98 E320 Purchase
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Salem, VA
2003 E55 AMG
98 E320 Purchase
Greetings,
Just purchased the subject car with light front end damage and 138,000 miles. It has been sitting for over 6 months and was wondering what I should look at before getting her back on the road i.e. fluid changes/flushes, filters, etc. It was started ocassionally during this time but not run for long since the accident took out the fan shroud, idler pulley and belt. I've owned and maintained a 90 W124 for 10 years and currently own a 2002 C32 that I've had for 2 years.
Thanks,
John
Just purchased the subject car with light front end damage and 138,000 miles. It has been sitting for over 6 months and was wondering what I should look at before getting her back on the road i.e. fluid changes/flushes, filters, etc. It was started ocassionally during this time but not run for long since the accident took out the fan shroud, idler pulley and belt. I've owned and maintained a 90 W124 for 10 years and currently own a 2002 C32 that I've had for 2 years.
Thanks,
John
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Aside from obvious repair damage, I would -
0 - Have the battery load tested. Replace with MB battery from dealer if necessary. These cars are quite sensitive to battery voltage and there are lots of electronics that can start acting up.
1 - Flush brake fluid (every 2 years) and while doing that measure the pad and rotor thickness.
2 - Use OBD scanner to check for any stored (pending codes). Make a list, clear all codes, and see which come back after driving for a few days.
3 - Unless you have evidence it was done recently
- Oil change and filter (Mobil 1 syn 0W-40 MB spec 229.3 or .5) with fleece (polyester media) filter
- Trans fluid (w/ TC) and filter. Use MB spec 5 sp fluid for 622.x If you are going to DIY you will need a 'dipstick' tool to measure final level.
- Differential fluid
4 - Coolant (every 3 years)
0 - Have the battery load tested. Replace with MB battery from dealer if necessary. These cars are quite sensitive to battery voltage and there are lots of electronics that can start acting up.
1 - Flush brake fluid (every 2 years) and while doing that measure the pad and rotor thickness.
2 - Use OBD scanner to check for any stored (pending codes). Make a list, clear all codes, and see which come back after driving for a few days.
3 - Unless you have evidence it was done recently
- Oil change and filter (Mobil 1 syn 0W-40 MB spec 229.3 or .5) with fleece (polyester media) filter
- Trans fluid (w/ TC) and filter. Use MB spec 5 sp fluid for 622.x If you are going to DIY you will need a 'dipstick' tool to measure final level.
- Differential fluid
4 - Coolant (every 3 years)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 43
Likes: 1
From: Salem, VA
2003 E55 AMG
Thanks!
Thanks for all the info. I drained the oil and it appears that the previous owner did not use synthetic. Would it be harmful to switch back at this point? Also, the car came with the factory Xenon's but the housings were destroyed and they are spendy to replace. Would you know if I can retrofit to the standard halogens or good aftermarket options?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
If the PO changed the oil on a regular interval there's no reason not to switch back. With the correct oil and filter you can use the built-in FSS to remind you of oil changes. Usually around 12K miles per year. That way the cost is about the same as 2 or 3 regular oil changes with conventional oil.
I'm not too familiar with lighting retro fits. There have been several threads on the subject in the past. Most seem to want to 'upgrade' to some form of projector lights like newer models. They usually try to sell their old ones so check the For Sale forums on the MB sites. Should be much cheaper than new. If you find a set of Xenons which appear cloudy you can polish them to look almost new for a few bucks.
I'm not too familiar with lighting retro fits. There have been several threads on the subject in the past. Most seem to want to 'upgrade' to some form of projector lights like newer models. They usually try to sell their old ones so check the For Sale forums on the MB sites. Should be much cheaper than new. If you find a set of Xenons which appear cloudy you can polish them to look almost new for a few bucks.
Newbie
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Baldwin Park
1998 Mercedes Benz E32O Wagon Named "Rival"
I'll sell you the complete front end. Give me a fair price && it's yours 
It's white w/ minor rock chips... No fog lights included. Text me @ 626.736.9441 98' E320
It's white w/ minor rock chips... No fog lights included. Text me @ 626.736.9441 98' E320
