Hello, new member here from Alabama with 98 E300 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Shrimpblue · #1 12-15-2018, 09:49 PM

Hello, I am new to this site as well as a new owner of a 1998 e300 turbo diesel with 187k miles. I am some what mechanically inclined and curious to learn about this Mercedes, especially the Diesel engine portion. I look forward to reading more of the posts here and also helping in any way I can. Also, does anyone know where I can find a service manual? Thanks

t walgamuth · #2 12-15-2018, 11:20 PM

Welcome! I don't know much about the newer cars but others here do.

vstech · #3 12-16-2018, 05:21 AM

Jay_bob has a lot of links and such for that car, search posts by him.

oldsinner111 · #4 12-16-2018, 06:24 AM

I find alot of deals on Ebay,for manuals,and disk for your computer.

engatwork · #5 12-16-2018, 09:18 AM

You are now the proud owner of one of the best automobiles MB has ever built in my opinion.

Shrimpblue · #6 12-16-2018, 10:04 AM

I sure hope it’s a good MB. I have to say that the learning curve on this car is both intimidating and exciting but, I look forward to it.
If I may ask, what oil should I run in this for the southern region? Thanks

Father Of Giants · #7 12-16-2018, 11:04 AM

Run any Mercedes approved diesel oil you want. A timely oil change regardless of brand, weight, dino or synthetic is the best oil.

Anything diesel rated between 5w-40 and 15w-40 is fine.

engatwork · #8 12-16-2018, 01:19 PM

I run synthetic diesel 5W40. Either Chevron Delo or Mobil.

Shrimpblue · #9 12-16-2018, 02:00 PM

Thanks for the replies.
I have read about all the preventive maintenance on this model that I should perform and have started a list of parts to order such as;

All the clear fuel lines, both pre and main filters, the plastic clips that hold the metal fuel lines(some are broken) and oil filters.
I’m still looking for the part numbers for the 3 o-rings for the fuel shut off valve and the correct size rubber fuel line that comes off of the fuel filter housing to something under the intake? Also any others that you may think of. My goal is to remove intake manifold and replace/repair anything fuel related at that time.

The previous owner replaced the water pump, turbo, glow plugs, alternator belt tensioner, belt and A/C compressor. All done within a couples of years.
Thanks

sixto · #10 12-16-2018, 07:48 PM

Factory fill ATF will probably not last the life of the car. Consider new fluid, filter and pilot bushing (the intermediate socket between the harness and transmission). This car should have a TC drain.

The cabin filters are probably disgusting. Check YouTube for videos on pulling the glove box liner to get to the filters. Once the screws are out, it sticks along the bottom edge, not the top edge. It’s probably time to replace the activated charcoal filters too. Also on YouTube. These filters cost considerably more.

Sixto
98 E320s sedan and wagon
02 C320 wagon

83w126 · #11 12-17-2018, 02:11 AM

Serpentine belt and tensioner, injector return lines (and make sure nothing else is leaking under the plastic cover), for sure change the transmission fluid, filter and wiring connector, and I would suggest changing the conductor plate too. Changing all the vacuum lines is also a good idea.

The radiator and water pump both failed at around 270k on the one I had, so hopefully they will be ok for a while. If you haven't owned a Mercedes or other german car before, be very careful about what brand you chose for replacement parts, for some reason a lot of the aftermarket parts for german cars either don't even work at all, fit but don't last very long, or are bad enough to be unsafe to use.

When you pull the intake there is another bolt you wn't see from the top holding the pipe from the intercooler to the intake that you have to take off from underneath. You may also want to do the delivery valve seals, mine leaked badly but the car had also been run on biodiesel before I got it. Also the o-ring on the fuel thermostat thing. I was never able to get all the fuel leaks stopped while I had it.

83w126 · #12 12-17-2018, 02:14 AM

You are also lucky the glow plugs were changed, because it usually involves pulling the head and taking it to a machine shop. The previous owner of the one I had paid almost $3k to have it done.

Shrimpblue · #13 12-17-2018, 08:09 AM

Thanks for the advice. The previous owner did change the trans fluid and filter, also has a dip stick with the car for checking the level. I can’t seem to find the pilot bushing and where it goes, or the fuel heater o-ring? I still plan on servicing the trans in the near future.
I do have the cabin air filters on the order list but wasn’t aware of the charcoal filters, I will look into them.
I will order the delivery valve seal and what appears to be a special socket. They currently aren’t leaking, but will replace them while I’m there.
I am going to order all parts from pelican and am either selecting oem or the next 5 star rating parts. I hope the quality is good.
I would also like to order all the rubber fuel hoses and vacuum lines but, I am confused at what sizes to buy. Do I need to order a meter or two of each size listed on the pelican site?
This is my first German vehicle and Lord willing, I plan to drive it until it’s just not feasible any longer. Thanks

Father Of Giants · #14 12-17-2018, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shrimpblue

Thanks for the advice. The previous owner did change the trans fluid and filter, also has a dip stick with the car for checking the level. I can’t seem to find the pilot bushing and where it goes, or the fuel heater o-ring? I still plan on servicing the trans in the near future.
I do have the cabin air filters on the order list but wasn’t aware of the charcoal filters, I will look into them.
I will order the delivery valve seal and what appears to be a special socket. They currently aren’t leaking, but will replace them while I’m there.
I am going to order all parts from pelican and am either selecting oem or the next 5 star rating parts. I hope the quality is good.
I would also like to order all the rubber fuel hoses and vacuum lines but, I am confused at what sizes to buy. Do I need to order a meter or two of each size listed on the pelican site?
This is my first German vehicle and Lord willing, I plan to drive it until it’s just not feasible any longer. Thanks

O ring sizes and the amount needed.

OM606.962 o-ring size

Buy viton o rings here. Remember to submerge the viton o rings in boiling water for easier installation
https://www.mcmaster.com

Buy fuel return lines here.
https://www.mcmaster.com/5792k32

You have a torque wrench right, it's necessary for the delivery valve seals.

Shrimpblue · #15 12-17-2018, 08:07 PM

Thanks for the information on the o-rings, I ordered them today. Also, I do have a torque wrench for the delivery valves. However, I am having the hardest time finding a repair manual for my car. I am looking for sometime in a paperback version. Does anyone know where I might acquire one. Thanks for sharing you’re knowledge.