Batman

What maintenance should I be doing on this car at this time? Looks like I'll be replacing some bushings really soon as I have a clunking sound in the front. See this thread if you're having the same problem. Aside from that, anything else I should be replacing?

I was thinking about getting the Bentley manual for this car. Anyone have any experience with it? I have the one for my M3 and it's great. Is there a better manual to get? I saw the post mentioning Alldata.com and I guess that's an option too. Any suggestions? How about a place to buy the manual at a good price?

Anyone have a parts cd for this car?

Thanks.

jimmydagreek

You should be using fully synthetic oil on your Benz first and foremost! I use Mobil 1 fully sythentic oil to prevent any valve or lifter problems after 100k miles. Change your synthetic oil and filter every 5000 miles. Check to see that your air filter is clean and that you transmission oiling is fine and doesn't need replacement. Yes, replace your control arm bushings for sure, especially if your Benz is lowered or you are planning to lower it. If your are planning to lower it, I would recommend replacing the shocks as well. I don't thing that Bentley or Haynes make manuals for the newer 96+ Mercedes yet or at least I haven't seen any. I went on to the Haynes site looking for one and came up with zilch! If you find one please let me know. You can find parts CD's on www.ebay.com from time to time. Good luck with your ride and post some pics. when you have a chance.

Batman

Yeah, I'm using synthetic. The dealer recommends Castrol though. BMW is using Castrol too now. I think they said 5w50. Air filter is good. Transmission oiling? Hmm, how do you check that? I thought these transmissions weren't meant to be opened (at least that's what the dealer said). While we're on the topic, do they have a filter that should be replaced (probably not if they weren't meant to be opened)?

Have you had any problems with your differential leaking? Have you changed any gaskets down there or is it just mine that's doing this?

You're right about the manual, I checked out bentley's site and they didn't have anything. Looks like I'll be using alldata.com if they have info on this car.

jimmydagreek

You are correct, I would have a mechanic make check your transmission life as you can't check that yourself. Castrol is good but I use Mobil 1 SuperSyn 10W-30 oil as that is what my Mercedes Mechanic and the Mercedes dealer recommended for high mileage vehicles. Check out the site: http://www.mobil1.com/index.jsp

I haven't had any trouble with my differential leaking or anything. Hmm, must be a gasket or something but I have never paid attention down there as I have never seen any leaks (knocking on wood). Anyway, good luck with your Benz...

watercourt668

I got my transmission fuild change at 124k. Eventhough, the dealer doesn't recommend changing the fuild, but luckily I did my anyway. The transmission filter is located inside the tranmssion pan. Alway replace the gasket and filter.

Batman

Did you have the dealer do it or did you do it yourself? If you did it yourself, difficulty rating? Mess Factor? Did you use a manual or anything for reference? Special tools needed? Part numbers? Did you notice a difference afterwards? Has anyone else here changed their transmission fluid/filter?
Thanks.

watercourt668

I have someone that are very familiar with Mercedes does it for me. He only charge me $160 parts and labor. I watched him did it, I don't think its difficult to be honest. You have to drain the oil first, and then remove the trans oil pan. You should see the filter right there. I will do it myself next time. I was amazed how thirty the fluid was. It was dark like mud! Good luck!

pocholin

Synthetic oil, bushings, coolant flush, spark plugs and check the shock absorbers. Congratulation on the 100k miles!

Turbo][

In the W210 Tech CD. It states NEVER EVER EVER change the transmission oil, as it's a special "mb" blend. None of the current ATF oil falls in the "certify" mandated by MB.

This is the only reason why I haven't touch the tranny oil......

Here is the quote:

"The Transmission Type 722.6 is filled with a newly developed special transmission fluid and is concidered to be "filled for life". no other fluid is authorized to be installed in this transmission, This fluid is not to be used in any other transmission

Model 722.6 Transmission All. MB Part Number 001 989 21 03 10
Note: Mercedes-Benz Fluid Required. "

watercourt668

You should change your trans fluid at 60k no matter what the dealer or manual say. Mercedes use MB specail blend synthetic tran fluid, which doesn't require changing. Additives in the oil will break down over time. The reason they say it is not necessary to chang the oil because it is not cost effective. The dealer charge $350 for an oil change. If you want to prolong the life of your trans then do it regularily.

I didn't use any ATF oil for my car. I make sure the guy that did my car used the genuine MB synthetic oil.

BTW, Turbo, which w210 Tech CD you own?