engine il change (are they still free at the dealer?) and make sure theu use at least M1 0W40 and not any other lower quality M1 oW30 that does not meet MB Specs 229.5.
Have a great New Year.
I have been told that the very latest C-class has a newly designed 4Matic and there is no longer a very annoying bulge on the right-hand side of the transmission tunnel can any lucky owner confirm this please?
Mercedes-Benz state 4Matic is not available for RHD countries because of this intrusion although in fairness this remark was made in reference to the 211 E-class.
Regards,
John
- Eric
- Eric
Thanks very much for the very prompt reply.
Happy new year,
John
Regards,
John the pessimist
anyway my question is this. I did a carfax on the vin just for s&g and it chows that the engine is a 3.2 liter. not the 3.0 that it has. does any have any idea why it would say that?
also i willl be looking to do some things to c280 like tint and navigation any suggestions will be appretiated..
Thanks Rainman






