New to Me E500 Wagon - What first?
So I finally found a decent E500 wagon and I will be picking it up in the next day or so depending on my work schedule etc.
It's a '05 with 94k on the clock and looks to be in pretty decent shape. It's not perfect but presents well and seemed pretty solid during my inspection and subsequent test drive.
I have no records of services other than what's on the Carfax so I'd like to address any maintenance issues so I can enjoy my new wagon for another ten years.
I always change the oil when I get a new car and check all the fluids and replace any that seem tired or suspect.
For the engine I'm a fan of Shell Rotella 5-40 full synthetic as I use this in my Jag and my wife's Discovery with good results. (I changed the cam chain tensioners on my Jag recently and the interior of the engine was completely varnish free and looked brand new and this was with 135k on the clock)
Also, is the sucking the oil or of the tube in the engine compartment really the way to go?
Given the miles should I replace the spark plugs and if so what's the preferred type?
Is there anything else I should look after at the beginning of my stewardship?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Eric
Last edited by homeofstone; Oct 28, 2015 at 11:45 PM.
Before doing anything though, I would have the vehicle checked over after purchase by a individual that knows a thing or two about the 211 chasis and 113 motor. And i said after purchase since you have your mind made up that you have "found" a "decent" e500 wagon. Your decent and mine could be two completely different things.... Good LUCK!!!
The 60 mile drive home from the dealer was brisk

Apparently the car needs the E service. What does the E service include?
No opinion on the Shell Rotella Full synthetic?
Thanks
Eric




Congrats on your new ride!! Pics???




Since you bought the car from dealer, they have obligation to change the oil and check brakes, but I had a feeling that when I bought MB from Nissan dealer in the past, they did oil with no filter change.
Try to get copy of master inquiry and go from there. Had you have a chance to read SBC count? How old are suspension air bags?
Is really possible that MB would design and sell a safety item that just shuts off after a certain amount of use?
I did a fair amount of research before I bought this car and had read about how these fail but I figured it was only with some.
It's part of their design that they will eventually fail?
WTF?
Thanks
Eric
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SBC counter is design with safety in mind. It is not failure and will give you long notice before you come to the end (limp mode)
The problem is that the car is having couple of $3000 maintenance items and lot of new owners who buy the car at bargain price are shocked with those estimates. Aging cars do require new part, only on this model they are more expensive than average.
The counter can be read only on SD and dealers PPI should include it.
Last edited by kajtek1; Oct 30, 2015 at 12:38 PM.
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But I am trying to keep statistics and to date I have 3 reported SBC failures.
That combined with hundreds of upset owners who are directed by white message (white is not emergency) to visit workshop for preventive maintenance.
I asked elsewhere but if someone can point me in the direction of a list of the recommended fluids and lubes I'd appreciate it.
Thanks
Eric
Last edited by 62sunbeam; Nov 1, 2015 at 01:07 AM.




Did you reset FSS ?
Did you reset FSS ?
If you could tell me the procedure to do so I'd appreciate it.
Thanks
Eric
Last edited by 62sunbeam; Nov 1, 2015 at 12:52 AM.
I'm glad I checked before I drained my transfer case.
They're ordering me the correct fluid.
Also, it turns out, a new SBC was installed in 2010.
Speaking of brakes taking a que from the sticky above about the $10 brake service fix I picked up a new brake light switch but in the meantime I've noticed a firm press of the brakes or multiple pumps are sometimes required to get the keyless start to work.
Slowly but surely I will get this all sorted.
Thanks
Eric
I'm glad I checked before I drained my transfer case.
They're ordering me the correct fluid.
Also, it turns out, a new SBC was installed in 2010.
Speaking of brakes taking a que from the sticky above about the $10 brake service fix I picked up a new brake light switch but in the meantime I've noticed a firm press of the brakes or multiple pumps are sometimes required to get the keyless start to work.
Slowly but surely I will get this all sorted.
Thanks
Eric
Smooth as silk as it should be now.
I also noticed that they removed the lead weight from the back of the case. Should I find a replacement?
Maybe soon I'll do the front and rear differentials and the transmission filter and fluid.
By the way. Is it really ok to drain the pan, swap the filter and replace only what comes out?
Thanks
Eric
Smooth as silk as it should be now.
I also noticed that they removed the lead weight from the back of the case. Should I find a replacement?
Maybe soon I'll do the front and rear differentials and the transmission filter and fluid.
By the way. Is it really ok to drain the pan, swap the filter and replace only what comes out?
Thanks
Eric


