Repair - Question to Sulaco

[BillKerler]

Sulaco - your guidance has always been so helpful, since you have roughly 200K driving miles of experience on your C280. Have you ever had any of the following?
A PO141 fault code (check heating element in downstream oxygen sensor)? Some people report they get prematue (ie, erroneous) readings on this particular code.
Have you ever replaced your serpentine belt tensioner assembly?
How long does your water pump last before needing change?
What about ignition cables/coil connectors to spark plugs - how often do you change them?
How many times have you changed your MAF sensor?
How often do you change transmission fluid?
Finally, have you ever changed suspension bushings or shock absorbers?
Thanks for your insights - Bill

[strictlyspeakin]

Fwiw, I'll chime in.

transmission fluid at 125k (when i got the car), but every ~50k or so
tensioner assembly ~130k
suspension bushings ~150k
shocks ~150k, but every 40k or so
water pump ~155k

maf 0 since i've owned it.
coils and cables have been good so far.

[nhmercracer]

If you replace the tensioner, replace the small black plastic idler pulley also. They are prone to cracking, and the bearing drys out, resulting in noise.

[Sulaco]

Bill! Long time. Still got my personal email? That's the faster way. But I suppose talking on here does let the rest of the possible m104 owners know what our insights are:

My car is a bit of an odd duck. It's been kind of a lemon in some ways, and kind of a tank in others. But on those particulars? I'm afraid I'm kind of useless:

A PO141 fault code (check heating element in downstream oxygen sensor)? Some people report they get prematue (ie, erroneous) readings on this particular code. [Nope. Never had that code. Factory original o2 sensors, too]

Have you ever replaced your serpentine belt tensioner assembly? [Nope. But I've replaced the belt twice.]

How long does your water pump last before needing change? [My water pump went out prematurely due to a wreck. I hit a deer which smashed the radiator into the water pump. Everything but the water pump got replaced. Within a couple thousand, I had to get a new one from Wiley Imports in memphis for $300. It was a ridiculous game of match to find the right one. I had to take mine off, go there, and physically compare it to the 13 different water pumps they had that would fit an m104. That was at about 65k, no trouble since.]

What about ignition cables/coil connectors to spark plugs - how often do you change them? [I nursed along on the FACTORY ORIGINAL plug wires/ends until about 3 months ago (235k). I replaced the plugs at 150k, 220k, and again at 235k. I only finally went for the new wires after my girlfriend "surprised" me with a free full tank of gas after loaning her the car. She filled it with 87 from Kroger. Within 5 miles it fouled out 2 plugs. So, I yanked plugs/wires/ends and went all new to sette it.]

How many times have you changed your MAF sensor? [Once, at about 100k]

How often do you change transmission fluid? [Never. I've heard too many horror stories about our trannies after a flush. Though I did have a rebuild somewhere under 100k.]

Finally, have you ever changed suspension bushings or shock absorbers? [Nope, though I'm aware they ALL have needed replacing for the last 5 years. I just view them as a last-thing I'll replace. They're really more of a luxury than a necessity. They're all factory original, and will get replaced after I've taken care of EVERYTHING ELSE (engine, tranny, wiring, sunroof, headliner, a/c, heat, vents, vacuum system).]


So, while all-too-specific as I may have been, all that info really is quite useless.

But it goes to prove that, despite CEL's and "common knowledge," these cars can continue on for far longer than you think, when something needs replacing. My shocks have 240k miles on them, and despite the squeeks and rattles, still ride better than the majority of other cars I'm in.


Edit: Which reminds me, my dad has given me his 1980 240d. I LOVE that car. I'm going to get its tranny figured out, then park the 202 and start my restoration. Once it's done, park the 240d and award it the same. Ironic. The 202 has more than double the miles than the 240d. Anyone got a free w123 hood? Preferably white.