New to Forum - can't find info.....
 

I have purchased a 1999 ML 430 with approx 60,000 miles on it. I can not find a service manual for this vehicle and have been relying on this forum in the DIY section....GOOD STUFF! Anyone know where I can find a Repair Manual for the ML430?

I have been reading the forum and see mixed opinions on a few things, I was planning on doing a 60,000 mile "dealer service" on the vehicle but wanted to confirm a few things first. So.....Any input here would be appreciated.

1.) I am going to change all of the fluids in the vehicle...oil and filter, ATF and filter (dispite claim of life time fluid), Diff fluid, and Transfer Case fluid. I would like to use synthetics where possible...

- Oil will be Mobil 1 0W40 with a fleece filter. 8.5 QTS?
- ATF ...(need help on this one)... which ATF to use and where is a good place to buy the tranny filter. How many Quarts 8qts?..(I am assuming the torque converter has a drain plug) ...I Read MB Sythetic should be used hear?.... BTW I have already purchased the dipstick to check fluid level after reading this forum.
- Transfer case and Diff...85W90? (also need help with this one as to what type of fluid to use in the Wahington DC region) Is there a limited slip additive needed?

2.) Needs brake pads, rotors and front calipers. Was going to use ARC OEM replacment calipers, new brake lines (stainless if available???), ceramic pads and Brembo rotors... comments anyone?

- Flush and bleed brake fluid. ....Any recommendations as far as type of brake fluid would be nice.

3.) Flush & Change coolant and check / change radiator hoses ..would use ZEREX G-05? 12qts 50/50 mix?

4. Air / cabin filters changed.

5. Plug wires have been done. Plugs will do at 100K

6. Not sure if there are any grease fittings to lube (drive shaft, steering??)

7. Should I clean the throttle body / MAS / EGR with any king of spray?

8. Fuel filter? I read this should be changed often...where should I purchase? I believe this is on the drivers side above the rear wheel?

I have a Land Rover Disco II with 172,000 miles on it and have had NO "major" issues.....so I am pretty abreast to the maintenance of these High dollar SUV's. Please let me know if I am missing something that MB recommends? Thanks for the support and this is a great Forum!

Why are you changing the front calipers? Unless there is something wrong with them, leave them alone. Oh, and change the whole system brake fluid with the MB DOT4+, it works best. 85w90 is perfect for the diffs, no LSD additive needed, they are open units.

As for fuel filter, depends on which one you have. If the upgrade was done, it is easy, if not, you will spend several hundred to do it, and you HAVE to do it, as no one sells the old style filters anymore.

thanks...the reason for the caliper change is b/c one is sticking, so I'm changing both front.

How can I tell if the upgraded fuel filter was installed?

also, what type of fluid should I use in the transfer case? ATF

anyone know who sells stailess steel brake line for the ML430?

Plenty of ML information here http://www.whnet.com/4x4/shoptalk.html :thumbsup:

Can't find a manual?

Go to dealer or call 800.for.merc and order the W163 Service DVD

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/8763/?requestedDocId=8763

Or, as an alternate, subscribe for a day at http://www.startekinfo.com and download to your heart's content.

While you're at it, subscribe for free to the parts manual system, i.e. EPC.

Mercedes has you very well covered--why would you think differently?

Use only the ATF from MB, for the trans & transfer case.

Why would you want SS brake lines, they cause issues on the street!