vettebk

On the way back from Florida to DC, I threw a CEL and felt a misfire on my S600. Codes were 0300 and a bunch of 03XX. Idled rough. Poor performance. Got home OK.

Replaced both coil packs (they both had almost 50K miles on them) and all 24 sparkplugs. Also replaced the aux turbo water pump with the newer higher capacity version from Mercedes (mine was original 2007). Changed and flushed the ABC oil filter and fluid, and the engine oil filter and oil. Changed the cabin air filters and the engine air filters.

She runs so nice and vibration free now. Idles so smoothly you cannot tell the engine is actually running. And fast on the highway again.

A well maintained Mercedes S Class is the finest automobile in the World.

nath_h

Question about ABC flush...I've got new accumulators to install...is it best to flush the fluid first and then install, or install the accumulators and then flush? I see advantages both ways so not sure which way to go, or if it matters.

Ultrakla$$ic

x1000! I have owned ALOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT of cars and I will never understand why a used S Class sells for so little on the auction sites but a Porche and BMW and other European cars sell for much higher! It's not like those cars are cheaper to work on much less don't have their own EXPENSIVE problems as well. Oh well........I'll continue to enjoy my LOADED S550 beauty!

vettebk

I am not sure it really makes any difference. I routinely do a flush and ABC filters every two years. I replace accumulators every four years. Have serviced rear valve block about five years ago. Clean fluid is the best prevention of problems. Maybe other members have a different opinion. And, of course, my wife reminds me regularly; what do I know?

nath_h

Agree with your sentiment. I just checked the value on my 2008 CL550--it was like $9000. While we all know what it costs to maintain these cars, that is still a ton of car for the money. Regarding BMW though...there was just a 2013 B7 Alpina on Bring a Trailer this week. It had a new engine, with 58,000 miles in seemingly perfect condition. It sold for like $21,000. Probably new it was $175,000 or so. I sorta wish I would have bought it.

JohnLane

Why introduce your nice new parts to your car with old fluid?

New accumulators deserve a rodeo.

Always with fresh fluid. Give it a fresh filter too.

JohnLane

OP did you purchase coil packs from Clark in Commiefornia? Give it a voltage transformer too. Clark has one that gets it away from all the heat under the hood.

nath_h

Yah, that's one of the things I thought of, but on the other hand I'll be reopening the system after I've bleed the system. But, I'll go with your sentiment--was leaning that way. I've not messed with component replacement on the ABC system before, so am a bit nervous about it. I did flush it a couple years back w/ filter change.

vettebk

The old coil packs were Clark's. I called him for two new ones and they are on order. He was having problems getting good repairable cores. I also wanted quality and not speed, so he has not delivered them yet. So instead, I bought two OEM coil packs from FCP Euro (lifetime warranty). FCP sent two lefts. The OEM box was marked as a right but had a left in the box. FCP issued a UPS label for the second left. I had my technician order a right coil pack from Mercedes and there was one available locally. I sent back the FCP error yesterday. Clark's remanufactured coil packs are due next week. I plan to use them on the next tune up.

I had previously upgraded the VT to Clark's version 2 (not the Boost Box) so I re-used it. I did buy a Boost Box but it had problems, so it is going back to Clark. I like the idea of the Boost Box and its relocation to a cooler area and plan to upgrade it after Clark determines why it isn't lighting up. I have heard of cable pin problems and that might be the issue.

So other than having a small fortune in extra coil packs in transit, all of which will be refunded in time, I am operational. Clark's stuff is very well engineered and I have had very good success with his products. He just lives in the Land of Fruits and Nuts.....

BenzV12

I'm very pleased to see your experience with your car after those replacements
I agree, Mercedes-Benz is the best car to me when everything works neatly
Happy Driving

JohnLane

Glad you have her back in fighting form. They are truly wonderful when running right!

nath_h

For those with ABC...I did the ABC fluid yesterday. Here's my result from crud at the bottom of the pail...is this a typical result? Do I need to start a Go Fund Me page?

vettebk

That fluid is dirty but still green in color which is good. If you are feeling concerned, you could do another filter replacement, flush and refill. The Pentocin green fluid is a little expensive but tell me what isn't on an S Class!!

I don't like seeing the black residue in the fluid. That usually comes from deteriorating O ring material. Eventually, that stuff clogs up the Valve Blocks which requires a fairly easy but dirty service or a very expensive replacement (I think my rear valve block replacement at the dealer in 2020 cost my warranty $3100.).

I think you should routinely flush and fill every two years. Keep us posted on what you decide to do.