'98 ML320 - 80k maintenance suggestions? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

krasuskyp · #1 09-01-2004, 03:03 PM

Gents-

Wife's got a '98 ML320 with ~ 80k. 2nd owner, got it @ 38k. Haven't done a thing to it except oil changes and tires (and $XXX,xxx,xxx,000's in warranty work before the 4/50 expired!!!).

I've got the print out of the suggested 60k interval stuff and hope to do some general things myself. Pad indicator is on so it's getting rotors and pads all around on the assumption that they're original (no records).

What do you all suggest I address, in order of importance? I was thinking brake fluid and coolant change, air filter, plugs, maybe belts, and fuel filter. Then I remembered the BS about the fuel filter change (F me) that the dealer will not 'cover'. Can I merely install another 'old' style one?

How about O2 sensor? Anything else?

Any suggesetions appreciated! I'm thick and need all the help I can...

ps. anyone selling 3rd row seats? twins coming...

pps. I run dino in this, 5k interval, light 'wife' driving. Thoughts?

Gilly · #2 09-01-2004, 09:42 PM

80K already huh?
OK, well, yeah the fuel and air filter for sure. You may be up S-creek about the fuel filter though, as I don't know if you can even buy the old short one, so may be raised to a "high" level on the to-do list. Maybe you can use my post on the subject to get them to help out with that problem.
PROBABLY want to do plugs, they're due at 100,000 OR 4 years, so overdue on time. They'll seize in there if you wait too long.
Brake fluid every 2 years, coolant every 3 years, so get them done if no idea when they were last done.
On the brakes it'd pay to inspect them before ordering anything. I mean, you have the light on, but until you look you won't know if you need rotors also or not. PROBABLY NOT original pads and rotors with 80,000 on it!
Have a dealer run a VMI on it to make sure the recalls are all done, they are still obligated to do recall items even though you are out of warranty.
On the oil and oil change, if it's not burning any, I wouldn't switch now, seems reasonable to me, you could even take it out a bit further than 5000 if you want to, maybe 7000, up to you.
Only has 1 belt (serpentine), replace based on condition (look at the side with the ribs and look for cracks in the ribs).
O2 sensor, heard lots of debate on that. It's probably run alot better on new sparkplugs, some say a new pair of O2 sensors help too. Not sure if I'd replace them, not until after I saw how it runs on new sparkplugs. If you do replace them, I'd just replace the front ones, not all 4. The rear ones are only there to allow the computer to monitor catalytic converter performance, won't affect how the engine runs.

Gilly