WANTED: Maintenance Schedule
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 591
Likes: 9
From: Covington, WA
'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
WANTED: Maintenance Schedule
Recently purchased a used '01 ML430. The vehicle is in very good shape with 120K miles. Since I do most of my own maintenance, I scanned the Owner's Manual for the Maintenance Schedule. All I could find was an explanation of the Flexible Service System (FSS) on page 87, an incredibly vague maintenance description on page 147, and technical data starting on page 283. None of this outlines what maintenance actions need to be performed when. It seems as if MB wants to nudge me into the local dealership for periodic/scheduled maintenance.
Does anyone have a comprehensive maintenance schedule for the W163 model?
Does anyone have a comprehensive maintenance schedule for the W163 model?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 591
Likes: 9
From: Covington, WA
'96 SL600, '05 S55 AMG, '06 C230
Didn't get any feedback on a maintenance schedule, so I assembled one from the schedules I keep my other MB's. Attached is the .txt file containing my first draft. This is geared for the DIY, so some MB tests, such as the MB Battery Capacity Test, are not included.
Most maintenance is scheduled by mileage. However, there are occasions where a vehicle may be a ‘garage queen’ or true ‘Sunday-driver’. Thus, there are calendar times for most maintenance actions to ensure idle time does not adversely deteriorate the vehicle.
I am looking for constructive feedback, pro and con, and am especially looking for feedback on items that I may have overlooked. Since I am a recent ML owner, I have little to no experience with this model. It is very likely there are items that I simply missed because I do not know about them.
Arguably, I change filters and fluids more frequently than MB requires. But considering my other 3 MB's (both diesel & gas) have a combined total of 560K+ miles without major drivetrain issue, I think my frequency is good prevention.
Most maintenance is scheduled by mileage. However, there are occasions where a vehicle may be a ‘garage queen’ or true ‘Sunday-driver’. Thus, there are calendar times for most maintenance actions to ensure idle time does not adversely deteriorate the vehicle.
I am looking for constructive feedback, pro and con, and am especially looking for feedback on items that I may have overlooked. Since I am a recent ML owner, I have little to no experience with this model. It is very likely there are items that I simply missed because I do not know about them.
Arguably, I change filters and fluids more frequently than MB requires. But considering my other 3 MB's (both diesel & gas) have a combined total of 560K+ miles without major drivetrain issue, I think my frequency is good prevention.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
Some constructive feedback..
Didn't get any feedback on a maintenance schedule, so I assembled one from the schedules I keep my other MB's. Attached is the .txt file containing my first draft. This is geared for the DIY, so some MB tests, such as the MB Battery Capacity Test, are not included.
Most maintenance is scheduled by mileage. However, there are occasions where a vehicle may be a ‘garage queen’ or true ‘Sunday-driver’. Thus, there are calendar times for most maintenance actions to ensure idle time does not adversely deteriorate the vehicle.
I am looking for constructive feedback, pro and con, and am especially looking for feedback on items that I may have overlooked. Since I am a recent ML owner, I have little to no experience with this model. It is very likely there are items that I simply missed because I do not know about them.
Arguably, I change filters and fluids more frequently than MB requires. But considering my other 3 MB's (both diesel & gas) have a combined total of 560K+ miles without major drivetrain issue, I think my frequency is good prevention.
Most maintenance is scheduled by mileage. However, there are occasions where a vehicle may be a ‘garage queen’ or true ‘Sunday-driver’. Thus, there are calendar times for most maintenance actions to ensure idle time does not adversely deteriorate the vehicle.
I am looking for constructive feedback, pro and con, and am especially looking for feedback on items that I may have overlooked. Since I am a recent ML owner, I have little to no experience with this model. It is very likely there are items that I simply missed because I do not know about them.
Arguably, I change filters and fluids more frequently than MB requires. But considering my other 3 MB's (both diesel & gas) have a combined total of 560K+ miles without major drivetrain issue, I think my frequency is good prevention.
e.g.
1. Fuel Filter is due only every 60K miles
2. Timing chain doesn't need any service - it is sealed for life..
3. Cabin filter should actually be done once a year, not once every 2 years..
4. Tranny/Transfer case/Differentials are sealed for life too, but a 100K flush and replacement of all fluids is advisible..
5. Spark plugs are a 100K item..
You have also missed out on immenent repalcement of some consumables
1. CPS & Fuel pump have 120K miles life spans
2. MAF has 60-80K mile lifespan
3. Oxygen sensors have a 120K-150K lifespan
Last edited by mihir_d; Jan 8, 2010 at 12:22 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: GMT -8 hours
Mercedes-Benz
Mihir, Transmission is no longer a "sealed for life" item. MB now suggests changing it even on the older models. I had my trans, diffs, and x-fer case fluid changed. WAY smoother driving now.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 690
Likes: 33
From: Bay area - California
2000 ML320 2006 SLK 350
That's right...
I too got mine tranny/x'fer case/differentials flushed and refilled back in 2006 when I was close to hitting the 100K miles..the drive train felt much smoother after that..
