johnand

Just to echo Glyn and Pcy, you are lucky to have found such a great indy!

LILBENZ230

Car should run at approx 87 deg C. Thermostat is rated for 90C but there are two different ones, I believe. 75C is too low - my car popped a CEL with P0128 running at 80C so you should have a CEL?

LILBENZ230

For the record the total cost of parts was about $210. Broken down by each job, the savings are clear.

Cheapest transmission service I've seen at a dealer is $265 and I paid less than $200.
Thermostat would have been $250-300 at a dealer - I paid $160.
Transmission mount - I paid $77 for part and labor - not sure about a dealer on that one.
Cheapest spark plug service I've seen at a dealer is $195 - I paid $112.
I'm not sure about the fuel filter change at a dealer - I paid $125 in all.

This is why my car never goes anywhere else. I also replaced the drain bolt on the transmission and a new crush washer.

After driving it for a bit, and a few cold starts, the starts are better. The shifts seem smoother but this could be placebo because my transmission was never having problems with hard shifts. There's less NVH because the transmission mount is replaced - I think the engine mounts probably would help this too.

I have no idea about the fuel filter. I can't tell any difference, but it wasn't causing any problems so that was just maintenance.

Hopefully the car is good for a while now.

saespyder

I just had my indy (first trip) run a diagnostic this afternoon. I'll post up the results shortly, but I'm curious what you'll think about the prices and "necessary" fixes. I knew about the thermostat, so I'm interested in seeing the comparison between your guys and mine.

Glyn M Ruck

Matt - the shift smoothness is not placebo effect. This can be measured & a sensitive driver will pick it up. These boxes like the friction modifiers to be topped up. My tranny is certainly marginally smoother after it's 60,000 Km service. On a good tranny it's marginal but it's there.

With the new generation fluid the deterioration of shift shock will be slower. One of it's design goals.

LILBENZ230

Can't wait to see the comparison numbers, sae.

Glyn - Yeah, in certain situations I definitely notice a difference. I'm driving it more now and it's pretty clear especially the 1->2 change. But my tranny has never been harsh.

fritza2tt

I have a 98 E320 with 140,000 miles, the original plugs, O2 sensors and Mass Air Sensor. Am using the car to run from south of Atlanta to Nashville (275 miles one way on half a tank full.) Only fix what is 'broke'. All original rotors, front has second set of brake pads - still good. Also have a 1987 E300D Turbo with 200,000 miles on it. Still use it to run back and forth to Nashville as well. Just bought a new set of tires for it. Both cars will outlast me - I'll be 82 this year. :-))) The '98 had a real puzzler while back. The left inside headlight quit working. Other electrical problems arose, fixed them all with a new ignition key module. Problem got pinpointed by a MB computer reader.

ncmudbug

Matt, you got a good deal and that low estimate was pretty good, too - at least compared to my stealership. When I took my 230K in for the "free safety inspection", they said I needed spark plugs. Their estimate for them to change my four spark plugs: $250! For my wife's '06 C230: $325! I can't imagine why they think it's worth that much or who pays it.

samaritrey

Fayettville GA welcome
One of the most important people in my life lives there he is also like 78

LILBENZ230

Trey you're confused. It's Rome, GA and I'm 25.

samaritrey

you wish what would marco say about that?

Xhale707

How come you don't work on your own car lilbenz? You could save a little bit of money. But then you don't have a finger to point when something goes wrong. 100k Miles keep her running strong =D how many miles do you have currently i think you passed me up

OneOfaKindTrini

This brought a tear to my eye lol. How much longer you plan to keep it?

d1no

Wow even $112 is still kind of high for spark plugs considering how easy it is to change em. Took me like 20-30 min and thats taking my time. I bought 6 new oem Bosch plugs on ebay for 30 something bucks

OneOfaKindTrini

Yeah but unlike you motor mine uses 12 spark plugs

cpbeasley

m112 = 12
m272 = 6

OneOfaKindTrini

You sure the m272 doesn't use 12? I haven't had to replace, so I am no too sure.

cpbeasley

yep. its 6.

Glyn M Ruck

The M112 uses 12 plugs & fancy ignition to meet LEV standards. It blows a very clean tailpipe. The M272 uses multipulse injectors for better combustion & better dual monolith Cats - plus better breathing etc.

LILBENZ230

For one, I have no tools. Second, I'm terrified of breaking something. Third, I don't like for my hands to be dirty. Miles wise this has been a very slow month for my car and I'm at 101,110 exactly.

Forever. Subject to change without notice.

The $112 figure included the OEM plugs, labor, and tax. And I didn't have to buy any tools or fool with it. WIN!

Cale and Glyn are correct.. 6 for you.

d1no

I understand but the plugs I got were OEM as well and I have 2 left over so next time I do a change I just buy two. As far as tools go its nothing fancy just a 3/8 ratchet with a 10'' extension. Besides if you own a car you should own a simple tool box with screw drivers and ratchets etc. I always use my tools for things around the house and whatnot but I am the DIY type :nix..

LILBENZ230

This is the highest mileage car I have ever owned. I don't often have a car that is beyond warranty. I don't like to do something as simple as change a headlight bulb. I hate it so much you just don't understand. $112 was fantastic for me because it meant I didn't have to deal with it. I am not a DIY-er in any regard. I am not mechanically inclined whatsoever nor do I have a desire to be.

d1no

Thats cool.. not everyone is the same way, I personally like to save money where I can and enjoy working on the car sometime. So did all of this fix your cold start sputtering issue?

LILBENZ230

Well, I can't be absolutely sure, actually. The car has been back into its heated garage every night since the work was done. It did spend one period of about 6 hours outside in below freezing temps and started without even a hint of sputter, so I'm going to say a tentative yes. I'll have to leave it out one night to see, though. With all the extended highway drives I do, I didn't really think the spark plug replacement was necessary. The car ran fine, got good mileage, etc. But I can definitely tell a difference at start up with the new plugs. It's just crisper, for lack of a better term.

At some point this year, I expect the Benz will be relegated to outside parking as it becomes the oldest car here. I really love this thing, though. The oldest car I've ever owned was an 8 year old 1993 Accord with 101,000 miles at the time I traded it. The Benz has surpassed this (just) mileage wise and proved to be the most reliable car I've ever had.

The car and its original battery are 6 years old on Tuesday (the 25th). The battery never fails to start the car but it is as low as 12-12.1v after sitting all night. I expect this will be the next thing to crap out.

e24kgold

Still on my original battery too....still real strong but i'm just waiting for it to go