armi1688

I inherited a 2004 e320 from my boss just last november of 2013. It only has 14,300miles. Then I noticed there is a "SERVICE F exceeded by 1,393 days."
I want to know if this is a mechanical problem that I have to spend $$$$ to get it fixed. I just passed the smog a week ago.

65aircooled

Service F is not a mechanical problem, just a service and it includes brake fluid replace and if I am right transmission amongst other things, I think it is scheduled at 40K miles, do check your manual. I believe it usually takes about a whole day and won't be cheap if done at an MB dealer.
When you say "inherit" do you mean it was given to you for $0? If so, then let me say WOW

armi1688

Yes sir! I didn't pay a penny for it (except the transfer of title which is $15 here in California.) But it only has 15,000 miles in it?

AMGAffalterbach

Lucky employee! Check with your dealership, I had a Service C due according to the indicator, but they ended up having to do only a Service A once they checked all of the necessary components.

LemonSqueezy

Although it wouldn't hurt to just scroll through the instrument cluster and find out which services are really due so you can get an idea of what you're in for before you let the dealership surprise you.

jandmtv

Wow. A 10 year old car that's been driven 1k miles per year? Nice find! The only thing I would change On That car would be all fluids (engine and tranny oil, brake, steering and radiator) Air intake filters and tires. Those are what will age over time even if the car wasn't being driven. Oh and new batteries wouldn't be a bad idea. I believe your car has 2.

armi1688

thank you. it keeps showing "no malfunction".

armi1688

thanks. no service was done since my boss bought the car. will try do go to the dealership just to see i there's anymore problem. but I definitely won't bring bring it there if it cost a lot.

armi1688

I did try to do that. It show "no malfunction" and that's it. yes, will go to the dealership to get an idea. thanks!

armi1688

Thanks! yes, it has 2 batteries. Since you mentioned the tires, it's a 10 year old car and I wonder if tires need to be changed. I don't know.

mercedes4ever

Add to that diff oil.

jandmtv

Depends on where it was parked. But yes. That too. Tires will dry out over time. Lose their rubbery ness if you will.

beejAMG

what company do you work for?! are you hiring?!

I wouldnt mind spending a few to bring the car back in top condition if i got it for free. very lucky employee indeed!

armi1688

Always parked in the garage. Hopefully I don't need new tires because those look good for another 15k miles or more.

armi1688

Haha thanks! I just need to shop around in my area to find an independent to do the services needed for my car.

AMGAffalterbach

Hopefully it's not one of those cars that develops weird issues from not being driven or serviced for that long, just sitting in the garage.

LemonSqueezy

What I meant was to turn key to position 1, press reset 3 times, and scroll through menus to determine which services are due. Once in this "secret menu" there are up to 15 services indicated with numbers (ie: service 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 etc) which are specific tasks as opposed Service A, B, C which only indicate the amount of time required to complete the service. But since you stated no services have ever been done on your 10 year old car, I suspect you're in for a pretty decent size bill haha, most of which are probably just replacing old parts and changing some oils.

N_Jay

10 year old tires are bad news, sun or not.

AMGAffalterbach

^+1, rot can happen in anything but the most controlled conditions. That's why cars that have hardly been driven can have issues because of rubber and various seals cracking and falling apart.

LemonSqueezy

Man at 10 years, I'd consider those tires an accident waiting to happen or a ticking time bomb!!

AMGAffalterbach

Definitely, considering they probably aren't just 10 years old. They probably sat around in a warehouse post-manufacture for a good 2-3 years, if not more, before they were used as OEM tires.

jandmtv

Hankook tires can be had for not much coin. I've been through 8 sets myself on various cars and never had any issues with hankook. Don't be cheap on your safety.

armi1688

thanks for the info. Yes am I worried about the tires. those tires are so old. will definitely buy new ones. thanks!

armi1688

yup! safety first. will buy new set of tires! thanks

armi1688

thanks! after the service needed for my car, that's the next thing I'd do. tire shopping.