Quote:
Originally Posted by Cateaux
I certainly see the value of testing the brakes while standing still, but I wouldn't feel comfortable on the road unless I had made a successful panic stop.
For me, it is a question of reliability. Hoses are rubber and they deteriorate. When one hose starts to feel soft, I replace them all. I consider it cheap insurance. Thermostats are spring loaded, and springs fatigue. My thermostat was bad when I bought my 300D (177K miles). Besides, they're cheap and convenient to replace when the cooling system is drained. As for filters, what concerns me is the unknown. If I don't know when the fuel filter was last changed, for example, I change it. It may last 10K miles, or it may last 10. I prefer to change it when it's convenient for me, as opposed to on the side of the road. I may change a part or two that still has some useful life left in it, but I think it's well worth it to have peace of mind.
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Now
THAT is some good advice, and a good mantra for these cars.
PEH is the fungal expert, and also a champion of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"(I mean that in a good way). That certainly has it's proper place, but that is often with a "known" vehicle, not one you just picked up. New battery is also a good idea. 4-5 years of peace of mind.
Search ebay for the Mercedes shop manuals. There is a volume 1 & 2 for the chassis, and an engine manual. (617.912 for non-turbo, 617.952 for turbo). I would also get a manual on cd, they are usually 10-20 bucks. There is also an online manual that somebody could supply a link for. It is sometimes working, sometimes not, so I wouldn't necessarily rely on it.
Keep us posted......