Osa

Dear fellow MB users,

I'm currently within the first service of my newly bought W140 S500.

Every time I get a used car It's the usual stuff that goes away - belts / fluids / water pump / etc.

I'm creating this post to inquire about any points special to W140 which are better to check or replace straight away - without even starting to put on some serious miles on the counter.

For example - during the first few rounds around the block I've noticed the temperature gauge going over 85C. Obviously the radiator is being cleaned, thermostat goes away, water pump as usual etc. - BUT while going through this forum I've found information about plastic 4way connector from the heating system shaped "TT", situated behind the drivers side cylinder head. It's currently being made of copper/bronze so it will last forever.

That type of "ticking time bombs" is what I'm asking about.

Thanks in advance for any time shared to help.

oldsinner111

check your hoses,flex disk on drive shaft,wiring harness if before a 1996.Change ATF if not done so and filter,check wheel bearing for play,I carry a spare fuel pump relay,Change fuel filter,if you have time check the plastic oiler tubes for cams,there are better metal ones.
Have fun and drive anywhere,these cars are better made than these new Chinese parts cars.

hyperion667

...and the blinker fluid too.......people ALWAYS forget that

oldsinner111

OH YEAH ONE THING IS VERY IMPORTANT w140s are know to have trans cooler in radiator rot over time,letting coolant mix with fluid,this will burn out the clutches.Do check for coolant in trans,if so either new radiator,or buy aftermarket cooler which is better like the v12s,cool with it,and block off coolant lines for radiator.I simply cut mine and run extra extra fittings and hose,to in front of my radiator.

pncurtis

It would help to know what year your vehicle is. There were different issues with different years with generally fewer issues from 1997 - 1999.

By the way, I have been running my '97 S420 without ever putting blinker fluid in the car and the blinkers work just fine. I have 265k+ miles on the car.

Osa

Many thanks for the points made so far.

The year is 1994.

It did 128.000 kilometers with the previous and first owner, and opening elements like starter / alternator for checkup shows that it checks out. Took some time and money to find a model with low mileage though I never belived in "service paper history" - can never be sure.

While taking the TT connector I mentioned before it broke very ellegantly in half - so it shows it was a good idea to seek weak points through this forum.

About the blinker fluid - I'm not even trying to start the engine of a freshly bought used car without topping up the blinkers. Enything can happen if You run out of blinker fluid on the road.

KNBS550

Just saw this thread.

One thing you should do is change the pollen filter above the blower motor in front of the passenger side firewall. Oftentimes, leaves and debris will collect in and around the blower motor well so take the time to vacuum it out. This guy's got a good DIY with photos on how to access the area...

http://www.serenitysys.com/mb/servic...ower_motor.htm

heespaul

You are correct to change all fluids, Drain/flush Radiator, flush brake system/fluid, Change both Filter/fluid and drain torque converter(especially if you don't know when this was last done, Tranny will begin to shudder when shifting into gear, gets worse when hot. Its not difficult and takes 9 quarts to refill. Flush Hydraulic suspension system and top off, same for power steering, Service AC/Climate system, Change rear Differential fluid and make sure to use correct fluid for the clutches in the rear end. One last thing I do REPLACE ALL FUSES with high quality replacements. This eliminates future electrical system. Hope I have helped. Cheers Paul

steelers6nj

What the heck is blinker fluid,is that a joke????

Beverly Sharp

FWIW: I bought a very nice looking and driving '95 S500 w/82K last year. Months after buying it, I had some things done, including a change of transmission fluid/filter. Before, the tr shifting perfectly and smoothly; VERY soon afterwards, it began to clatter loudly when in reverse, so I had to fix that for $$$. Just a thought.
James
Clarity: the shop that fixed the reverse gear problem is a very highly-regarded and honest indie shop, so I know there was no funny business involved.

Osa

Yup.

Osa

In my case after a few months the reverse started to feel "jumpy" it wouldn't bang in eventually. Needed reverse clutches replacement. Be careful! 2 AT shops quoted me 1000$-2500$ based on what I told them on the phone. Later on I found a MB AT specialist who straight away said 400$ and did the job.

Beverly Sharp

OSA: my "regular" MB indie shop wanted $1,500 to repair the reverse gear problem, but a friend suggested another small indie (very experienced background @ dealership before opening his own place), who did it for $600. Be careful, indeed. It's a jungle out there!
James