monizzle

I took my 2000 ML430 to the dealership to have recall work taken care of at 110k miles (the last owner didn't know about them), and the mechanic also inspected the car and recommended the following services:

[All prices include labor rate of $138/hr]

Shifter Bushings - $142.00
Motor Mounts - $700.00
Fan Clutch - $458.00
Tie Rod Ends - $509.00
Torsion Bar Bushings - $397.00

[Maintenance items]

Transmission Service - $490.00
Spark plugs - $635.00
Air Filter - $90.00
Fuel Filter - $550.00
Brake Fluid - $125.00
Steering Fluid - $188.95
Coolant - $169.95
Fuel Service - $172.95

Total = $4627.85

So there you have it, a simple visit to the dealership has given me a bill of almost 5k (which seems to be the norm for people who visit the MB dealership). Needless to say I didn't do any of the services with them, and I am currently trying to figure out what items I can take care of myself - I'm pretty good with a wrench and not stupid. So what say you, ML forum, what items are pretty simple to take care of?

mihir_d

Your truck may indeed be needing a lot of these maintanence items done...but take a 2nd opinion..

I have got motor mounts done in the past for around $350...

Spark plugs are by far the easiest to do in that list..even with factory plugs/wires, you can get that taken care of for around $300 through a DIY..

Mike's ML

The one price that I laughed the loudest was the Fuel Filter for $550.
The rest were also laughable.
Mike

monizzle

^^haha, yeah i felt that way as well. The whole list is preposterous, I'm going to have my mechanic take a look at the car and get his input as well.
Are there good DIY for the things on the list?

timdf

Fuel filter at $550 could be the fuel filter / pump / fuel gauge / fuel lines up grade.

I'd want to know what they're doing for the $550 - if it was just filter and possibly fuel lines, then welcome to the MB experience, like no other :-)

Seriously - a lot of those items you could take care of yourself - for the rest, find a good indy shop.

TNblkc230wz

I know it is a C32O, but I spent $600 at a reputable shop for plugs, air filter, fuel filter, oil change, cabin filter and checking everything else in the service B. They used all MB filters. I'd do it myself, but I didnt' have time.

Boston Mark

I changed the spark plugs on my ML320 by pulling the air box on the passenger side. Quick and easy. As for the drivers side I found it easier to pull the coil packs over each of the plugs. NOTE: Be very carefull not to brake the plug wires.

Marshall_K

What is that?

timdf

They normally have a machine which forces a special injector cleaner fluid thru' the system.

Many dealerships offer this service for 100's of dollars. Seems overpriced and another cash cow for the dealers.

There maybe some merit - but I'm not convinced :-)

Stiggs

I'd say seafoam is cheaper!

Boston Mark

Have you ever used Lucus fuel fuel treatment? I have a 1975 450 SL ( less then 61,000 miles ) that has spent most of its life in the garage having been used only on Sunday's in the summer. Need less to say it didn't run very well the first run of the season! I found a quick shot of Lucus and a 100 mile run would bring it back to life.
I also have a1998 ML320 with 164,000 miles that I use for making deliverys. I use Lucus with every tank full and notice 1 more MPG.
Boston Mark

ivanj

Screw the dealer injector treatment.

Just put a few bottles of Techron through it and use it religiously - it is the only gas treatment recommended by MB. Your drivability will increase - use the best highest octane fuel and use Techron once a month. It's cheap at Wallyworld.

ivanj

Lucas is good (the only one that works so far besides Techron) but the only aftermarket gas treatment approved by MB is Techron. If a car is under warranty I would go with Techron so you don't void your warranty. I notice an mpg improvement with the Techron too.