mikeshumacher

Hello wonderful MB people,

I have a few questions:

1. What is the normal engine temp in C?
2. I have a warning light in my dash that looks like a lightbulb with an "!"
3. I have a hard time with my MB stereo. It's 14 years old already. I am planning to change it. Will there be any issues I'll encounter? I'm planning to install Blaupunkt or Alpine.

Thanks!

bmroxm5

I'm guessing the car is between 97-99? Therefore pre-update?

1. My operating temp in my E320 goes between halfway on the temp meter and the next line up, but has never touched the 'next line' up
2. That "!" could be because 'ASR' is turned off (should be set to on automatically each time the car starts though)... someone else will have to help you out here.
3. No problems at all, in fact many blaupunkts come with wiring that plugs directly into the stock MB one - very easy to install. That said, Alpines make much better units and a pro should be able to install without much hassle or charge.

TexFinn

If you have a lightbulb and "!" in the display, that should usually be accompanied with a message saying "lamp defective". Meaning check all your lights that they are working properly.

If the ASR is turned off, the "!" will be in a big yellow triangle.

mikeshumacher

Thank you for the replies, kind sirs. My car is a 1996 german version E230. What is an ASR? My manual is in German and I have tried looking for a manual all over the Philippines and here on the internet but to no avail...

mikeshumacher

My temp gauge is slightly above the HALF reading. Around 90c temp. Is this normal?

bmroxm5

yeh that's normal.

ASR - anti-skid reduction.

mikeshumacher

Ah okay, thanks BMROXM5. I've never had a car that has a temp reading slightly above half. Actually this is my first Mercedes. ASR switch? where can I find this? I hate driving with warning lights going or flashing.

Also, my whole interior roof cladding lost it's adhesive has worn off. Is this a very normal w210 problem?

Other problems are:
1. Dull headlights
2. rear power windows dont work
3. right passenger side side mirror doesnt work
4. faulty stereo volume/bass/treble controls

Any inputs, sirs?

mikeshumacher

Also, my e230 was imported from France, then shipped to germany, then to the philippines. In the trunk, it has two badges, one that says "E230" and the other one says "COMO" what does the 2nd emblem/badge mean?

TexFinn

If your car is equipped with ASR, the switch is located in the center console, just to the left of the shifter, right above your driver's side power window switch.

Dull headlights? Many ways to polish them. Even with just toothpaste.
Rear windows? Could be bad switches, burnt fuses, burnt motors or defective regulators.
Mirror? Faulty switch, bad wiring, bad motor.
Stereo? Very common problem. Unless you are handy with solder gun and electronics, I would look for a replacement.
COMO? No idea what that is about. Nothing to do with the car itself. Maybe a dealer badge, or something...

I would say most of your issues are quite common and searching and reading here will give you lots of good info and tips on how to get rid of those issues.

mikeshumacher

wow I will try the toothpaste method. Should I still buff it with cloth using a machine or buffing it by hand is okay?

Thank you for all your inputs, I think my rear power windows has faulty regulators. I've just finished reading a thread here with pictures.

The stereo, for sure it's gonna go.

The badge, I think I'll take it off, yeah it might just be a dealer's badge in France or Germany...

mikeshumacher

By the way, my car is now in the shop because I'm having the interior, exterior and engine bay detailed. The shops people are also suggesting a rust proofing undercoat done. Is this okay? Where I am in now, there are no Mercedes Shops and aftersales service centers. I am just sticking to a local shop (same owners of the local Toyota distributorship)...

mikeshumacher

When it come to changing the oils, Should I really stick to MOBIL 1` SYNTHETIC? Are regular -grade oils okay also provided I change every 5,000 kms?

saintz

Definitely stick to Mobil 1 0w40 if you can get it. Here are the approved oils, in case you see something that is easier/cheaper to get: http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevoli...nt_action=show

If you can't get any of those in the Philippines, try to get the closest synthetic you can find (I think you can get Royal Purple there).

You can hand polish the headlights with Meguairs PlastX, rubbing compound, or a Mr Clean Magic Eraser (not sure if you have those or what they're marketed as).

Stereo replacement is easy. If you use an aftermarket stereo, you can use a VW wiring harness. See this thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w210-amg/...-1999-e55.html

Sagging headliner is common for older cars, particularly in hot climates. You'll have to remove the whole headliner and replace the foam.

mikeshumacher

Sir Saintz, thank you so much for the information. You are truly a saint indeed