E-Class (W211) 2003-2009

New to Me E500 Wagon - What first?

Old Oct 28, 2015 | 10:37 PM
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2005 E500 Wagon
New to Me E500 Wagon - What first?

Hi fellow enthusiasts,

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
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Old Oct 28, 2015 | 11:42 PM
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2011 E63, 2011 Hyundai Genesis 4.6 v8, 2013 GMC Denali XL, 1965 Ford Mustang, 2005 Merc. E500
Time to change plugs, rear end oil, transmission service. FYI I use NGK spark plugs in both my Mercedes and in my Denali and Genesis. The NKG was oem plug in my AMG and in my Genesis. I change oil with the cars level and drain from drain plug. It is important to Use only OEM Mercedes filter or the correct Mann filter, Also follow the service guide for the car which can be downloaded online. And enjoy the ride, nothing else drives as good as a Mercedes IMO. Also I would change the plug wires due to age. You know there are 16 plugs and 16 wires so its not cheap.

Last edited by homeofstone; Oct 28, 2015 at 11:45 PM.
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Old Oct 29, 2015 | 08:55 AM
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First I would find someone with DAS. Run a short test and see if their are any current or stored faults in any of the major control units. Also, since everyone on here seems to complain about sbc, maybe you should replace that first and foremost so when it fails you won't be like, what the heck i just bought this car blah blah blah.

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!!!
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Old Oct 30, 2015 | 08:44 AM
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Well I picked it up last night and I have to say I'm pretty happy.

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
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Old Oct 30, 2015 | 10:35 AM
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I believe the E service is a oil change, and check the fluids, and exam the tire pressure, pretty basic stuff...I would get w/ a Indy and have them check out the car, and then go from there, but pretty much as everyone has charmed in fluids first and foremost.
Congrats on your new ride!! Pics???
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Old Oct 30, 2015 | 10:56 AM
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I've been using Rotella T6 in all my diesels including MB as test did show it superiority, but this is oil design for diesels, so gasoline engine gets Mobil 1.
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?
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Old Oct 30, 2015 | 12:21 PM
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How can I read the SBC count?

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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Old Oct 30, 2015 | 12:36 PM
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You read it wrong.
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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Old Oct 30, 2015 | 12:43 PM
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Given that a count of actuations causes the system to shut down a car driven on the 405 during rush hour in LA would run out within a few months.

Makes no sense to me

Thanks

Eric
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Old Oct 30, 2015 | 01:03 PM
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The SBC posts are very emotional and would I have real failure, I would be upset too.
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.
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Old Oct 30, 2015 | 03:31 PM
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Originally Posted by kajtek1
only on this model they are more expensive than average.
Actually this model, the 219 and 230 chasis have sbc. So it is actually quite a few of vehicles....
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Old Oct 31, 2015 | 09:15 PM
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So I put in new 0-40 M1 today and a new fleese Mann filter. The crankcase was down a quart and a half.

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.
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Old Oct 31, 2015 | 09:25 PM
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http://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevoli...ets-sort1.html
Did you reset FSS ?
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Old Oct 31, 2015 | 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by kajtek1
I didn't because I have other things to do that would be part of this service group.

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.
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Old Oct 31, 2015 | 10:07 PM
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It is in manual and stickies above.
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Old Nov 2, 2015 | 08:15 PM
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So I went to the dealer today to buy transfer case oil and they sold me ATF 134.

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
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Old Nov 2, 2015 | 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by 62sunbeam
So I went to the dealer today to buy transfer case oil and they sold me ATF 134.

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
Good news on the SBC. A new SBC is one reason I purchased my 2005 back in 2011. The dealer had installed a new SBC two days before I purchased the E500.
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Old Nov 7, 2015 | 07:52 PM
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So I undertook the transfer case lube change. Apparently the FPO did to but didn't want to mess with the donut removal so they only added about 400ml of lube and I'm guessing insufficient lubricant is the reason I was getting some vibration while turning because 650ml in the case made it go away.

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
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Old Nov 7, 2015 | 09:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 62sunbeam
So I undertook the transfer case lube change. Apparently the FPO did to but didn't want to mess with the donut removal so they only added about 400ml of lube and I'm guessing insufficient lubricant is the reason I was getting some vibration while turning because 650ml in the case made it go away.

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
I have only had my dealer service the transmission due to the transmission fluid needing to be at correct temp and pressure when changed. Differential oil change is nothing special.
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