1998 E300 Turbo Diesel 100K miles serivce - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

guykoh · #1 10-21-2008, 11:50 PM

Hey guys my car is fast approching the 100k mile mark and I was wondering what fluids, parts, do i need to change? Im thinking, Motor oil, Air filter, Transmission fluid and flilter, and both fuel filters. Am I missing anything? Do i need to service the Diff (change the fluid? ) if so what kind?

Thanks so much for your help!

Jeremy5848 · #2 10-22-2008, 12:33 AM

The two things that tend to get ignored are the power steering fluid and the differential oil. I was quite surprised to discover that Mercedes doesn't even have PS fluid changes in their maintenance specs; as a consequence, my new-to-me 1996 E300D, at 248,000 miles, had the original PS fluid – black with age, of course.

guykoh · #3 10-22-2008, 01:48 AM

Hey Jeremy thanks for your reply. What power steering fluid should i use? and what Diff fluid should i use?

My mechanic tell me i should change the glow plugs only if they fail and not to bother with it now, is that a good idea?

nhdoc · #4 10-22-2008, 07:47 AM

Don't forget brake fluid flush and coolant. Brake fluid is recommended every 2 years and coolant every 3 IIRC.

I did my diff back in 2005 and used M1 synthetic, that is what I would recommend using.

George301 · #5 10-22-2008, 07:57 AM

I read on this site that it is a good idea to take out the glowplugs clean them up and put them back, so they don't sieze up, if they haven't done so already. Also the tranny fluid is not permanent, contrary to the official reccommendations, but I'm not sure how often that needs changing.

TMAllison · #6 10-22-2008, 10:09 AM

Trans fluid is currently recommended tto be changed once at 39k miles. I'd do it again every 50-60k thereafter personally. MB fluid only, no equal.

With thier propensity for snapping, I'd leave the GP's alone until one goes out and has to be changed.

nhdoc · #7 10-22-2008, 12:25 PM

I just did tranny fluid and filter on my C43 with 95K miles and it was original. I can say the difference is pretty dramatic when the tranny is cold. It used to have VERY firm shifts during the first few shifts of the day. Now those are smooth as when it is warm. It shifts like butter now...the tranny service is money well spent indeed! This beast has a very large torque convertor and took over 8L to refill...more than the E300 IIRC.

Jeremy5848 · #8 10-22-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guykoh

Hey Jeremy thanks for your reply. What power steering fluid should i use? and what Diff fluid should i use?

My mechanic tell me i should change the glow plugs only if they fail and not to bother with it now, is that a good idea?

You can use Mercedes PS fluid if you feel strongly about using only factory stuff. I bought mine from a local NAPA outlet (their house brand) because I wanted to do a complete flush of the system and suspected that I'd need more than a quart. I ended up using a gallon, mostly due to my inexperience and poor technique (but that's another question). Although some folks say you can use auto transmission fluid in your PS reservoir, and I did when I drove GM, I don't now and I don't recommend it to others.

Any good 90 weight gear oil will do for the rear end (unless you have a limited-slip differential). You will need a little over a quart; buy 2 quarts in the long, slim plastic bottles with the squirt tops. That way, it's much easier to get the oil into into the differential without buying a special pump. Remember to remove the filler plug first (if you remove the drain plug first and then can't get the filler out you are screwed).

"When to change glow plugs" is rather controversial. My preference is to change them when they fail and not until. If I had to pay someone $$$ to remove the intake plumbing and do all of the work for me, I'd probably change all of them at once. If I had frequent failures and got tired of doing the R&R myself, I'd probably change all of them at once. In many thousands of miles on three diesel Benzes over two and a half years I have had three glow plug failures.

The advice on coolant and brake fluid changing is sound. I didn't mention it because it is part of factory maintenance and should have been done on your car in the past. If you have a collection of service records you can see whether it's been done before and how long ago. Brake fluid flushes on ABS-equipped cars can be done by the DIY mechanic much more easily (and without a helper) if you buy or make a pressure bleeder. I built my own for about $15 and was amazed at how easy it made the job.

Jeremy

michakaveli · #9 10-22-2008, 12:59 PM

What rear end oil is recommended? I need to change the tranny fluid sometime in the future also and need to replace the rear end juice as well. I was planning on getting some MB tranny fluid, should I stick to the MB rear end fluid as well?

Jeremy5848 · #10 10-22-2008, 01:21 PM

"Any good 90 weight gear oil" was what I wrote in post #8 above. If you want to spend the money, by all means go to your dealer. If not, buy a name-brand 90 weight "hypoid" gear oil for the lowest price you can find.

Parrot of Doom · #11 10-22-2008, 04:49 PM

Do make sure you unscrew the fill hole before you unscrew the drain hole.

F18 · #12 10-22-2008, 04:59 PM

For the diff.....use a API rating of GL-5 either the standard 80W90 or if in "snow country" like I am...use a synthetic 75W90.

And as Parrot of Doom stated (believe me it is not a suggestion!) remove the fill hole plug first then the drain plug. If you drain then can't get the fill plug off your screwed!!!!!!

mikemass1221 · #13 11-18-2008, 01:25 PM

Any links out there with step by step DYI instructions for these procedures? (Power steering, trans and rear diff fluis changes). I've searched I can't find them. For the 1998 e300 TD.

JimSmith · #14 11-18-2008, 02:35 PM

Power steering and differential is the same as any other MB (search on these topics and I am certain you will find a good procedure). Transmission is more complicated and requires a special tool from MB. I pay them to do the transmission and it isn't cheap, but I think it is well worth it, every 60,000 miles. My next one is coming up soon.

Jim

TMAllison · #15 11-18-2008, 02:41 PM

DIY tab: http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/Trans7226Fluid

Use ONLY MB fluid for the 722.6 (yours) or the newer 722.9 trans. No equal.