i have a c320 2001 just approaching 121k miles service B isnt due until 123k but i wanted to get an early start on getting parts and oil. ive change oil , spark plugs , springs , intakes , and tires . but havent done oil on a mercedes yet ive been reading alot tho and i have alot of information that is misleading so i want to hear it from you guys and gals . can i service the full service B by myself ? what are the necessary steps ? what parts should be changed filters , oil , etc ? do i need any special tools ? i was also told that older cars shouldnt use thicker oil at 120k miles . can anyone explain to me their experience with this ? i want to keep this car for another year so im willing to invest into benefits for my car . thanks all post diy pictures if you can . thanks

I've never heard that about not using thicker oil, but if you're keeping it an additional year only, any oil will work.

Sorry, but oil change info has been posted a gazillion times here. Everything is on the forum already, so I don't see why you wouldn't be able to find all of the info that you need.

I'll be nice, though, for some reason:
yes, you can do it yourself - nice writeup of everything here: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/in...7212707AAuVJH3

Two ways to do it:
Old-fashioned, dumb way - remove belly pans, drop drain bolt
Smart way - get a topsider and drain oil from the dipstick tube - no muss, no fuss, but you do have to get a topsider (~60-75 clams)
Both require that you replace the oil filter from the top; you need a socket attachment that goes around the oil filter cap housing - available at dealers or some auto parts stores - be careful with the o rings on the filter, and torque the oil filter cap back down to correct torque spec

Everything else as listed on the link is very easy; the cabin air filter is above the battery in the engine compartment.

I do think that pics of the entire process have been posted before.

You can easily do the service yourself. You need a transmission fluid & filter change at 120K. Just stick to the service book. Oil changes plug changes & all are covered in the DIY side of the stickies. Download service guide from stickies link if you have lost yours.

Only use 229.5 approved engine oils like Mobil 1 0W-40 Euro Grade & a fleece filter.
Ryder fleet products now sell the 236.14 transmission fluid at a civilised price. See Samaritrey's thread for details.

B service is a bunch of inspections really and then based on millage, there are add on things like a tranny, as said. Basically its a Oil change and they do your cabin A/C filter and check the brakes, tires, engine filters, and lights and do a fuel additive and engine oil additive.

You can easily do a "B" service, the other stuff some times is harder. You can always call and ask for a quote and whats in the service they reccomend and simply buy the parts and do it yourself.

Please don't use any fuel additive other than Techron & don't put additives anywhere near the engine oil. All they do is mess it up. If any dumb dealer ever puts an additive in your oil make them drain it immediately.

Please don't us a thicker oil on your beautifully engineered modern engine. Thicker oils are generally used for old worn out bangers with clearance & oil consumption problems.

Something to remember for the 320 engine, is that there are two plugs per cylinder and the back plugs on each side are difficult to get to. There is a special tool for pulling the wires off the plugs and re-seating them after change. You can do it by hand, but again, those back plugs (especially the driver side) make it hard. Just making you aware in case you try it. Be aware that the 320 engine retains heat longer than any i've worked on. Even 2-3 hour after running, the engine will be very warm and can burn your arms.

Good luck.

Mike

+1. Back plugs are super tight! I got at them through trial and error with different sized wobbly extensions, tried both 3/8" and 1/4" drive.

The addidtive is a MB additive and its only done on "Premium A and B services" Im sure you can imagine very few opt to pay an extra 100 dollars on top of the already pricey services for that, its never had a negative effect on any cars we see that get it regularly

I should have been more clear in my statement, my appologies

The MB fuel additive is Techron Concentrate Packed for Benz.

Never put any additive in the oil. In ROW it invalidates warranty. It will bugger up a finely tuned ad pack in the approved oil & take it out of spec.

are you referring to techron as in the chevron stuff they say they put in there gas? Or is this a separate brand with a separate type of thing?

Techron, as in Chevron, Caltex, Texaco fuel & available as a concentrate from Chevron. It is the only fuel additive that Volvo & Benz approve & the best. Chevron pack it as a Merc part number as well as quoted above.

okay i want to do a full service b just to give the car a sort of refresh . its in perfect condition . i just need to know if i should get 5w30 or 5w20 also i need to know if i can use a metric socket wrench for the drain plug . ive done an oil change on my mustang many times very professionally . please just let me know the overall cost on average for service b

Does the Techron really help or assist with anything noticeable? As in, better gas mileage, better boost in the pants, etc... I know its not snake oil, but would like to know if its really doing anything for me...

i went to rab motors in san rafael caliornia earlier today and they quoted me 131$ out the door with mobil 1 5w40 cabin air filter oil filter and thats it . im buying the filters at merc and buying oil at walmart . my service b will be 80$

You would be better off with Mobil 1 0W-40. If you use the 5W-40 make sure it is the 229.5 approved one.

Techron keeps the inlet system, valve tulips, injectors & combustion chamber clean. It does not add anything else. It allows your car to perform at it's best & as close to original as possible by stopping it getting fouled up with deposits as it gets older/mileage rises. It allows best performance & fuel consumption possible as a result.

is there any possible way to confirm that 10w40 would be better than 5w40 for my car ? can i type in my vin and find out ? also when would a fuel filter be due ?

what is this techron would it be good for my merc thats a 2001 with 122k miles

No - Mobil 1 0W-40 is best. If your fuel filter has never been changed it's overdue.

It is a fuel additive - also available in concentrate. It would be very good for your car. Buy a few bottles of Chevron Techron Concentrate & add to a few tanks of fuel. Clean things up nicely.

called dealer had to reconfirm with three different technicians they keep telling me 5w40, whats the difference between 10w40 and 5w40. i also heard that i should keep my oils the same because it could be harmful for the engine. How much do you mix with each tank? I asked Mercedes Benz customer support what parts i could get to ensure all the filters have been changed.
5w40
Cabin Air Filter
Oil Filter
Fuel Filter
Air Filter
they told me thats everything i should change.
Is the air filter hard to change?

any ideas why 0w40 would be better than 5w40?

Yes. The M1 0W-40 Eurograde exceeds Benz requirements. The CORRECT M1 5W-40 meets Benz 229.5 requirements. You will be fine with the 5W-40 as long as it is 229.5 approved.

These are the approved Mobil products - Make sure you use one of them.

Mobil 1 0W-40 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
Mobil 1 Arctic 0W-40 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
Mobil 1 Formula M 5W-40 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
Mobil 1 New Life 0W-40 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel 0W-40 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
Mobil SHC Formula MB 5W-30 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA
Mobil Super 3000 Formula M 5W-30 x Exxon Mobil Corporation, FAIRFAX, Virginia/USA

Don't use anything that does not have the exact name listed above.

okay so the 0w40 will be the best option okay sounds good. is it thinner ? also how hard would it be to do a tranny flush? is there a tranny dipstick?

The air filters are easy. The one above the engine you need a torx 25 if i am not mistaken and 5 minutes of your time just make sure you secure the cover/air filter assembly back onto the maf and engine correctly. You have three cabin filters one above battery and two charcoal filters under the dash. If you never use the charcoal filters don't waste the $80 to replace. I would not buy parts from the dealer it will cost you more then your cars worth. Buy from RMERUOPEAN using codes below
Loyalcustomer2012 (5% off on orders over $150)
Winter2012 (3% off on orders under $150)

They are awesome and cheap. Mobile One 0w-40 European formula can be found at any auto shop and some walmarts. You can find it on sale as low as $3.99 a quart.
The transmission oil can be bought from ryder for cheap (ask me if you want a link) you just have to buy a transmission dip stick and a thermometer find the "one man transmission oil change" or something like that on here it is a really good guide.
Fuel filter and spark plugs are also over due if they have not been done.
BTW add where you live so we can help you better also how long have you had your c320?