barn9

My '98 E320 AWD has 2 issues that need addressed, and the dealer just about gave me another heart attack with their estimate. I have used search and found some info, but not enough about step-by-step how to procedures to determine if I can tackle either of these problems. I am a senior citizen with some mechanical skill/knowledge, but not sure if I am up to tackling either one of these, so any tips or guidance would be greatly appreciated.

1. The common p0400 check engine light is the first, and replacing both the EGR and metal tube is the way I think I should go, but although some say it is not that bad to do, I cannot find much on how to go about it, would like to see some visual help if possible and get your input on whether I should attempt it myself.

2. Pinion seal on rear axle has developed a pretty good leak, noticed it while doing an oil change last week. Oil level was low, but no damage, just a mess around the differential area from where it has leaked.
Since I would have to work with the car on jack stands, this one might be too much for me to tackle, so another question: would this be a job a local mechanic could do?

Dealer just quoted me $1700.00 to do both of these, thus my heart palpatations. Would appreciate your thoughts, tips, ideas, etc. on what to do.
Thank you for any help in advance, I need to make a decision on which way to go with these issues.

Plutoe

Do the EGR work yourself and then go to an independent shop for a quote and work on the pinion seal!!

illest

The EGR is not that hard to do with the right tools. In some cases just cleaning the pipe and reinstalling will fix it. While you are back there check for broken vaccum lines. There are instructions on the other forum

barn9

What other forum? I have not had much luck finding anything other than general tidbits. I'm old and slow and need specific info, which I have not been able to find.

Plutoe

I think he is talking about the KiddyBenz forum-----they talk and post and talk and post, but yet very few solutions, except for the guy whos garage windows and floors are as clean as a house---now he has correct factory solutions---the rest it's talk talk and racking up posts.

I know you said you were old and three generations living in the house and out of work and rather slow,but---grab yourself by the boot straps and do a google search you will find the EGR repair and then you can drive away and throw the house keys on the front yard leaving all that trauma behind you in sunny Maine!!

barn9

I did a google search and got very little useful information, and what was in one place was contradicted in another. One guy said it takes special tools, another says it doesn't and it's easy, and none of them had photo or video help which I would find useful. I do know what a dirty tube looks like now, but no idea what it takes to get to it.

And a note to the others that may be new, Plutoe is the self-proclaimed king of smartass remarks and very little useful help, one thing I HAVE learned about this site! But I'll give him this, I did see a post of his once that bordered on being nice and leaned towards being of help, key word ONCE!

illest

Here is some good info that should help

I had the same issue a few months ago. Cleaning the metal pipe made it go away for a while but it came back. I ended up having to change some of the vacuum lines one the front of the motor.

barn9

Thank you sir! Any tidbit is a help to me since I am not that great of a mechanic, and new to everything MB. Appreciate you taking the time to help!

raymond g-

barn, sometimes you may find a forum member who is willing to give some
tips or coaching etc if they happen to live nearby. so, food for thought, if
you're comfortable including your city in your profile. occasionally, i'll swing
by to get eyes-on a situation or deliver spare parts etc to neighbors on the
forums...even that other one.

barn9

Thanks raymond, point taken. I am in a small town, rural area, not many MB's around my area.
And I did find some useful info on the Peach forum just moments ago, nice to find some specific info on that differntial breather. And I didn't have to pay to join as I would have to do with you know who's suggestion.