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this is my first mercedes, and i bought an 04 e320 just as a reliable daily. I had an ex girlfriend with an 04 e500 that had 200k on it. I remember that car being very reliable, bulletproof and fun to beat on (with the exception of air suspension). I'm just wondering what should I look out for with this e320? Its got 88,000 miles and a complete base model, no 4matic or air suspension. With it being my first mercedes, I want to do it right. What maintenance should I do early on to proloung the life of this car? So far I have done:-oil change-grease up sunroof (was not closing and opening properly)-replaced front cigarrete lighter with junkyard one-replaced engine air filters So far I have noticed-car definetely sucks in traffic, it helps to bump it down to sport mode-intermittent esp fault (steering angle sensor)-miscellanous broken interior pieces-valve cover gaskets definetely done, excessive rtv found on them and no leakage-power steering leak
Congrats on your ride!! Getting ahead of the game by changing fluids, I would ask/see of your gas tank has been done, but you'll know by smell of gas inside your ride...A good carwash, wax every so often, and she"ll be just fine. Again, congrats.
R,
2Merks
2Merks has it right. Replace all the fluids. I neglected the power steering fluid, and paid the price when the pump went out later. Now I am diligent about replacing all fluids on a timely schedule.
You will notice over time, that this particular generation loves to break/wear out the following things: Engine mounts, front lower ball joints, and the thrust control arm, (in the front, the arm that does not attach to the shock/strut) Especially the engine mounts, those don't last very long. You'll know because the car will sound like it has an exhaust leak and/or there will be big vibrations. Also, you may notice the engine sitting lower in the engine bay. I've used FCP Euro as they offer a lifetime warranty on most of their parts. Can save a lot of money if you are comfortable doing basic work.
Some other minor issues were the leaking valve cover gaskets. Easy to replace, I highly recommend getting the OEM Mercedes gaskets and use a small dab of rtv where the valve cover has a sharp corner. M112 is very easy to work on. Spark plugs and ignition coils are super easy also. I think 2004 may have had an issue with the radiator, you may want to check on that.
I should add, check the guibo rubber discs, front and rear. Those tend to crack after some time. For sure a 20-yr old car may have some cracks. Part is not too expensive and it's a relatively easy job, assuming you can get the car off the ground a bit.
‘04 should have SBC “brake by wire” system. There was a problem with the control unit having a limited number of pedal applications before switching to an emergency mode with reduced brake power. It’s now covered by a 25 year unlimited mileage warranty regardless of ownership. Get it serviced at a dealer on the first warning in the instrument cluster. Otherwise brakes can be serviced at any German car indie shop. Scan this forum for “SBC” to learn more.
The M112 engine is a “forever” engine. At 88k it’s only 1/3 through its life. Even if not particularly quick in traffic, it will cruse at 100+ MPH for endless hours. Pull the shift lever to the left to drop down a gear in traffic to keep RPMs at 2500 and it’ll feel okay.
Last edited by Odd Piggy; Jun 5, 2024 at 07:53 AM.
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