BLACKCDI

Well today I got around doing my first oil change on my 2005 E320 CDI with 85k miles on the clock. Before I even started draining oil I noticed that something is dripping on the garage floor, and of course, it was diesel!
Took off engine covers and discovered that fuel filter and the whole front of the car was wet with diesel! Wow, never seen that coming with a 2 year old car. Anyway, had to replace 6 clamps, some of them were pain in the *** to get to. Some clamps were so loose I could twist them with my fingers.
Once I got that out of the way, I drained oil for about 1 hour till the last drop. Changed the oil filter and topped it off with 7.5L of Elf 0-30.
To my surprise I found an original air filter on a car with 85k miles, it did not look so good I changed it also.
I noticed a big difference, engine sounds much quieter, and throttle response is better. Fuel economy had definitely increased since I am not loosing any out of the fuel lines

lkchris

The clamps are the CLIC type, requiring a special tool.

See http://www.hazet.de/video/VEN15.mpg

If the air filter remained that long, suspect MAF sensor damage.

csumt76

Only a 2 year old car with almost 100 thousand miles on it..... I'd expect some maintenance to take place.

BLACKCDI

I am keeping my fingers crossed hoping MAF sensor is not damaged, car runs like a dream so far. I purchased the car for only 30k about 3 weeks ago, unfortunately it did not come with any service records. I just requested service history from MB USA.
As far as CLIC clamps go, I was able to pop them off with a pair of needle nose pliers pretty easily. Next item to replace on the list is fuel filter, it looks original!
Anything else I should look into replacing?

jimbo1mcm

Who abused a fine car like this. No air filter change, no fuel filter change. I bet the oil changes were few and far between. Good luck to the new owner. Get the transmission fluid changed, now!!!

harkgar

I had a similar experience with only 7,000 km on the clock and I posted a photo somewhere on this board. There is an O ring which seeps diesel and with the engine all covered up I only found out quite recently. The leakage was not as severe as yours and it was fixed under warranty.

Regarding the automatic transmission change the oil as suggested by another member. This gearbox was supposedly sealed for life but MB changed its mind and it needs attention again. ATF changes are essential to the health of the transmission. It is a stressed moving part just like the engine and needs attention once every few tens of thousands of miles.

Good insurance.

BLACKCDI

It is really puzzeling as to why simple things like air filter have not been changed out, but I will work with what I got. That's a downside of getting the car off the internet from another state.
Tranny fluid will definetley be changed very soon.
BTW what particular O-Ring are you talking about, would like to check that on my car. I was trying to search for the pic. with no result. Thanks.

jimbo1mcm

Probably the best way to change it is to find someone who has a BK or similar flush machine. Buy the Benz fluid and bring it to them. It takes about 15 qts. Or let the dealer do it. Make sure all the fluid is removed and replaced, not just the fluid in the pan. The torque converter has about as much fluid in it as the pan and it remains in there if it is not flushed out. Good luck.

lkchris

"Flushing" is for owners of American cars just asking to be screwed (some more).

It's not for Mercedes.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/Enth...81.A10297.html

jimbo1mcm

If you knew anything about a BK Transmission Fluid exchange system, you might not have posted your last remark.

csumt76

I've never heard of BK, only BG. And it is a system that hooks inline to either of the cooler lines entering the radiator. It takes exactly 12 qts of ATF and does exactly what it claims. IMO, one of the best "flushes" out there. The only thing is that to get the pan completely clean it should be removed.

lkchris

BG is the company that gives auto mechanics prize credits for the number of cans of their goop they sell.

But, it's not necessary to know anything about them--rather it's necessary to know something about Mercedes.

jimbo1mcm

I guess you are referring to the chemicals they add to keep the seals pliable, etc. Previous contributor is correct, BK are grillers at a fast food place, BG is the fluid exchange company. Both my CDI's have had the fluid exchanged at 30,000 miles and will continue to do so. I feel it is a cheap insurance.