floatinghat

I recently bought a 2005 CDI and so far everything is great. I want to base line the car and change the fuel filter and oil filter. It looks like both Mahle and Hengst make fuel filter with a significant price difference. Has anyone opened both filers and checked out the differences (if any).

Any recommendations on Oil filter? It has a K&N should I clean it or replace with OEM

I have heard K&N can foul the MAF?

I would also like to base line the transmission with a 130K should I have it flushed as the stealer recommends? Would a fluid exchange I believe 15ish quarts and filter be better?

Something else to change is the material on the B-Pillar has some wear marks. Can anyone recommend a source new/replacement.

92* thermostat, engine seams to run a little cold

Little heater valve as heater blows cold air (nice DYI)

Something else, new OEM floor mats and could use guidance for all weather mats and a trunk mat.

I will do the majority of service myself but might be time constrained on the tranny service, any good Indies in the Seattle area? I cleaned the EGR and plan on doing the delete


Where are the best places to buy parts on line?

Plutoe

Your questions will get very diverse answers.

My only suggestion is stay with lubrication and filter products that meet the MB specs and you will not go wrong. An oily intake air filter does not meet the spec!!

Regarding B Pillar.Those parts new are a dealer item and are cheap!

Regarding the transmission. The simplest way to determine the condition of the fluid is to have it tested. Then once you have the test results you an develop a plan.

If you live East of the river, my choice for MB parts is Skyland Automotive, Asheville NC. Great internet parts pricing(50 bucks free ship). Good Luck

floatinghat

Plutoe,

thanks for the replies, I will check out their parts prices.

willy_manilly

I know when mine was changed they just used the OEM filter,

I asked him about K&N and he said he hasn't seen any benefits :S