tools for general maintenance
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 80
Likes: 22
From: 714/949, SoCal
2008 S211 4MATIC
tools for general maintenance
first time post now that i acquired an 08 wagon! it's my first european vehicle where i mainly come from honda/acura/toyota/lexus for nearly 30 years of driving/modifying. my question is what type of tools should i absolutely invest in when doing basic maintenance?
i normally do my own oil changes, wheel/tire rotations, filter changes, etc. and am also not afraid to get down and dirty from fluid exchanges to engine swaps - all in my home garage with no lifts or air tools.
most of my hand tools are metric but geared towards japanese makes. i've already read about different (to me) sizing like 18mm and 22mm as well as Torx. any particular sizes to have in my arsenal?
lastly, is there a budget friendly diagnostic scanner, short of the OE MB STAR?
thanks in advance!
i normally do my own oil changes, wheel/tire rotations, filter changes, etc. and am also not afraid to get down and dirty from fluid exchanges to engine swaps - all in my home garage with no lifts or air tools.
most of my hand tools are metric but geared towards japanese makes. i've already read about different (to me) sizing like 18mm and 22mm as well as Torx. any particular sizes to have in my arsenal?
lastly, is there a budget friendly diagnostic scanner, short of the OE MB STAR?
thanks in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 1,549
From: MA
2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
Well it depends what you're trying to tackle. Torx is one but then there's also external torx.
As for a scanner, a couple basic suggestions would be the Autel AP2500E if you just want a really cheap scanner that does all MB codes, around $60 on Amazon. For more advanced ones which you might not need, the Launch X431 Creader Elite 2.0 for Benz on Amazon for around $160. Lots of threads on it over at the W212 forum.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...onal-more.html
As for a scanner, a couple basic suggestions would be the Autel AP2500E if you just want a really cheap scanner that does all MB codes, around $60 on Amazon. For more advanced ones which you might not need, the Launch X431 Creader Elite 2.0 for Benz on Amazon for around $160. Lots of threads on it over at the W212 forum.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...onal-more.html
Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 89
Likes: 34
From: New England
2004 E 500 4MATIC Wagon; 2015 ML 350 4MATIC; †2003 C 240 4MATIC Wagon (2003-2022)
I recommend checking out Kent Bergsma's MercedesSource YouTube channel and website.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,084
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From: Melbourne, Australia
2010 ML550 VIN WDC1641722A564750, 2010 B180
In addition to a decent scan tool (a must) i bought this set that gives me all the torx and etorx sockets I'll ever need for an MB.
https://amzn.asia/d/9ggeyfQ
Also, if you're doing suspension work you'll need some.open-ended spanners up to 27mm. And a decent torque Wrench. After that it's just general stuff other than a decent deep socket to remove the wheel nuts but you can still use a standard one.
https://amzn.asia/d/9ggeyfQ
Also, if you're doing suspension work you'll need some.open-ended spanners up to 27mm. And a decent torque Wrench. After that it's just general stuff other than a decent deep socket to remove the wheel nuts but you can still use a standard one.
Last edited by BlackML550; Dec 13, 2024 at 07:03 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 545
Likes: 87
From: Southern California
Torx, E-Torx, a long, thin walled 17mm 6 point socket for the lug bolts (i think this is the correct size). Also the security torx bits I needed for a few parts. These are the ones that has the hole in the center of the bit.
8mm socket for the small bolts (MB Part#: 0019906036) holding the under engine covers up. I would suggest getting a few replacement bolts as these tend to break or fall out. Some times the clip that the bolt attaches to falls out (MB Part#: 0019902356 or 0049943145).
As for replacement parts, I suggest using FCP Euro or ECS Tuning for OEM parts. They have a lifetime replacement warranty. So when, not if, the part fails you can have it replaced at low cost (shipping).
Enjoy learning on your newly acquired Mercedes! You will find that while it may not be the easiest to maintain compared to some Japanese brands, it is still a joy to work on. There is quality in the design and engineering of the car. If maintained properly and fed good quality parts you will be rewarded with a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride.
8mm socket for the small bolts (MB Part#: 0019906036) holding the under engine covers up. I would suggest getting a few replacement bolts as these tend to break or fall out. Some times the clip that the bolt attaches to falls out (MB Part#: 0019902356 or 0049943145).
As for replacement parts, I suggest using FCP Euro or ECS Tuning for OEM parts. They have a lifetime replacement warranty. So when, not if, the part fails you can have it replaced at low cost (shipping).
Enjoy learning on your newly acquired Mercedes! You will find that while it may not be the easiest to maintain compared to some Japanese brands, it is still a joy to work on. There is quality in the design and engineering of the car. If maintained properly and fed good quality parts you will be rewarded with a smooth, quiet and comfortable ride.
Last edited by F1Fan; Dec 15, 2024 at 08:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2024
Posts: 80
Likes: 22
From: 714/949, SoCal
2008 S211 4MATIC
thanks everyone for the input. i've been doing some research during the holidays and found lots of info as well. excited to learn more about these cars. they are very well loved worldwide, and i can see why! the philosophy from japanese to german are certainly different.
i'm going to lower the car one way or another! i'm torn to either keep the rear self leveling or change over to coil springs. the rear does sag over a few days of not driving it and replacing the bags doesn't seem overly difficult.
i'm going to lower the car one way or another! i'm torn to either keep the rear self leveling or change over to coil springs. the rear does sag over a few days of not driving it and replacing the bags doesn't seem overly difficult.
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