500SEC - What are the best fluids to use (rear end, power steering, ...)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
85 500SEC
500SEC - What are the best fluids to use (rear end, power steering, ...)
I am a new owner of an 85 500SEC. It has over 250K miles and I have spent a few thousand to get it into shape because it was owned by a relative who took good care of it in the LA area. But a tuneup costs around $500 and I am hoping to do all or most of it myself in the future to save the money.
I have searched a bit and found no list of the recommended fluids in one place. I hope to not have to use the expensive Mercedes fluids from the dealer if possible. Here is my list (am I missing any?). Could someone please fill it in for me.
Oil (keep in mind the 250K mileage figure):
Rear end:
Power steering:
Brake:
Coolant:
Transmission:
I have searched a bit and found no list of the recommended fluids in one place. I hope to not have to use the expensive Mercedes fluids from the dealer if possible. Here is my list (am I missing any?). Could someone please fill it in for me.
Oil (keep in mind the 250K mileage figure):
Rear end:
Power steering:
Brake:
Coolant:
Transmission:
Last edited by Mori; Dec 23, 2007 at 01:56 PM.
ON SUSPENSION
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
Quite a few:)
[QUOTE=Mori;2564825]
Oil (keep in mind the 250K mileage figure): 20/50 dino. Plan on having to pull the heads to do valve guides Soon.
Rear end:75/90 Redline or Lubro Moly synthetic
Power steering: I use the Febi fluid
Brake: ATE Super Blue I find works Great for street use. Flush every spring.
Coolant: ONLY Mercedes type coolant, ie, in the mercedes jug or Zerex G05. Those are your only two choices.
Transmission: Any name Dex/Merc III. Shell, Valvoline etc.. I've had good luck w/ the Val. Max Life D/M III fluid.
Best of luck with it!
Jonathan
Oil (keep in mind the 250K mileage figure): 20/50 dino. Plan on having to pull the heads to do valve guides Soon.
Rear end:75/90 Redline or Lubro Moly synthetic
Power steering: I use the Febi fluid
Brake: ATE Super Blue I find works Great for street use. Flush every spring.
Coolant: ONLY Mercedes type coolant, ie, in the mercedes jug or Zerex G05. Those are your only two choices.
Transmission: Any name Dex/Merc III. Shell, Valvoline etc.. I've had good luck w/ the Val. Max Life D/M III fluid.
Best of luck with it!
Jonathan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 3
I am a new owner of an 85 500SEC. It has over 250K miles and I have spent a few thousand to get it into shape because it was owned by a relative who took good care of it in the LA area. But a tuneup costs around $500 and I am hoping to do all or most of it myself in the future to save the money.
I have searched a bit and found no list of the recommended fluids in one place. I hope to not have to use the expensive Mercedes fluids from the dealer if possible. Here is my list (am I missing any?). Could someone please fill it in for me.
I have searched a bit and found no list of the recommended fluids in one place. I hope to not have to use the expensive Mercedes fluids from the dealer if possible. Here is my list (am I missing any?). Could someone please fill it in for me.
Oil (keep in mind the 250K mileage figure<- not important): Mobil 1 15w-50
Rear end: 75w-90 Synthetic (Red-Line, Mobil 1, etc)
Power steering: MB Original
Brake: MB Original or ATE Blue
Coolant: MB Original
Transmission: Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
85 500SEC
Jonathan and Uter.
Thanks for the quick reply. I hope the list of fluids is complete.
I also hope to talk to the mechanic that took care of this car for most of its life. If I am fortunate, the valve guides and timing chains have already been replaced. It has very good compression (170-175 for all but one cylinder) and runs evenly with little if any smoke when it is warmed up. So I think the valve seats and guides must have already been replaced at least once.
Wish me luck...
Thanks for the quick reply. I hope the list of fluids is complete.
I also hope to talk to the mechanic that took care of this car for most of its life. If I am fortunate, the valve guides and timing chains have already been replaced. It has very good compression (170-175 for all but one cylinder) and runs evenly with little if any smoke when it is warmed up. So I think the valve seats and guides must have already been replaced at least once.
Wish me luck...
ON SUSPENSION
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 124
Likes: 1
From: Atlanta, GA
Quite a few:)
Excellent..! If guides etc have been done then there should really be No smoke @ all. If there is any you should have it diagnosed ASAP.
With fresh heads I would run synthetic as well. M1, Amsoil, Redline are all great products. In Atlanta I'll run 20/50 year round.
Jonathan
With fresh heads I would run synthetic as well. M1, Amsoil, Redline are all great products. In Atlanta I'll run 20/50 year round.
Jonathan
