boisehomes

Just purchased a 1997 E420 with 88,000. Everything seems very tight on it. What service issues should I look at or perform on this car? Anyone ever ran Redline Auto tranny fluid? Been using it on my 1989 735il with 160,000 on it and it runs and shifts like the day I bought it? Also anyone use mobile 1 synthetic? What is the best for these cars as far as motor oil goes. I drive my cars very hard and want the best lube possible. What have you guys had the best luck with on these cars? I plan on using it in a few autocross events and a daily driver so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Troy Stephenson

Musikmann

Since about 1998, most, if not all, of the M-Bs imported had some brand of synthetic oil in them. For a few years, the dealerships have been told to use Mobil 1. Mine has 0-W40 in it, and I think that is pretty universal today.

gujupimpster89@

i use mobil 1, and it works great.

galleryvw

you don't need to run synthetic oil in a '97. it was not designed for that. as far a servicing - definiteley have the tranny drained and replaced with MB spec fluid. while they're at it, have them see if any tranny fluid has made it's way up the wire to the electrical housing that handles the shifting (the pressure pushes the fluid up the wire insulation). have someone pull your codes to see if any sensors need replacing - there are sensors everywhere on your car. the car will run okay with many of them near failing, but longterm effects of running the car like this can burn out parts of your car. the cabin air filter is probably getting towards the end of it's life, replacing that will extend the life of your blowers. that's about all i can think of for preventative maintenance - other than belts, hoses and filters. my 420 is up to 140K. i had a couple nice years of just oil changes but earlier this month got stung for about $4K in repairs.

Musikmann

Sorry, I must have missed that you have a 1997 - my bad!
M

okc329

Your car has a 722.6 model transmission. Put only the expensive MB transmission fuid made for it in it. Otherwise you can have problems. Do search on "722.6 transmission" for lots of info re this.

Z06EATER

go for synthetic that's all i use i my 420, and have a reguar maintaince done on it at mercedes, then u should be good