"new" 94 e320 Cab, suggested maint?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9
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1994 e320 cabriolet
"new" 94 e320 Cab, suggested maint?
Hi all,
We just picked up a single owner 1994 e320 black CA only cabriolet. After reading your posts on the cars, I thought many of you were raving a bit much about the car. I stand corrected. It's just a terribly elegant car.
In any case, i'd love to get your thoughts on standard maintenance. I'm not a fanatic, but do plan to keep the car for a bit. It has 111k, head gasket was replaced at 80, wiring harness done at 85, top is fine (original), water pump at 92, original tranny. Last maintenance (all of which were dealer performed) was at 95k. The major 105k service wasn't performed.
Thanks again, and looking forward to engaging with you all.
shaw
We just picked up a single owner 1994 e320 black CA only cabriolet. After reading your posts on the cars, I thought many of you were raving a bit much about the car. I stand corrected. It's just a terribly elegant car.
In any case, i'd love to get your thoughts on standard maintenance. I'm not a fanatic, but do plan to keep the car for a bit. It has 111k, head gasket was replaced at 80, wiring harness done at 85, top is fine (original), water pump at 92, original tranny. Last maintenance (all of which were dealer performed) was at 95k. The major 105k service wasn't performed.
Thanks again, and looking forward to engaging with you all.
shaw
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 179
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From: New Zealand
1996 E320 Sportline Cabriolet x 2
Good on you Shaw!
Sounds like a lot of things have already been done. You can check the MB maintenance schedules or there is a Book by Stu Ritter & Bentley Publishers, E Class Owners Bible 1986 - 1995, ISBN 083760230-0
Then there is always a search function on this forum and others that is super handy.....
Sounds like a lot of things have already been done. You can check the MB maintenance schedules or there is a Book by Stu Ritter & Bentley Publishers, E Class Owners Bible 1986 - 1995, ISBN 083760230-0
Then there is always a search function on this forum and others that is super handy.....
Super Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 696
Likes: 4
From: Motor City
95 E320 Cabriolet, 108K
Welcome to the club. Unless you have some assurance of when scheduled maintenance was done on the vehicle, I would suggest replacing all the fluids and filters as a starting point for future maintenance.
This is the maintenance I do on my 95 E320:
engine oil - every 4.5K with regular oil
trans fluid - every 30K with Dex III
diff fluid - every 60K with synthetic 75W-90
ps fluid - every 30K with generic ps fluid
brake fluid - every two years with DOT4
coolant - every 3-4 years with Zerex G05
fuel filter - every 30K
air filter - as needed (~30K)
wheel bearing - regrease with new seals every 90K
All other issues should be handled on a case-by-case basis by posting on this forum.
About now is a good time to check the steering damper.
Also, build yourself a code reader for your tool box, it'll come in handy: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...d.php?t=107630
At the first sign of a hydraulic leak from the convertible mechanism (it will happen!), be prepared to have all eight cylinders rebuilt, instead of dealing with it piecemeal.
And if you ever get really ambitious, you could replace the wires in the electronic throttle body.
This is the maintenance I do on my 95 E320:
engine oil - every 4.5K with regular oil
trans fluid - every 30K with Dex III
diff fluid - every 60K with synthetic 75W-90
ps fluid - every 30K with generic ps fluid
brake fluid - every two years with DOT4
coolant - every 3-4 years with Zerex G05
fuel filter - every 30K
air filter - as needed (~30K)
wheel bearing - regrease with new seals every 90K
All other issues should be handled on a case-by-case basis by posting on this forum.
About now is a good time to check the steering damper.
Also, build yourself a code reader for your tool box, it'll come in handy: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/...d.php?t=107630
At the first sign of a hydraulic leak from the convertible mechanism (it will happen!), be prepared to have all eight cylinders rebuilt, instead of dealing with it piecemeal.
And if you ever get really ambitious, you could replace the wires in the electronic throttle body.
Last edited by Kestas; Jun 15, 2010 at 01:58 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,450
Likes: 1
From: British Columbia, Canada
1987 560SL
These cars are ageing, now.
Check for dried out rubber parts too.
It is important to check the rubber flex discs on the driveline. The front one especially, dries out and crumbles. It starts off as driveline vibration.
Squeaks from the suspension are likely dried bushings - also look for sloppy handling and play.
Check for dried out rubber parts too.
It is important to check the rubber flex discs on the driveline. The front one especially, dries out and crumbles. It starts off as driveline vibration.
Squeaks from the suspension are likely dried bushings - also look for sloppy handling and play.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9
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1994 e320 cabriolet
Thx for the input guys!
Turns out that the flex discs, motor mounts and water pump were all replaced w/in the last 10k miles.
I can't say enough about these cars! Thx again for your input!
I can't say enough about these cars! Thx again for your input!
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 169
Likes: 2
300TE, 300CE
hydraulic fluid for top
Not only watch for hydraulic fluid leaks, but also, change it regularly
I pretty much do what Kestas said above, and I add changing hydraulic fluid when changing the brake fluid.
If your fluid is clear or slightly golden colored, it's probably ok, but I would change it anyway since you don't know if it's ever been done.
But if it's greenish colored, change it yesterday! The top lowering system is open to air at the fluid reservoir, and so over time water gets into the hydraulic fluid. The dealers and MB factory do not talk about changing the fluid at all
I pretty much do what Kestas said above, and I add changing hydraulic fluid when changing the brake fluid.
If your fluid is clear or slightly golden colored, it's probably ok, but I would change it anyway since you don't know if it's ever been done.
But if it's greenish colored, change it yesterday! The top lowering system is open to air at the fluid reservoir, and so over time water gets into the hydraulic fluid. The dealers and MB factory do not talk about changing the fluid at all
