Special Tools - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

soulbandaid · #1 08-21-2009, 12:55 PM

Hello.
I'm considering buying an old mercedes diesel with iron heads. If i have my way a 300 with or without a turbo (help me decide).
I've got a few questions, i have searched, forgive me if i've double posted.
From what i've gathered these cars can cost a fortune to maintain, because many mechanics won't touch them. Is this true?

People on the forum make it seem like working on them is not terrible.
I've got some experience working on an air-cooled type 2 (also german

).
From what i've read there are an awful lot of special tools. I'm not worried about bending a wrench myself, but how much should i expect to spend on tools to solve common problems? Injectors, injector pumps and such? What if i have to do a CV?

People say to buy that manual and ind out, but i havn't bought a car yet, and that makes picking the manual difficult.

Also does working on a turbo require special tools? would having a turbo car require a little or a lot more maintanice?
Does a turbo car get lower gas milage if you don't utalize the extra acceleration it offers?

pawoSD · #2 08-21-2009, 02:12 PM

If you do not consider yourself a pretty good DIY mechanic on German cars, then it will be difficult to do the bigger projects/repairs. General maintenance is pretty easy on these cars. I would buy a turbo vehicle unless you don't mind it being slow.

There is a number of special tools for working on the car, but most work can be done with a good (extensive) set of metric tools. On the diesels, the injection pumps rarely need to be touched, and the injectors, very infrequently.

If you end up having to pay a shop to keep the car going, it will indeed cost you a fortune to keep going.

I've done 95% of the work on my car the past 6 years.....and I've still managed to spend over 10k on it. (beside the purchase price)

whunter · #3 08-21-2009, 02:19 PM

Home Made Special Tools, This is where members can share how they made special tools
Home Made Special Tools, This is where members can share how they made special tools

Tool Rental List MASTER thread = post here to rent or add a tool to the list
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=126728

Fast navigation Do It Yourself Links
Fast navigation Do It Yourself Links

Have a great day.

DocSarvis · #4 08-21-2009, 02:20 PM

I am new to Mercedes but have played with cars all my life. I don't think they need any more or less specialty tools than most late model cars. I make almost all specialty tool I use and even make some that don't exist just to make things easier. You can do all your own work if you are inclined. Go for it and yes get the turbo unless you want to be slow. Thanks and good luck.

Diesel911 · #5 08-21-2009, 03:10 PM

I cannot entirely agree with it not needing more special tools thatn other Cars.
Here is 1 example concerning the suspension:
Can you compress a spring w/cheap tool

Here are some do it yourself Threads (DIY) to read through so you can decid for youself:

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/DoItYourSelf

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/#do-yourself-links-resources

Besure to look at the ones concerning fixing the suspension, Wheel Bearing adjustment, and Rear Wheel Bearing Replacement and Valve Adjustment to name a few.

Having the Tubo on the Car does not add extra maint. work as long as it is functioning OK. Occasionally they are leaking Oil and need to be rebuilt.
The main thing is that if your Turbo Starts makeing abnormal noises; stop driving your car. As it means something inside is rubbing that is not supposed to rub. If you Continue to drive it like that you will have not choice but to rebuild or get a used one.

If you are here in the US there is 1 or 2 sellers on Ebay that if you buy their parts will give you instructions and one also provides a service to Balance your compressor and turbine wheel (you pay).
Other than that if you cannot fix the turbo youself It will cost a good chunk of money; more than $300 for a rebuilt one.

Used Turbos are in the $90-$150 range but no warranty on them.

Phil · #6 08-21-2009, 04:33 PM

The only specialized tools needed at first, I think, are valve wrenches. After you have the car for a while then you will probably find there are more extensive projects that you will want to do but first do a search here for the best way to do them. Ball joints need some extra tools but if you take the parts to a shop and have them press in the new ones it is inexpensive. Some of the specialized tools can be rented here.