tmandel

My '99 wagon, purchased 2 weeks ago, has @96K on it. Tomorrow it goes in for its first service -- an indie mechanic w/ a very good local reputation and MB certification and tools and a bunch of MB customers. I'm not set up for DIY at present.

My question is what should I have done in this first service?

Per another thread, the car's only presenting problem is a whine that seems to come from the front differential. If that's confirmed on the lift, I'll certainly change the front diff oil, using Mobil1 (as seems to be widely recommended here).

At 70K, the plugs were replaced and the transmission was serviced -- the previous owner had just moved and this was the first service performed by Eurocars in Bethesda MD; perhaps they saw the owner coming? as this is early for both these procedures. Perhaps they were needed. In any case, I won't need these to be done.

So... beyond having the car carefully inspected and attending to the whine, what should I have done? An A service was performed @5k ago, I should add.

I already love the car, and I'll be grateful for your help.

RichardM98

What sort of service records do you have? If you have them you can 'build' a service history and then use the MB recommended service cycles to determine what needs to be done and when.

If it received a proper Schedule A 5K ago, then there is no reason to repeat it. The only thing that I would suggest is that if the differentials and transfer case were not serviced with the transmission then do so. But the fluid service may not eliminate the whine. According to MB and other manufacturers a faint whine from say a transmission is not abnormal.

If you can confirm that the Schedule A service included a 229.5 approved oil (Mobil 1 Syn 0W-40 or ?) and a proper fleece filter then use the FSS built in to the car to monitor your Schedule A/B services. It monitors miles/time, driving style and oil quality. Details in OM.

Brake fluid flush is every 2 years and Coolant flush is every 3. If you can't verify they were done then I would do them as convenient with Brake fluid flush as 1st. priority. Brake pads have sensors and discs have thickness specs.

The service cycles I mentioned are from the Service Booklet for my 1998 E320 wagon. I believe they are the same for your car but always confirm them with the Service Booklet for your car. If you don't have one (should be with OM), it's available from dealer.

As a rule, I only use the MB approved fluids, filters and parts. I have a document that lists those if you want it PM me. I try to save money by doing my own work rather than use aftermarket parts. Good luck.

tmandel

I have a Carfax report on the car which shows "manufacturer's recommended maintenance performed" (by dealers) on about a 9-10K mi. interval since new -- I'm assuming these are A and B services.

Given that oil and filter were changed in the A service 5K ago, by the MB dealer in Bethesda MD -- do I need to confirm whether MB approved oil/filter were used?

Brake fluid and coolant were flushed and replaced @18K ago. I was on the fence about whether to do brake fluid now or at the next service. I'll do it this time.

Other service noted in the Carfax report include replacement of crankshaft position sensor (87k), replacement of shifter bushings and stabilzer bar bushings (70k), all rotors replaced (59k), fuel filter replaced (59k), brakes done right along (fronts 5k ago), and the aformentioned plugs and tranny at 79k. Harmonic balancer was done on recall.

I'll see if I can check whether the transfer case and differentials were serviced w/ the transmission at 79K.

RichardM98

It's pretty safe to assume that the dealer used the correct oil and filter since they buy in bulk (oil). As you may have noticed not all service cycles are distance driven. So if the car is being driven about 9-10K per year the brake flush is due but the coolant can wait until next year.

Quite a few years ago, the major car manufacturers and the brake fluid manufacturers got together and agree that a 2 yr flush cycle would protect the system against moisture build up in the fluid and then corrosion. I'm sure it's conservative but hey it's the brakes!

It sounds like this car has been well cared for and you can expect it to last as long as you're willing to service it and make repairs.

Musikmann

Not early for the transmission or for the plugs. If that was the 1st trans service it was a bit late; most people recommend at least a partial change (drop pan, drain, replace filter and pan gasket) at 50k and then again every 25-30. Plugs were due at 5 years or 100,000 whichever comes first.

I'm with RichardM98 that the car seems to have been well maintained.

tmandel

Thanks, Richard; the car does seem to have been pretty well cared for. It started out as a lease and went only 10k miles its first 3 years. There was one subsequent owner who put on @85K miles in 7.5 years.

My intention is to drive and maintain it for many years.

tmandel

Ah, thanks Musikmann. So, if not at this service then certainly at the next I should do the partial change of tranny fluid (or perhaps a full -- incl. what's in torque converter?).

Musikmann

I based my answer on my experience and tried to extrapolate to yours. I had my 1st and partial done at 58,000. I sent a fluid sample to Blackstone Labs and they confirmed it was the original factory fill. I told them that I had a partial service and they said I could wait 30,000 miles but then do it again.

Then it depends on what type of service was done on yours at 70,000. If it was a full service, and even though you did it late, I'd probably do that again at 110,000 so a 40,000 interval. MB recommends every 39,000 now. If that was only a partial, then I'd do it right away and when you have this service performed. From here on, do a partial every 30,000. *Note* Just my personal opinion.

Good luck with your car and welcome to the forum.

tmandel

Thanks again, Musikmann -- so far the forum has been quite valuable.

The transmission service was done by a previous owner; I'm trying to get specific information on what was done from Euromotorcars in Bethesda MD. Your suggestions above sound like the right way to go.

Musikmann

My pleasure tmandel, and best of luck with your car.

tmandel

Well... I stopped to get gas on the way into the garage this morning, and the gas cap wouldn't come off!! Per another thread here. Sigh... I'm sure it's an easy fix (hope hope hope), as the 4matic wagon is oversized for a paperweight!

Musikmann

I see your other thread. Welcome to the sometime perverted world of Mercedes! FWIW I have trouble removing my oil filler cap and the car uses oil. I bought a strap wrench and that helps. But I know that's not the solution to the gas cap issue. Can you wait until you take it in for service? Hopefully the tech there will have a solution but I offered one on your other thread.

tmandel

My mechanic was able to remove the fuel filler cap, and we're getting a new one from the stealership in Milford DE (20 mi. away) -- I do need to drive the car.

I understand there is a different kind of cap but have seen no pointer to the actual part. Peachparts shows only one, and it looks exactly like my non-working one.

If the new one from the dealer proves problematic I'll get the "different kind" -- but... does someone have a specific link or part number for it? Thanks.

Franasia

There's another thread about the gas cap problem below this one with the solution. Basically, you need to get the Blau brand gas cap and problem solved.

Cheers

tmandel

Thanks!

ohlord

oil changed 5k ago.All other services done.Just have him inspect hoses belt leaks etc.You need no service other than that.If you must do anything you are due for the total o2 sensor replacement.Plugs are not due.And don't get talked into them or new wires.The wires last forever on the M112
Brake fluid was done recently don't do it again for a year.Trans was serviced less than 20 k ago you have plenty of time to do it in another 20k.
Did you have it inspected before purchase?Did you know the trans or front dif was whining when you bought it?

tmandel

Ohlord -- brake fluid actually done 2 years ago (19k) and tranny fluid 3 years ago (26k); I am having him replace the former and at least check condition of the latter. And a complete inspection, yes.

I wasn't able to have the car inspected before purchase, no -- I bought it in Baltimore, and I live in Lewes DE; there was no way. I noted the whine, yes, but I did describe that to my mechanic and ask him about it.

I had a full Carfax indicating a full, regular service history -- including recent services that I would have expected to have coming up (tranny, brakes, plugs, etc.) . I drove it and found it extremely solid, lively and responsive. It had only 95K on it. And I had what I thought was quite a good deal on it -- $6700.

I've bought a lot of cars in my life, and I knew I was taking at least some chance -- but then you're doing that no matter what used car or what the inspection says! I figured it to be a good way to find out if I really wanted to drive a Mercedes again.

tmandel

O2 sensors -- thanks! I'll do that soon. I'll check if there's a DIY on that. No need for a lift?

ohlord

The big ones. Like rhino ramps.Still Have time on the trans fluid.
O2's come with instructions

tmandel

Well, the trans fluid was incredibly filthy, so we did it....

Musikmann

As I understand it, the appearance is a bit deceiving with ATF. Just because it's not red doesn't mean it's that bad. As the tranny clutches do their thing and wear they impart some blackish carbon to the fluid. It definitely sounds like they only did a partial service last time because it shouldn't look that filthy after only 25,000 miles on totally fresh fluid.

tmandel

I do notice an occasional hard shift, but in truth I'm not going to worry myself about it. Overall, I am very pleased with how this car drives and am looking forward to enjoying it for some years.

We'll replace the front differential with a good used unit rather than going to the dealer. Emphasis on "good" (and low mileage).

We did get the gas cap off; my mechanic put it on in ginger way, and I was able to remove it at the gas station and refill. But now -- again! -- I'm having trouble removing it, even though I too thought I was being very delicate in just barely turning it onto the filler tube. I had to drive to Baltimore and will have to drive around here as well. To get home, I'll have to refill -- i.e. I'll *have to* get the gas cap off. Really, what a silly problem to have with such a sophisticated vehicle!! Am applying my sense of humor, however!