LOW mile service
 

picked up proverbial little old lady 05 e500 with 17,400 miles. no books or records , service indicator indicates last service 450 days past due. WHAT TO DO ?

Not too big a deal, it's not that old. Change the oil and change the transmission fluid. You could also do the coolant if you like, but I think it's a 15 year change interval so it's not like it's overdue. You have SBC brakes and you're supposed to bleed the brakes every 2 years so you could do that too. Not sure if you have 4matic which also has differential and transfer case fluids. Other than that, you can just drive it. MB usually has some discounts on service a couple times a year, do the basics and then maybe have an MB dealer go over it. There's supposed to be other things like lubricating the sunroof, changing air filters, cabin filters etc that are part of Service A/Service B, but lots of those things you can do yourself.

Thanks , plan to change fluids and filters in next several months . was not sure about the trans and rear end, 17k ain't much . think I will send car to the stealers for brake fluid exchange. that sound like a good plan ?

To make sure the SBC unit and brake fluid is bled correctly - you need a system capable of executing the procedure steps. If you do take it to the dealer - I'd be specific that they are going to use the DAS/Xentry system to do the work. I was in the same boat about 4 years ago buying an E350 with 680 miles. I did the differential and forewent the trans until about 25k miles. I'd do it all and reset all the fluids to changed at once.

thanks. that's good info

Find a good indi shop that services Mercedes. Have them change all of the fluids in your car. No records or books means no idea when anything was done.

FYI , indy mb shop owner(known for 40 yrs) told me "change oil ,filters and belt , leave the rest alone." Also , w211 the best car mb built in years, he owns 3 .

Good to know!!!!! :)

That's definitely good to know!