Page 1 of 3 123 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 55

Thread: W202 Maintenance

  1. #1
    In Charge
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Left Lane
    Posts
    4,533

    W202 Maintenance

    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.
    1998 C43
    1994 C280 (Retired)

    "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." - da Vinci

  2. #2
    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
    Jason

    2006 BMW 525XI (Silver Gray Metallic)
    -----------------------------------------------
    1995 C280 (Smoke Silver Metallic) - 348,900 Original Miles - SOLD March 2010
    1988 Saleen Mustang - 1 Of Only 17 - 50,514 Original Miles - SOLD June 2009


  3. #3
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Posts
    199
    Denlasoul how much did you service B cost you? I have to get it done in about 4000 miles.
    2004 S500

  4. #4
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    1,037
    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!!
    99 C43 AMG
    99 C230 Kompressor

  5. #5
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    1,004
    Originally posted by benzonline
    God Damn! You've replaced the whole car!!
    the guy works for the dealership. and he loves his car. that explains all.

  6. #6
    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)...
    Modified C230, Sprayed Silver Strips, Updated Grill, Tinted all round, Lowered Springs, 17inch Rimms, K&N performance Filter, Performance chip and AMG exhaust Kit, Hella bixenons with Osram Bulbs
    Just in: Pioneer sound system, 2 1000 Watt Subs, 2 Amps, and 1 Head Unit...luvin the BASS



    http://www.cardomain.com/id/abuimad

    If Its 2 (Good) 2 Be True...Then..Its a 202

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    1,037
    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.
    99 C43 AMG
    99 C230 Kompressor

  8. #8
    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
    cant afford a mercedes......


    that\'s why i have a bimmer and an audi

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    1,004
    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.

  10. #10
    Moderator
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Posts
    4,927
    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
    BAN HIS ASS!!
    744 C36 AMG- carlsson
    040 C43- way to many modifications
    744 CLK55- even more mods
    CLS55 IWC edition
    744 CLK500 Rocket Bunny widebody

  11. #11
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jul 2003
    Location
    San Antonio, Tx
    Posts
    883
    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. 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
    2011 Audi A3 2.0T Quattro S. Tronic Ti Package
    APR FMIC
    APR Stage II Software
    Carbonio Intake
    B&B Turboback Exhaust

    2006 Audi A4 2.0T Quattro 6MT (Sold)
    1999 C 280 Sport (Sold)
    1995 C 280 (Sold)

  12. #12

    1999 C280

    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.

  13. #13
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2006
    Posts
    274
    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!
    Devon
    1999 C280 Sport
    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2398710

  14. #14
    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
    Jason

    2006 BMW 525XI (Silver Gray Metallic)
    -----------------------------------------------
    1995 C280 (Smoke Silver Metallic) - 348,900 Original Miles - SOLD March 2010
    1988 Saleen Mustang - 1 Of Only 17 - 50,514 Original Miles - SOLD June 2009


  15. #15
    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!
    99 c280 (WHITE)
    In the midst of modding.

    (list of stuff too long...just link to your gallery thread)





  16. #16
    Moderator Sulaco's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    USA
    Posts
    1,306
    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.
    94 C280, 250k miles, 1999-2011 (gone, never forgotten)
    CURRENT:
    744 Silver 99 C43 AMG, 260k miles, 2011-
    040 Black 98 C43 AMG, 190k miles, 2013-

  17. #17
    Moderator
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Posts
    4,927
    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
    BAN HIS ASS!!
    744 C36 AMG- carlsson
    040 C43- way to many modifications
    744 CLK55- even more mods
    CLS55 IWC edition
    744 CLK500 Rocket Bunny widebody

  18. #18
    Bought car with 88k, now on 89k full MB service history, next service due at 90k!!!

  19. #19
    Senior Member Logic's Avatar
    Join Date
    May 2007
    Location
    Colorado
    Posts
    1,428
    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

  20. #20
    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!

  21. #21
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Posts
    15

    maintenance of my w202

    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!

  22. #22
    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.
    1985 2.3E
    1985 2.3-16
    1999 C280

  23. #23
    Admin Approved
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Posts
    12
    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

  24. #24
    jayvee
    Guest
    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

  25. #25
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Posts
    1,232
    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
    97 C280 RIP 09-14-07 killed by a reckless rice rocket jetta (I just try and remember the good times)

    ***C43***

    Clear Corners, ss oil filter, avantgrade grill, sport pedals, clk door pins

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •