I am buying a 1998 ML320 from a friend. Has 72K miles. Basically sound condition, but needs some TLC. I was wondering if anyone could give me a rough guesstimate about how much to do a complete tuneup, fluids, plugs, etc? Will have to replace the fuse blower motor ( at least we think that is the whining sound cause), is this a DIY job? Also need to replace the passenger side mirror housing (his garage was a little narrow! ) and would like to know if this could be DIY and if so where to get the part and instructions? I am preparing to get right with more DIY stuff to keep this ride on the road because I live over 4 hours from the nearest MB dealer and based on what I read most places, they don't do good service and are too expensive. Also need to put new rubber down, thinking Michelin Cross T's, anybody have better ideas? Thanks for the input and responses.

I'll give quick answers and you can ask follow up questions:
Tune Up really just consists of the plugs, air filter and fuel filter. You MAY still have the old style fuel filter, you'll need to update. Do a database search here on "fuel filter" and you'll get a description of what need to be done, not a real simple process. BTW you need 12 spark plugs. Air filter is easy job, plugs not too bad, can be hard to get the wires off. Brake fluid and coolant you may want to get replaced also. Brakes are easy enough to service. Tires: I like Michelin, yes.
Blower motor: If it's making a weird whining or vibration type of noise, there may be just "junk" in the blower cage, you can check it yourself yes, easy, there is a dust filter down under there too which you can easily replace.
The outside mirrors can be a bit of a puzzle, if you can get the part you can probably look at the new part, look at the truck, and figure it out.
You can get tech info for a fee from MB, I think it's at http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/
try that, if not you'll find it on this site.
Gilly

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