I've been a dealer and independent technician for 10 years. Got any questions?
Tweet me @AdamcMcKay

 

Do you recommend a transmission flush on a E430 w/ 100k, or just a fluid drop, filter and refill?

New owner. No prior service history records available.

Thanks.

 

I am getting pressure built up in my rear differntial. Thought maybe the pinion seal was out (and it very well may be) because of all the oil around the housing, so put it on a friend's lift while ago and there was pressure built up when he loosened the plug. It was low about a half a quart, so will probably take it to the stealership since I am not sure if any of my small town mechanics are capable of fixing the problem. Meanwhile, where is the vent for the rear diffential, and could that be the problem? '98 E 320 4 Matic is the model.

 

I will be very appreciated if you can give me any advices about installing of new spring on shock absorber in MB E430 4-Matic 2001. I removed the broken spring with Klann compressor. However can not put the shock absorber inside of spring because the inner diameter of the spring in about 4 mm less then it needed to pass through the fork. I posted today and yesterday pictures with all my attempts to install. If you will take a look you will see what I am talking about. I have a plenty of repair experience but never did this one. Thank you for your advice. I use only original Mercedes parts and tools.

 

I have a few basic questions regarding tuning that I would like your unbiased opinion on. I'm not looking to install one of these tunes that far exceed the safe operating parameters of the engine or transmission, which then results in the obvious premature and costly failure of one or both. All I'm looking for is to understand what is the upper safe limit of operation my vehicle could handle with stock parts for optimal performance.

1) From what I can tell, the engine and transmission in my E550 are the same as the ones found in the CLS550, S550 and SL550. The only difference I have been able to determine is the difference in tuning from the factory. Is this correct?

2) If that is the case, then my vehicle should safely be handle being re-tuned to levels of either a S550 or SL550 without a problem correct? After all, if the same engine / transmission pairing is used in either the S550 or SL550, why would it present a safe operational problem in a E550.

3) I understand that MB does not re-tune vehicles in the way I am suggesting. I understand the corporate marketing rationale behind the decision and don't have a problem with it. I get how up-selling to the general public works. So that leaves finding a third party for consideration o any change. In looking at Renntech, they offer an intermediate tune that would seem to be in the normal operating range of the engine and transmission. What is your opinion of the them and is their quoted tune of 480 hp and 523 lb-ft of torque still in the range of what the stock engine and transmission can handle? If not, what in your experience would be the safe upper limits of what both the engine and transmission can handle over the long haul?

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide.

 

Joined twitter and tweeted him that he has questions, hope he will respond.

 

Thanks Barn9.

 

He did answer on twitter, but didn't exactly answer my issue. Said there was an updated differential cover, but that didn't address my vent issue. Hopefully he will get back here, twitter only allows brief comments.

 

Thanks for the update barn9. Yes, it would be nice if he answered our specific questions that are posted here. Hopefully he will. Most questions can't be adequately addressed in 140 characters.

 

Well I guess we won't be getting answers to our questions. Oh well, that's the way it goes.

 

At least I got one short, curt answer from him on twitter, not sure why he posted if he has no intention of following through. I reminded him again that he had questions here, but no acknowledgement. It would be so nice if this forum actually worked when it came to getting answers.

 

Yes, I don't understand why some folk offer to answer questions and then never respond back. It's not like he had to wade through hundreds of questions. He had a total of six questions. With his stated MB background, I would have thought that would take him maybe 10 to 15 minutes to address.

I agree it is difficult at times to get questions answered on this site. Believe it or not, this is probably the most active MB site I've found. That's why I try to be as specific as possible in how I word my questions. I was hoping for more of a free-flowing exchange of knowledge and ideas on various topics related to our cars from people with more knowledge on MB than I have. Unfortunately, it seems if you don't own a C63, there's not a lot of exchange of info.