St Nick

Greetings everyone,

This board has been very helpful...thank you to all and keep up the good work.
I just got this 98 ML320 at 30K in Jan. now it has 40K with Starmark warranty.
I am now 200 mile past my scheduled maintence. I had all fluids topped off 100 miles ago. None of the warning diagnostic warning lights have gone on yet.
I have a few questions:

1. Should I just go with a Service A or Service B ($425)?
I was told the difference betw. A and B is they take off the wheel to look at the brakes better, and the wiper blades.
Is it worth a Service B just for them to change the wiper blades and look at the brakes in more detail if I plan on changing the brake pads anyway?

2. I plan on getting some Porterfield brake pads..$94-fronts, $74-rear... What can I expect to pay for installment?
http://www.myroadster.net
Oppp..Just got off the phone with my SA and he said MB will not put on any non-standard MB parts. I may just go to a regular brake shop...any recommendations in the Bronx, NY area?
I was quoted $500 to change front and rear with MB standards.

3. Also, my driver window button just failed. I called the road side assistance and was told to put button in up position and towards the right real hard...it worked. Was there a reacall on this problem because it seems like a reoccuring problem. Will Starmark cover this?

Thanks in advance

Nick

Darkmann

At 40K, you're due for a B service, assuming normal driving. My advice is that you shouldn't wait 'till a light shows up before maintenance - you already knew that. As for the brake pads, they are very easy to replace (and I bet you, at the B service, they'll tell you they need to be replaced - based on mileage experienced posted here and on other boards). if you are mechanically inclined in any way, you can do those yourself - they are very easy to replace. I have a web page that details it completely. As soon as I can find it, I'll repost for you.

St Nick

thank you darkmann
if I were to change the pads,
would that require bleeding the brakes?
also what would I do if the brakes squeak?

I have never changed brake pads before...but i dont have two left hands(per say) when it comes to working with tools...so I would try it.

thanks again
nick

Darkmann

I found the link for the pad replacement.
<a href="http://www.petefagerlin.com/ML/brakes.htm">Click here</a>

St Nick

Any one have any experience with cross-drilled or slotted rotors?

Also, if I replace my pads, how do I know if my rotors require changing??

Drew_ML

Nick, you may want to ask on the other board since several owners there have changed the pads themselves (at least one has the KVR cross drilled rotors as well).

St Nick

My FSS counter has one wrench with a -200 (indicating 200 miles past service).
My SA says at 40K, I have had service B, then A, then another A..in that order.
Would it still be worth doing a service B if I do the wiper blades and cabin filter myself?

I guess after service, I can do the brakes myself. This way they can tell me if I need new rotors.
If I am changing my pads, would it make sense to change the rotors anyway?

Any one have any experience with cross-drilled or slotted rotors?
If so, where is a cost effective place to purchase?

Thanks