Preventive Maintenance Repairs?
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 628
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Preventive Maintenance Repairs?
It can be difficult to commit to doing a repair before the part has actually failed, but it can be much easier on the nerves. I could have changed the fuel pump myself, but, being stranded 20 miles from home, with my go-to indy nearby, it made sense at the time to tow the truck to him. A thousand dollars later, it runs great, but I sure wish I had done it myself, earlier, before it went out. I would put on this list items that will put you seriously under the gun if they fail, so would omit the tailgate latch.
So I would put in an entry: Fuel pump & filter, 150k: If it hasn't already failed, it will.
At 170k, I changed the serpentine belt, the pulleys, and the belt tensioner based on FCP Euro's advice, but the belt was still like new, and the pulley bearings certainly seemed fine. Really not sure if FCP Euro was just trying to sell me parts.
FCP Euro also recommends changing the thermostat and upper radiator hose. Really not sure about this advice.
I won't mention the air bags, because half the threads here are Airmatic related. However, do the air pump and valve block qualify?
Ignition coils? They're so easy to change, even roadside, that I just keep a spare in the trunk. I changed one and the rest are still fine.
Battery: Six years. Less if it has suffered known abuse.
Alternator? Voltage regulator?
A/C compressor clutch and pulley?
Other ideas for saving future grief by changing parts now?
So I would put in an entry: Fuel pump & filter, 150k: If it hasn't already failed, it will.
At 170k, I changed the serpentine belt, the pulleys, and the belt tensioner based on FCP Euro's advice, but the belt was still like new, and the pulley bearings certainly seemed fine. Really not sure if FCP Euro was just trying to sell me parts.
FCP Euro also recommends changing the thermostat and upper radiator hose. Really not sure about this advice.
I won't mention the air bags, because half the threads here are Airmatic related. However, do the air pump and valve block qualify?
Ignition coils? They're so easy to change, even roadside, that I just keep a spare in the trunk. I changed one and the rest are still fine.
Battery: Six years. Less if it has suffered known abuse.
Alternator? Voltage regulator?
A/C compressor clutch and pulley?
Other ideas for saving future grief by changing parts now?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
I will mention airbags, to have it all in one thread.
If by 120k you’re riding on factory bags, you should have them replaced.
Check your air compressor filter and hose every 40k and replace as necessary.
The two steps above will protect your compressor and valve block from failing.
Tranny flush every 40k. Do it.
If by 120k you’re riding on factory bags, you should have them replaced.
Check your air compressor filter and hose every 40k and replace as necessary.
The two steps above will protect your compressor and valve block from failing.
Tranny flush every 40k. Do it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Will need a new radiator around 200k miles. You can replace the upper and lower radiator hoses at that time.
Radiator expansion reservoir 150k miles.
New power steering reservoir seal every 7 years or 120k miles.
Rear shocks every 100k miles.
New AC compressor 200k miles.
Airmatic air compressor 150k miles.
Front struts/airbags every 80k miles.
Rear airbags every 120k miles.
Radiator expansion reservoir 150k miles.
New power steering reservoir seal every 7 years or 120k miles.
Rear shocks every 100k miles.
New AC compressor 200k miles.
Airmatic air compressor 150k miles.
Front struts/airbags every 80k miles.
Rear airbags every 120k miles.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,755
Likes: 628
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
I read a guy claiming that the silica in the reservoir lasts indefinitely. It makes sense, but I sure would like to see more support for that claim.
When I changed the seal on my reservoir, I backed up the seal with Permatex Black. Ditto for the oil plugs.
Fortunately neither of these are stops-forward-motion types of failures.
If you are negligent about the Airmatic, you can end up in critical failure (pump out, bag with dime sized hole). Otherwise, you have a fair amount of lead time. I definitely have to research my compressor / valve block / intake hoses bc I'm having intermittent air tank fill failures.
Tranny fluid change (drop pan, change filter, replace 5 qts) every 30-40k isn't a preventive repair, exactly, but apparently does wonders for tranny life - which is a critical failure of course. Note my tranny rebuilder said 25k miles, an expert on benzworld said 30k, and MB says 40k.
Yikes. This is a new one. I've heard of rear SAM failure from water leaks, but no one said it was due to taillamp gasket failure. Garaging probably helps avert.
When I changed the seal on my reservoir, I backed up the seal with Permatex Black. Ditto for the oil plugs.
Fortunately neither of these are stops-forward-motion types of failures.
I will mention airbags, to have it all in one thread.
If by 120k you’re riding on factory bags, you should have them replaced.
Check your air compressor filter and hose every 40k and replace as necessary.
The two steps above will protect your compressor and valve block from failing.
Tranny flush every 40k. Do it.
If by 120k you’re riding on factory bags, you should have them replaced.
Check your air compressor filter and hose every 40k and replace as necessary.
The two steps above will protect your compressor and valve block from failing.
Tranny flush every 40k. Do it.
Tranny fluid change (drop pan, change filter, replace 5 qts) every 30-40k isn't a preventive repair, exactly, but apparently does wonders for tranny life - which is a critical failure of course. Note my tranny rebuilder said 25k miles, an expert on benzworld said 30k, and MB says 40k.
Yikes. This is a new one. I've heard of rear SAM failure from water leaks, but no one said it was due to taillamp gasket failure. Garaging probably helps avert.
