W202 Maintenance

[Denlasoul]

Hello all-

In light of Renn's post for Dragon, I have been inspired to start a similar one regarding maintenance of your W202. I have seen a huge influx of people with problems and figured that information provided here can shed some light on what may be going on.

I'll start:
67,000 miles when bought
89,xxx current miles

B service at ~70k

Have changed:
oil (every 3500-4000 miles)
coolant flush and replacement
air filters
cabin filter
all four O2 sensors
MAF
sparkplugs
wires
tranny fluid and filter
shifter bushing
harmonic balancer recall (and got new belt)
fuel filter
steering shock (boy did I need it! ;) )

For the most part my car runs like a champ. I do need to replace my motor mounts, and LCA's (as benzaddict has pointed out to me). Other than that, no known problems.

As you can see, since I am not the original owner, service records are not always available. I do feel that I have tried to step up the maintenance by replacing things that probably needed a replacement. For many of you, I would suggest doing the same. There are alot of basic items that should be changed that can make a world of difference. Many of these parts are cheap (if you know where to go) and easy to do it yourself.

I definitely suggest that many of you think about your car and break down what you do know and do not know about the car's service history. Start with the basics, and then troubleshoot from there. ex: if I replaced my MAF 5k miles ago, and now have a rough idle, you can pretty much rule out the MAF. :)

[1995c280]

bought car with 128,000 highway miles
currently have 283,500 miles

oil & filter change every 3,000 miles with complete inspection!

4 wheel alignment gets performed every 3 months along with tire balance (all four).

ever year i do a complete 60k service...tranny service with new fluid, filter & gasket, coolant flush, fuel filter, p/s filter & flush fluid, cabin filter, air filter, brake fluid flush, & wiper blade. in addition to this, every year i replace my steering shock, drivebelt, spark plugs, ignition wires, lower ball joints, shifter bushings & adjust both front wheel bearings.

in the past few years i have done as much as replace the ABS sensor harness on rear diff, thermostat, LCA arm bushings (both sides), purge valve, antenna mast, both front wheel bearings, idler arm repair kit, complete drag link assembly with outer tie rod ends, reseal oil pan, front pads & rotors, rear pads & rotors, both flex dics, MAF sensor, valve cover gasket, reseal rear diff along with side seals and pinion seal, new springs (lowering springs), new shocks (bilstein sports), new tires, replace front windshield (under insurance), and replaced the tranny (complete) at 228,000 miles which was the original one.

head gasket & engine wire harness were done by previous owner and have not come back to haunt me yet!

i have done so many repairs that i may have missed a few things along the lines here...but that is because i like to keep my car running and looking perfect and i do all the repairs at my work so you can X out all the labor costs!!!!!!!!!!!

Jason

[whitec230k]

Denlasoul how much did you service B cost you? I have to get it done in about 4000 miles.

[benzonline]

Originally posted by 1995c280
bought car with 128,000 highway miles
currently have 283,500 miles

oil & filter change every 3,000 miles with complete inspection!

4 wheel alignment gets performed every 3 months along with tire balance (all four).

ever year i do a complete 60k service...tranny service with new fluid, filter & gasket, coolant flush, fuel filter, p/s filter & flush fluid, cabin filter, air filter, brake fluid flush, & wiper blade. in addition to this, every year i replace my steering shock, drivebelt, spark plugs, ignition wires, lower ball joints, shifter bushings & adjust both front wheel bearings.

in the past few years i have done as much as replace the ABS sensor harness on rear diff, thermostat, LCA arm bushings (both sides), purge valve, antenna mast, both front wheel bearings, idler arm repair kit, complete drag link assembly with outer tie rod ends, reseal oil pan, front pads & rotors, rear pads & rotors, both flex dics, MAF sensor, valve cover gasket, reseal rear diff along with side seals and pinion seal, new springs (lowering springs), new shocks (bilstein sports), new tires, replace front windshield (under insurance), and replaced the tranny (complete) at 228,000 miles which was the original one.

head gasket & engine wire harness were done by previous owner and have not come back to haunt me yet!

i have done so many repairs that i may have missed a few things along the lines here...

Jason

God Damn! You've replaced the whole car!!:eek:

[trymonlam]

Originally posted by benzonline
God Damn! You've replaced the whole car!!:eek:
the guy works for the dealership. and he loves his car. that explains all.

[Abuimad]

bought the car at 43,000 miles and now has 50,000
replaced tranny fluid, engine oil + filter, fuel filter, air filter..interior cabin filter...4 callipers, 4 disks, MAF sensor, sparkplugs and car battery...this was done the secound i bought the car, i then did a whole air con service...changed the AC kompressor and the tubings, the radiator and ofcourse the gas....then i had the whole suspention redone, (after my accident)...lots of changing for a low mileage car...bus when i first bought the car i thought i ought to change those things all at once instead of having to stop by mechanics every other week and have something done....and untill the next time i scan my car or have another accident (wich ever comes first) i hope i dont visit a mechanic for a loong time..
forgot to add..changed the 2 front lights (because they were all yellow and old...and because i broke them :( ) and replaced the car interior lights.(speedometer and climate control)...and changed the thermostat (car was overheating when i first bought it)...

[benzonline]

Bought at 45,000miles in Aug 05 now have 53,000miles.

CHANGED:

shifter bushings
MAS Sensor
Tranny Fluid
Ball Joints
Steering Shock
Air filter
All belts
1-oil change
re-greased wiper assembly
interior cabin filter

All records were up to date with MB till 40,000miles (last service with PO) including spark plugs and new tires.

Soon to do: Fuel Filter, lower control arm bushings.

[Vodka G]

lemme see if i can recall evrything that was done on my car

1996 C280 sport bought new

sold last June with 203,000 miles on it

the usual oil and filter change every 7500 miles, and fuel add along with it (redline etc)

AC Cab filter every 30k

Fuel Filter, tranny (Mobil ATF Syn), Rear Diff (Mobil Syn) every 60k

Coolant flush every 2 years

Brake flush every 2 years with Motul RB600.....Brake disc and pad whenever is needed usually about 50-60k Slotted ATE up front and porterfield R-4S pads all around

Flex disc replace at
replace brakeline once at 150k
Charged Fridgient twice once at 80k and another time at 160k
new tranny at less than 50k (stupid dealer screwed up)
brake switch at 120k
water pump and seal at 108k
2 alternators one at 50k with warranty another at 120k

O2 sensors replaced twice at 100k and 180k (both)

control arm bushing replace twice at 80k and 150k

ball joint replace once at 180k

steering damper replaced twice at 100k and 160k

front wheel bearing replace once at 150k

shocks and springs replaced at 150k

rear trail arm twice (100k and 160k)

3 new batt (50k, 120k and 150k)

one bad ign coil (50k)

BOSCH plat 4+ plugs every 50k

fan belt every 50k or so depends on wear

too many sets of tires (BS RE71s, SP Sport 8000, Contisport, RE730s, RE750s, S-03s etc etc)


that should be everything

[trymonlam]

99' c280 sport, currently at 85k
bought at about 72k last year.
oil change every 5-7k.
belt tensioner change at about 74k
ball joint changed at about 74k
tranny oil changed at 81k
some engine oil leaks sealed at 81k
right front wheel bearing changed at 84k
carbin filter changed a month ago.
AC compressor just went out a while ago, heaven't changed it yet.
and i think i vaguely remember reading about that the previous owner change the MAF at about 50k or so.

[jnolte]

1998 C43
K&N filters
Harmonic balancer
new belt x2
new idler pullly
resealed some oil leaks
tranny fluid. filter x2
front flex disc
cabin filter
fuel filter
c32 brakes
oil changes mobil 1 0w40
water pump
coolant flush change
re greased wiper arm
tires x4

Needs new engine mounts,tranny mount, front LCA bushings, rear brakes

[davis449]

Ok here we go:

1999 C 280 Sport 77K Miles currently. Car was bought back in 2003 by my sister in Nashville, TN with 23K on the odometer. It was a "dealer" car. Car has been regualrly maintained from the beginning by the dealer at the regualr service intervals. <---That was then, this (from 58,900-present) is now and things work differently when a car is owned by me.:D Car was inherited by me July 15th 2005.

Major Problems I've had or that the car had before I got it:

From new to around 40K nothing but small shit, I think I saw a small electrical issue in there, and dealer service.

In the mid 40K range the wheel buaring froze and destroyed the passenger side front suspension, pretty much everything replaced including control arms, shock, rotor, caliper, etc. At some point in the late 50K range before I got it, a shock went stupid and had to be replaced.

The dealer and I fought over a vibration issue that ended up being a bent rim. Went through three sets of tires trying to fix the problem, paid for an alignment, and had a rim re-done in the end. I now have stock size on there as a result and don't like to talk about it cause it make me angry.


After I got the car from 58,900 miles:

Oil changes every 7500 miles: Mobil One Synthetic only
All services are done at their regular intervals
Front and rear lower control arm bushings
Transmission mounts
Engine Mounts
Transmission Control Unit
Valve in transmission
Coil pack blown and replaced
Spark Plugs
Serpentine Belt
A/C evaportor sensor
Crank Sensor
Transmision Flush (done at cost to dealer due to TCU issue)
Headlight lens replaced (cracked)
Idle Adjustment
Brake Pads
Brake Flush
New Bilstein HD shocks
Eibach Prokit Springs installed
Alignment done by dealer with camber bolts after springs

Edit at 77k miles 6/23/2006
Add:
Fuel System Flush
Replaced a starter relay

[Design29]

After trashing my C36, I bought the C280 on 11/2002 with 40K miles - it now has 102K.

Have done just all A/B Service at dealership every 10K miles as scheduled. Just regular maintenance including break jobs.

The only "repair" - Replaced lower ball joints.

[benzofanatic]

I bought my 99 C280 Sport back in March of 06 with 57k miles. It now has around 62k miles. So far I have replaced:

Belt Tensioner & Drive Belt - broke while driving
Crankshaft Sensor - broke, car would not start
Fixed leak in tranny, allignment, temperature control aspirator.

I still have to flush my break fluid. After looking through the car's books I can not find any indications that the car has ever been brought in for a service. So at 62k miles im woundering if it is time for a service and should it be a service a or b (whats the difference and how much do they cost?)

Thanks!

[1995c280]

Originally posted by benzofanatic
I bought my 99 C280 Sport back in March of 06 with 57k miles. It now has around 62k miles. So far I have replaced:

Belt Tensioner & Drive Belt - broke while driving
Crankshaft Sensor - broke, car would not start
Fixed leak in tranny, allignment, temperature control aspirator.

I still have to flush my break fluid. After looking through the car's books I can not find any indications that the car has ever been brought in for a service. So at 62k miles im woundering if it is time for a service and should it be a service a or b (whats the difference and how much do they cost?)

Thanks!

well in theory since your at 62k...you are ready for a 60k service which is a big service and also includes a "B" service. but that whole service will run almost $2,000 at the dealer so take it to a indy shop or do the work yourself if you have experience!

in my area - "a" service = $285, "b" service = $550
and "a" service is basically a complete visual inspection with and oil change. there is supposed to be alot bigger check list on a "b" service but basically at the dealer they do an "a" plus add a dust filter, wiper blade, rotate and balance your tires.
(it's called short-cuts...your flat-rate, LOL)

Jason

[1SIKBNZ]

i saw steering shock on a few, what would symptomsbe and what are you looking at cost wise for that? is it a dyi at all? thanks!

[Sulaco]

1994 C280 m104
Purchased used in 1999 with 14k original miles (still smelled new!)
I'm remembering all this stuff at random.

Rebuilt transmission at around 60k
Replaced shredded serpentine belt (which also caused replacement of fan-clutch) at around 60k
MAF at around 100k
Complete inspection/service at local indy Benz specialist at around 40k
Equivalent of "Service B" at 100k
Engine wiring harness at 150k
Plugs at 150k
Replaced airfilters at random (when visually inspected and found to be needed)
Mobil 1 0w-40 every 15-20k
Water pump at 130k
Everything from the radiator forward (including the radiator itself) replaced at about 110k when I hit a deer at 70mph.
Front pads at 90k
Front rotors at 160k
Rear pads at 160k
Rear flex disc at 150k
Driveshaft center support bearing at 150k

EDIT:
hahahaha, I can't believe I forgot this:
HEAD GASKET , valve cover gasket, intake seals/gaskets, timing cover gasket at 178k

STILL NEEDS:
All O2 sensors, vacuum valve that controls center vents, vacuum connectors in passenger rear door lock, all new sunroof track (glass and motor are fine), MAF, plug wires, shocks, LCA bushings, motor mounts, driver's headlight (cracked in rear housing--causes it to fog up), convenience relay (wiper delay and blinkers work randomly), factory stereo head unit, transmission mount

I speculate I need roughly $10k in parts.

But I'll drive it anyways. Until she catches fire.

[jnolte]

Originally posted by jnolte
1998 C43
K&N filters
Harmonic balancer
new belt x2
new idler pullly
resealed some oil leaks
tranny fluid. filter x2
front flex disc
cabin filter
fuel filter
c32 brakes
oil changes mobil 1 0w40
water pump
coolant flush change
re greased wiper arm
tires x4

Needs new engine mounts,tranny mount, front LCA bushings, rear brakes


Add to my list

New EIS and key

Resealed Oil pan
Reseal DIff
New Diff cover
Drilled SL rear rotors
New rear brake pads
new Diff oil
rear flex disc

Still needs Engine mounts, LCA bushings and Tie rod

[gina2201]

Bought car with 88k, now on 89k full MB service history, next service due at 90k!!!

[Logic]

bought the car with 74k in 2004 from a friend who owns a dealershop. currently it has 102k
car was serviced before i bought including spark plugs new battery etc
oil changes every 5000 miles (mobile one)
k & n filter with custom CAI
mas air flow sensor @ 100k
replaced brakes and zimmerman crossed drilled rotors @ 100k
had a leak from tranny when i stored it in the winter was a plug gasket
tires usually get replaced every 12 to 15k
factory ones still new( never used) LOL
replaced belts @ 106k
brake and power steering flushed @ 106k

[bikeman311]

1999 C280 Sport. Purchased in 2003 w/ 75000 miles. I am the second owner, the first owner had the dealer perform regular services (confirmed via carfax prior to purchase).

Currently have 125000 miles.

Mobile One full synthetic every 10000 miles.
Replaced front and rear brake pads.
Purchased new keys when losing mine in the harbor.
Still haven't replaced the tranny fluid... debating that at 125000.
Currently being shipped to me: MAF and new plugs.

Edit: New MAF in and all the transmission / idle / power problems are gone!

[howellja]

1997 C280 purchased 05/04 with 76K, car now has 118K miles

Replaced @80K:
plugs
wires
air and fuel filter
tranny fluid and filter with mobile1 synthetic
4 new michelins

Replaced @106K
LCA bushings
L&R Lower ball joints
Front pads and rotors

Replaced @115K
idler arm
steering damper

Replaced @118K
A/C condenser
cabin filter

Still need to track down vacuum leak! stupid headrests are stuck up! and climate control floor heat doesn't work!...any more suggestions of where to look would be appreciated

I love this car and will drive it till the wheels fall off, as long as you fellow forum members keep helping me through this!

[MTI]

Purchased 1999 C280 with 80K. Service book was full of dealer stamps, but the last one was an A service two years ago. Took it to the dealer for a "B" service and a coolant and brake fluid flush.

9 quarts of synth!

Looks like the OEM battery needs to be replaced and the front rotors and pads should be replaced soon. Going to replace the valve cover gaskets.

[YYZ]

1997 C230

Bought it as a lease return in Sept/98 (in service date was Oct 96) - 30,000km

Now has 208,000 on the clock

Has had all A & B services by the book at the dealer (very reasonable here) and use synthetic oil.

Other than that:

Transmission module - 45,000km - under warranty

Balljoints - once under warranty at 79,000km, once again at 155,000km (and probably due for a set soon)

Driveshaft carrier bearing - 55,000km - under warranty - took a while to figure out as it was a very subtle vibration through the shifter

2 sets of pads/rotors all around to date

Transmission service at 180,000km (no issues before or since *knock on wood*)

Starter at 170,000

3rd brake light bulb at 201,000 ($20 for a bulb!!!!: shock :)

Battery at ~150,000

Replaced various emblems when stolen

Misc head & taillight bulbs

Now am dealing with a non-functional driver's window - think that it was shorted out for me by the nice folks who cleaned my car (as I can't right now with a severely broken arm & wrist)

Overall it has been a fantastic car - will also knock down 35-39mpg in quick highway driving which is quite respectable

Car will get painted next year sometime and have some suspension & cosmetic updates

[jayvee]

2000 C230K Sport

Bought April 2007 with 87750 miles... now with 91,250 miles.

Maintenance done since purchase:

1) replace front brake pads/rotors
2) oil change
3) brake fluid flush

[Ashkan's C280]

I can't remember exactly mileage but this is everything that has been replaced

1997 c280 121k

1. Battery
2. LCA Bushings
3. AC Recharge
3. Plugs
4. Wires
5. Tranny fluid and filter (did not drain tq converter and used redline syn)
6. Cabin Filter
7. Air Filter
8. RP Oil
9. Shocks
10. Springs
11. Pads
12. Lower thermostat
13. MAF
14. Camshaft Position Sensor
15. Diff fluid
16. ABS Sensor
17. Brake Pads
18. Rotors
19. Coolant Flush

Needs to be changed

1. All exhaust needs to be redone (dead cats)
2. Change PS Fluid
3. Change all Tranny Fluid
4. New Horn
5. Driver Side Door Handle Sensor
6. AC Light is out
7. Too many burnt bulbs
8. Change Brake Fluid
9. SS Lines
10. Steering Shock
11. Remove Mech Fan

[jabu]

can someone tell me what type of oil our c230 kompressors are supposed to use(i live in a cold canadian(alberta) climate). i'm an mechanic apprentice so i am planning on doing all future maintence myself.

[Chris_c200]

[Denlasoul]

Originally posted by Denlasoul
Hello all-

In light of Renn's post for Dragon, I have been inspired to start a similar one regarding maintenance of your W202. I have seen a huge influx of people with problems and figured that information provided here can shed some light on what may be going on.

I'll start:
67,000 miles when bought
89,xxx current miles

B service at ~70k

Have changed:
oil (every 3500-4000 miles)
coolant flush and replacement
air filters
cabin filter
all four O2 sensors
MAF
sparkplugs
wires
tranny fluid and filter
shifter bushing
harmonic balancer recall (and got new belt)
fuel filter
steering shock (boy did I need it! ;) )

For the most part my car runs like a champ. I do need to replace my motor mounts, and LCA's (as benzaddict has pointed out to me). Other than that, no known problems.

As you can see, since I am not the original owner, service records are not always available. I do feel that I have tried to step up the maintenance by replacing things that probably needed a replacement. For many of you, I would suggest doing the same. There are alot of basic items that should be changed that can make a world of difference. Many of these parts are cheap (if you know where to go) and easy to do it yourself.

I definitely suggest that many of you think about your car and break down what you do know and do not know about the car's service history. Start with the basics, and then troubleshoot from there. ex: if I replaced my MAF 5k miles ago, and now have a rough idle, you can pretty much rule out the MAF. :)

You can add to the list new Valve body, tranny fluid, pan, connector, filter.

at 93xxx miles.

[jnolte]

Originally posted by jnolte
Add to my list

New EIS and key

Resealed Oil pan
Reseal DIff
New Diff cover
Drilled SL rear rotors
New rear brake pads
new Diff oil
rear flex disc

Still needs Engine mounts, LCA bushings and Tie rod

Add

Differential
tranny change and filter again
polyurethane LCA bushings
Steering arm assembly
new c32 rotors
and pads

[jabu]

i was wondering how do you guys go about changeing the transmission fluid without a dipstick. and what type of fluid is needed? do you use genuine mercedes fluid or are there aftermarket fluids that will work better?

[jnolte]

Originally posted by jabu
i was wondering how do you guys go about changeing the transmission fluid without a dipstick. and what type of fluid is needed? do you use genuine mercedes fluid or are there aftermarket fluids that will work better?

buy a dipstick from the dealership and i use the mercedes fluid

[Denlasoul]

Originally posted by jnolte
buy a dipstick from the dealership and i use the mercedes fluid
+1

[jabu]

how about the AMSOIL synthetic ATF fluid?

[jnolte]

THIS IS NOT NORMAL!

1998 C43
K&N filters 100.00
Harmonic balancer (free recall)
new belt x2 (60.00)
new idler pullly 80.00
resealed some oil leaks
tranny fluid. filter x2 250.00
front flex disc 100.00
cabin filter 25.00
fuel filter 60.00
c32 brakes 1000.00
oil changes mobil 1 0w40 60.00
water pump 250.00
coolant flush change
re greased wiper arm
tires x4 3500.00


New EIS and key 900.00

Resealed Oil pan
Reseal DIff
New Diff cover 100.00
Drilled SL rear rotors 200.00
New rear brake pads 60.00
new Diff oil
rear flex disc 100.00

Differential 350.00 (used)
tranny change and filter again 125.00
polyurethane LCA bushings 100.00
Tie rod assembly 210.00
new c32 rotors 120.00
and pads 50.00
HI flow cats (stock ones broke) 200.00
new mercedes battery 150.00

8150.00 dollars JUST FOR PARTS and im missing a bunch of stuff.

This price does not include labor, i dont even want to add the pointless mods shes got either.

she still needs,

Engine mounts
Ac drier and a bunch of ac shiat
new seatbelt (srs light)

shes a bitch

[benzofanatic]

Is this all recent work?

[jnolte]

Originally posted by benzofanatic
Is this all recent work?


some not all

[jayvee]

Originally posted by jayvee
2000 C230K Sport

Bought April 2007 with 87750 miles... now with 91,250 miles.

Maintenance done since purchase:

1) replace front brake pads/rotors
2) oil change
3) brake fluid flush
Previous cost: approx. $700 (materials/parts and labor, done by Midas).

Additional maintenance done: (@106,493 miles)

1) Another change oil - using Mobil 1 0W-40 (same as last time)
2) Replace spark plugs
3) Top-up all fluids

Cost: $55 (materials/parts only, DIY)

[jnolte]

Originally posted by jnolte
THIS IS NOT NORMAL!

1998 C43
K&N filters 100.00
Harmonic balancer (free recall)
new belt x2 (60.00)
new idler pullly 80.00
resealed some oil leaks
tranny fluid. filter x2 250.00
front flex disc 100.00
cabin filter 25.00
fuel filter 60.00
c32 brakes 1000.00
oil changes mobil 1 0w40 60.00
water pump 250.00
coolant flush change
re greased wiper arm
tires x4 3500.00


New EIS and key 900.00

Resealed Oil pan
Reseal DIff
New Diff cover 100.00
Drilled SL rear rotors 200.00
New rear brake pads 60.00
new Diff oil
rear flex disc 100.00

Differential 350.00 (used)
tranny change and filter again 125.00
polyurethane LCA bushings 100.00
Tie rod assembly 210.00
new c32 rotors 120.00
and pads 50.00
HI flow cats (stock ones broke) 200.00
new mercedes battery 150.00

8150.00 dollars JUST FOR PARTS and im missing a bunch of stuff.

This price does not include labor, i dont even want to add the pointless mods shes got either.

she still needs,

Engine mounts
Ac drier and a bunch of ac shiat
new seatbelt (srs light)

shes a bitch

add another flex disc and a upper control arm that was messed up. The AC and engine mounts have also been repaired.

still needs a damn driver side seatbelt for the srs light

[mike mac]

bought the car with 84k 2 years ago.


other than doing regular brake, sparks, oil, filter and tire maintinance and replacements. did it a million times by now. after all these things all i do is add gas and go, she runs like new, surprisingly mush better than other mercedes with the same motors.



before hitting 100k i had to replace:

MAF@ approx 95k

idler arm busing,

sheering absorber( shock)

lower control arm bushings

dif sleeves( had a diff leak)

fuel line by the right wheel

every engine gasket( head, valves etc etc @ 90k =(

2 flex disks at once( i was under the car and killed 2 birds with one stone)

shifter bushings( they need replacing... AGAIN, i treat this car like the manual it should have been in the first place! the parts like $1)

fuel filters ( depending on year there
are 2 pumps and filters)

1 Coil pack

1 serpentine belt

new battery replaced in the summer @ 117k ( believe it or not it was the original from 1997!!!)

there are a bunch of things i even forgot by now.

i think i have bought a lemon sometimes i feel like i was ripped off cause i bought it at a dealer ( non mercedes) and paid to much.

the pain isnt so great anymore( its staring to fade or something liek the previous owner never put a coat of wax on it.

it was perfect when i bought it until a few days passed by after i bought it and the detailing trick of wax and windex that some dealers like to use revealed what was actually hidden. the car looked all shiny, almost wet in a sense, it looked brand new!!! even though its a 1997 in the year of 2006 when i bought it.

it was kinda funny because i drove maybe 200 miles and there was a thick coat of dust on the car( wax and windex cause the beautiful shine, but it attracts so much dust!!!), so i washed and waxed it.

TODAY i hit 130k =) she still goe strong.
shes revealing a rust spot on the left door towards the fender on the behing the molding( im thinking water is being trapped behind there)

just did new SS brake lines, pads and rotors all around...again( i drive alot and very hard!)

now thinking about doing a trans flush and new trans filter.

my drag link has been gone since 95k or so, so i need to replace that too.

need to replace serpentine belt soon

my now X's mom hit my car, so i need some body work done. fixed the headlight housing with a heat gun and glue, saved about $500 =) on that lol need to pull the inner aprone, fix the bumper and paint the new fender i have. replace the broken euro side marker, a 1 day project busting my ass.

After this, its all just add gas and go. Do the regular appropriate maintenance. If i hit over 200k miles with this car, im happy =)

Im driving her until she falls apart!!

[Yujin]

Can someone tell me if 0W-40 is the 'best' motor oil to use? I keep hearing about it, but I also hear that I should use the recommended 5W-35/30 for my 2000 C230K. Suggestions?

[W202FTW]

Mobil 10W-40. Never use motor oil tailored to one type of climate.

[c2dirty]

Wow, reading through all this makes me want a japanese car again...

[zmatt]

Wow, reading through all this makes me want a japanese car again...

lol my last car was a Honda accord. I replaced the timing belt, the CV joints, the rotors, sparkplugs and did the normal oil changes and stuff too. When cars get past 10 years stuff just breaks, happens to everything.


Bought mine at 136k or so

scheduled oil change Mobile 1 10w-30
engine mounts done 2 weeks ago $147 labor $120 parts thing feels new
replaced MAF sensor in july $90 parts DIY


I need to get new tires soon and I am looking to replace the shocks and springs with sportier units soon. I probably need to do my bushings, I get the knock noise sometimes when I turn right.

[DCurts]

1999 C200 Estate bought last january now has 201000 miles on clock done a key standard oil and filter and o/s lower control arm, currently refurbing early 203 avantgarde wheels in chrome to go on

[Abbaso]

Bought car at 232000km

Complete drag link assembly
Front discs and pads
Changed all filters used helix 10/40
Complete service
Changed tapper cover gasket
Rear pads

Car now has 242300km

[96mbc280]

Bought brand new ,now got 175k miles,trying to bring it back to par !

[Tony_AMG]

1999 C230 Kompressor / Sport Upgrade:
My car 134000 Miles. on July 26, 2013:

Steering box New
Steering Shock
Upper control arms both (Sport)
Lower control arms New
CLK430- Bushings to lower control arms
Drag link new
Ball joints new
Torsion bar (Sport) sway bar front
Torsion bar (Sport) sway bar rear
Shocks all around front and rear
Sway bar links
All new hardware on front and rear suspension.
New Wheel hubs both
New Knuckles both
Brakes front and rear new
Rotors front and rear new
Brakes lines new
Spark plugs x4
Spark plug coils x2
Instake fiter
Oil Filter + Oil service
Trans service
Dust filter
Oil level sensor
MAF
Knock sensor
Cam sensor
Crank sensor
New Brake E-Brake adjuster.

Drivers like a new car out vof the lot.

Next Big repair: Head gasket leak., re do the heads and possible M111 Engine re-build / repair. Any links would be nice for the head gasket repair.

[John Jones Jr.]

Hello Tony_AMG.

Seems like you'll end with a new car with that lot replaced. What caused the h/gasket to blow?

[96mbc280]

It's a 96 mb c280 , bought it brand new in Jan of 96, got 176k miles,almost traded it in @ 136k when I got a 08 mb c300 in 09, becuase it was not running right,but then put a new coil and it was kind a running ok, anyway long story short since last June with all you helpful guys I have been trying to bring it back to par, I've spend about $1700.00 thus far ,work done since last June ,4 shocks ,differential fluid change ,coolant ,spark plugs ,wires ,clutch fan ,clutch bracket,water pump,valve cover gasket,tranny fluid,fuel filter,cabin filter and vacuum distribution block ....,and still got a few things to do.....
Saluco ,is the ovp by the vacuum block with a 15 amp fuse? And how to find out if its bad ?....thanx again ....
Tranny mount & motor mounts

[cigarsmoke23]

It's a 96 mb c280 , bought it brand new in Jan of 96, got 176k miles,almost traded it in @ 136k when I got a 08 mb c300 in 09, becuase it was not running right,but then put a new coil and it was kind a running ok, anyway long story short since last June with all you helpful guys I have been trying to bring it back to par, I've spend about $1700.00 thus far ,work done since last June ,4 shocks ,differential fluid change ,coolant ,spark plugs ,wires ,clutch fan ,clutch bracket,water pump,valve cover gasket,tranny fluid,fuel filter,cabin filter and vacuum distribution block ....,and still got a few things to do.....
Saluco ,is the ovp by the vacuum block with a 15 amp fuse? And how to find out if its bad ?....thanx again ....
Tranny mount & motor mounts

Jim: did you do most of the labor for your repairs?

[96mbc280]

Hi Cigarsmoke23 ,
Yes did most of the labor for the repairs,also did the front flex disc by the tranny, replaced both motor mounts ,tranny mount and front rotors and pads last couple of weekends . Next wheel bearings !
I see you wanna do your shocks , they are not that hard DIY,if you got a floor jack and some tools

[Adamof94]

I was just wondering how long does the V6 last with regular oil changes? I have a 2000 c280 with 88,000 miles I bought in 2011 with 48,000 miles and I was just wondering when do the v6 usually go out miles wise?

[W202FTW]

Seen plenty of 112/113 motors hit past 200k on the clock. They will leak tons of oil (i.e. valve covers, timing cover and occasionally the oil filter housings) though. Other than that, remarkably solid motor.

[fcar]

1. Battery
2. LCA Bushings
3. AC Recharge
3. Plugs
4. Wires
...

[Canada202]

Kms
17,232 oil and filter change 5W-40 synthetic
24,504 oil and filter change 5W-40 synthetic
Cabin filter
28,848 oil and filter change 5W-40 synthetic
36,590 oil and filter change 5W-40 synthetic
Cabin filter
45,463 Power Steering Belt
Alternator Belt
New Battery
80W90 Rear Diff Oil Change
46,100 Cabin Air Filter
Bosch wiper blade
46,300 Oil and filter change Liqui Moly 0w-40
Transmission fluid flush and filter
MAF sensor
Engine air filter
48,444 Replace 4 Bosch Super Spark Plugs OEM Copper. FR-7-KTC 7407
48,505 Replace valve cover and spark plug ring gaskets
Fuel filter