C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

W203 Maintenance Neglect

Old Oct 5, 2010 | 06:41 AM
  #1  
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03 W203, 13 E350, 13 W204, 14 C218
W203 Maintenance Neglect

Don't worry I've done my research just trying to make sure I'm on the right track...

So, my car is an 2003 and it went to the dealer to get all of it's maintenance until 2007 when it was my brothers car. I got the car when I was 18 in 2007 or so and since I have had it I am sad to say that I have been a horrible owner. I got the car with 50K Miles or so and now I'm coming up on Maintenance B with about 105K or so Miles. Now that I am 21 and it has finally sunk into my head that this is my car and I won't be getting another free one from my parents I need to start taking more care of it... ya I know 3 years later right?

Anyways, I can say this much...these things have not been changed since/between 2003-2007 when the car was going to the dealer. (if that sounds confusing basically I am saying I don't know what is included in maintenance for those 4 years and 50K miles or when the changes have been made but since I've had the car these changes have not been made)

1.) Replace Cabin A/C Filter
2.) Replace Air Filter
3.) Replace Spark Plugs
4.) Replace Fuel Filter
5.) Lubricate Latches and Hinges
6.) Tranny Fluid Changed or Checked
7.) Power Steering Fluid Changed or Checked

Sad, I know

I didn't exactly starve my car though I have changed the Oil and added a new Oil filter every time a service A or B indicator did pop up. I was just wondering is there anything missing? I want to collect all these parts and do the work sometime within the next 2 weeks. Anything else I should look for?

I've never even reseted the indicators after I changed the oil either...once again...sad, I know. But no worries i've found out how to do that as well during my search...

1. Put key in and turn it to the #2 position....do NOT start the car!
2. Scroll the menu button until the vehicle mileage shows
3. Use the "up and down" button until the "wrenches" show
4. Press and HOLD the trip reset button in for 10 seconds and then release it
5. Press and HOLD the trip reset button in for another 3 seconds and release it
6. Your vehicle service indicator should now be reset.

This is the correct procedure right?
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 07:25 AM
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THE C350
brake fluid and coolant
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 07:40 AM
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You're fine. I don't know about coolant on the 03 (mine is good for 14 years I think) but definitely the brake fluid. Transmission fluid is a good idea, too. The air filters last a long time (mine is still okay after 50k miles of use) but definitely do the cabin filter.

Spark plugs and stuff are only a little past due. The fuel filter, too.

Don't stress I don't think you've harmed the car in any way.
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 08:18 AM
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https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...st-models.html

See my recent B service thread. Brake fluid & tranny oil & filter is a must do.

Don't stress but the ABS unit & tranny are very expensive repairs that you don't want in your future.
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 02:07 PM
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03 W203, 13 E350, 13 W204, 14 C218
You're fine. I don't know about coolant on the 03 (mine is good for 14 years I think) but definitely the brake fluid. Transmission fluid is a good idea, too. The air filters last a long time (mine is still okay after 50k miles of use) but definitely do the cabin filter.

Spark plugs and stuff are only a little past due. The fuel filter, too.

Don't stress I don't think you've harmed the car in any way.
Phew, okay. That is good to know! I just changed the coolant about a month ago so I am good on that.

Don't stress but the ABS unit & tranny are very expensive repairs that you don't want in your future
Alright Glyn! I'll make sure to get this done this weekend then! I am going to check out your thread right now.
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 02:23 PM
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differential
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 02:54 PM
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Originally Posted by Taiwanese
differential
Change or Check?
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 02:55 PM
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Originally Posted by paypaboi
Change or Check?
change differential oil
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 03:50 PM
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Yep! - You can do the axle while you are about it. That is one thing you can neglect a little as long as it's topped up. The additive pack is sacrificial but will go a hell of a long way. The real reason for changing the diff oil is wear debris off the crownwheel & pinion if you do lots of hard starts. If the magnet does not grab it and it gets in the pinion bearings then that's pinion bearing preload gone. Then it will sound like a Berlin cab with 750,000Km on it.
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 07:34 PM
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03 W203, 13 E350, 13 W204, 14 C218
Originally Posted by Glyn M Ruck
Yep! - You can do the axle while you are about it. That is one thing you can neglect a little as long as it's topped up. The additive pack is sacrificial but will go a hell of a long way. The real reason for changing the diff oil is wear debris off the crownwheel & pinion if you do lots of hard starts. If the magnet does not grab it and it gets in the pinion bearings then that's pinion bearing preload gone. Then it will sound like a Berlin cab with 750,000Km on it.
Yeah I think mine sounds like that lol because I do alot of hard starts. Just turn it on and go...now I warm it up before I drive when I can.
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Old Oct 5, 2010 | 11:06 PM
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C320 2002
You should cruise to my pad sometimes ill do the oil changes on your ride as long as its like my c320 easy as cake.. =D

Tranny fluid change i plan on doing this week as well.. I dunno what type of fluid to get.. If someone could show me the way in which is the best to buy for our car without heading to the stealer..?

Rear diff i will be doing
which should be a cake job once i buy everything needed..

Im just wondering if my wide tires in the rear will fit on car ramps lol

My shaking steering wheel is killing me more then anything.. makes me not wanna drive
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Old Oct 6, 2010 | 07:16 AM
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Get Fuchs Titan 4134
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Old Oct 6, 2010 | 12:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Glyn M Ruck
Get Fuchs Titan 4134

Thx Glyn
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Old Oct 7, 2010 | 04:37 AM
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Originally Posted by Glyn M Ruck
Get Fuchs Titan 4134
Good call on the motion lotion Glyn. In California I get it from SSF. They deliver to shops eveyday.

https://www.ssfautoparts.com/public/...chs_intro2.asp

I am curious how a self-service guy could change all the fluid in the box? The dealers use a pump that opens the line to the cooler in the radiator and pushes the new fluid in while sucking the old out.

Just dropping the pan leaves a lot of the old fluid behind. I know the Fuchs mixes well, but all new seems like the way to go. I let the dealer change mine, and the shifts are smooth as silk sliding up the thighs of a...........
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Old Oct 7, 2010 | 01:21 PM
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Originally Posted by Moviela
Good call on the motion lotion Glyn. In California I get it from SSF. They deliver to shops eveyday.

https://www.ssfautoparts.com/public/...chs_intro2.asp

I am curious how a self-service guy could change all the fluid in the box? The dealers use a pump that opens the line to the cooler in the radiator and pushes the new fluid in while sucking the old out.

Just dropping the pan leaves a lot of the old fluid behind. I know the Fuchs mixes well, but all new seems like the way to go. I let the dealer change mine, and the shifts are smooth as silk sliding up the thighs of a...........
How much was it at the stealer for them to change the fluid
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Old Oct 27, 2010 | 07:04 PM
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03 W203, 13 E350, 13 W204, 14 C218
I'm leaking oil and i'm pretty sure my valve cover gasket has gone bad. I was going to pick this one up.

http://www.partstrain.com/store/deta...16843103vacoga

Just seeing if this is the right part or if I should get a different brand ETC...

I have a 2003 C230 Kompressor BTW. Thanks in Advance.
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