ResistanceJoy

Hello all. I bought my 1992 300E/2.6 new and I now have 157K miles on it. I feel like it's getting old so I just wanted some tips on how to make my car last forever. It's in very good condition, but it seems lately I've had to spend more than a few dollars on repairs.

I get the oil changed every 2,000 miles or so and when the oil light comes on it means I have to top off the oil. My air conditioner will need to be converted soon, and I'm experiencing a slight leak so every couple of years I have to get freon added.

I just had the engine belt and motor mounts replaced last month. Tomorrow, I will have the rear pinions repaired for a leak and there's a small exhaust leak that will be fixed, too. I think I'll need to get the blower motor replaced very soon because it whines when the fan starts.

I am not mechanically inclined, so I'd appreciate any and all comments on how to keep my lovely 300E in top condition. I'd like to be able to drive it at least another 200K miles!

Joy

Brian McL

...don't wait till the oil light comes on to top up the oil! On that engine (M103) there is a persistent oil leak on the timing case cover on the front of the engine and the engine "throws oil" It's messy but harmeless. Expect to add oil REGULARLY.....DON' WAIT FOR THE LIGHT! Learn how to do it yourself and at the same time find a good local mechanic to maintain your car. Someone who comes recommended. Post your city and perhaps someone can recommend a shop close to you. If the leak gets really bad maybe they can replace the gasket for you.

ResistanceJoy

Thank you, Rusty, for the advice. So ... should I check the oil level every month? The light comes on about 2 months after an oil change. I'm in Kansas City, MO. I've always had my car serviced at the dealership for convenience and quality of service, plus they always give me a loaner.

Brian McL

..I'd look at it weekly, why need?...it takes 60 seconds. Makes sure the car is on level ground and start the engine, let it run 60 seconds then turn it off, before checking oil level.
If you are happy with the dealer and don't mind paying their price then that's the place to stay.
Good luck

mhorn

Check the oil with every fill up. Most M103 motors with over 100k miles will drop about a quart in between oil changes depending on driving conditions. If most of your travel is highway, it will probably leak more. The constant high rpm's on the freeway "sling" a lot more oil than city driving. I keep a spare quart in the trunk in case it gets low. Do Not over fill though thinking this will buy you more time until it leaks back down. This will blow out all your seals.

Kestas

Any old car can be tough for someone who isn't a DIYer. To be blunt, you'll either have to live with many of the quirks your car has, or spend lots of money to keep up with repairs. That, or a new car. Unfortunately, most in your position simply live with the quirks until the car is "consumed". Having transportation costs money or the equivalent in sweat.

At the minimum, keep up with fluid and filter changes according to the maintenance schedule.

Every couple years to top off the freon isn't excessive. If once a year doesn't keep up with the leak, only then you start looking for repair.

amt

Is it normal to topup the motor oil 1litre/100km? 60% on highway and 40% on city.

Kestas

One liter every 100 km is way too much. Industry standard is such that anyconsumption rate (burning) greater than one quart every 500 to 700 miles is excessive to the point that the engine must be repaired or rebuilt.

amt

Kestas ... sorry it should be 1litre/1000km. Is there a way to cut down rate buy changing to thicker oil 20W50? Currently I am using 15W50.

Brian McL

Just get the front timing chain cover gasket repaired. That will reduce (or stop) the leak, for awhile. It should be done at the MB dealer 'cause they are aware of the latest modification to the gasket and the correct sealer to use.

vinamg

Mounts, a few leaks, etc. are normal issues at your mileage. Make sure to change the transmission fluid and filter regularly (every 30k mi).
I'm close to 250k mi on my CE. With the exception of alternator, water pump, mounts, valve seals, and filters it has all original parts.

I would also suggest staying away from a 134 A/C conversion. Find somebody with R12.

amt

Thanks vinamg, Brian McL, and Kestas. Will get someone to look into the timing chain cover gasket. Still using R12 (not an issue to get it here in singapore or Malaysia).