ML 430 60k service

[Q-Ball]

I have a 1999 ML430, with 59K on the clock. Always dealer maintained, no major problems thus far, just normal wearable items.
Scheduling a 60k service on the car. What should be done at this point? Does it need schedule "B"? Or just routine lube service. I am interested in knowing if there are any items in particular i should be concerned with at this mileage on the car.
Or just continue with scheduled maintenance and let it roll?

Thanks
FQ

[Gilly]

Frank:
The only thing significant about 60K miles on the servicing of this truck is that the air filter and fuel filter need to be replaced.
If the truck needs an A or B service is dependent on what was done last, not by total mileage accumulation. If the last service was an A service, the next one is a B service. If the last service was a B service, the next service normally is an A service, unless the B service was performed more than 14,000 miles ago.

Replacing the fuel filter now can be a bit of a challenge, as the original filter type is no longer available due to an upgraded filter. To install the filter requires replacing some fuel lines on top of the fuel pump/fuel level sensor assembly, which in turn requires removing the left half of the rear seat.
Gilly

[Q-Ball]

Gilly,
Thanks for the response, and useful information concerning fuel filter replacement on this model. I will have to check into my A vs. B schedule, and determine which one is due.
Happy motoring.

FQ

Gilly,

I am in a similar situation. I just purchased a '99 ML320 with 60,000 miles. The service records are not complete or the previous owner just simply stopped going to the MG shop for service. The book shows an initial service then an A and B service and thats all I know.

Since I don't know exactly what "needs" to be done at this point what would you recommend be serviced and/or replaced to get a fresh start for me. I'd rather replace/service something prematurely rather than not knowing if it is overdue and badly needed.

I am going to try and do as much of the work myself as possible and let the dealership do the rest.

Per your recommendation above the fuel filter needs replaced, do you have the part numbers for what I need to pick up. Are these available online somewhere or only from the dealership?

Thanks
John

[Gilly]

John
Unsure where they would be available other than the dealer. Not saying they aren't available elsewhere, just saying I don't know.
You need the new style filter and 3 plastic preshaped lines, unsure of the part numbers of all that. It hasn't struck me that they were terribly expensive, more labor intensive than anything else.
There IS an outside chance that you may be able to get it done free, however that may be extended only to the original owner. You can certainly ask at a dealer to see how nice they are.
On a 99 with an unknown service history, I'd recommend a B service (which includes the dust filter), a coolant and brake fluid flush, air filter and fuel filter (which are both due at 60,000) and spark plugs (which are due at 100,000mi OR 4 years)(overdue probably based on time).
Remember the truck still has roadside assistance, the phone number is on the inside of the sun visor mirror cover on the drivers side, it doesn't expire. Good for a jump start, flat tire or out of gas, anyways. Better than any other car has at this mileage.
Which reminds me to tell you to make sure they check the battery on the B service if it appears to be original.

Gilly

Gilly,

Thanks so much for the info. One additional question that I have is the engine oil. It appears to have been changed in the latter part of the original owners tenure with Mobile1. It doesn't state whether it is synthetic oil or not. In either case is it okay if I start changing it with fully synthetic or what do you recommend?

Thanks

John

[Gilly]

If you know it was changed to Mobil1, then it is synthetic, and I'd recommend sticking with the Mobil1 definitely. I don't recommend doing an "overkill" and using Mobil1 combined with 3000 mile or so oil changes. I'd be happy using the Mobil1 combined with oil changes out to about 8 to 10000 miles or so. Be sure to check the oil often, however it takes a long time for the oil to fill the oil pan after shutoff, usually checking it after filling up the fuel tank for example is too soon to check it, although it's good to check it hot. I'd recommend checking it about 20 to 30 minutes after shutdown after a trip in which the engine reaches normal operating temp, this is how to get an accurate reading.
I'd also point out that if you are in a region of the country where the weather turns cold in the winter (cold enough to create ice, at least at night), when removing the oil cap in cold weather (below 40F or so ) you will notice a whitish-yellowish "paste" under the oil cap, this is normal. It is only on the cap and possibly the dipstick, it's not in the engine internal parts.
I'd normally recommend 0W40 Mobil1 if you can find it, other viscosities will work OK if you can't find the 0W-40. Usually the dealer will have the 0W-40, but it's not important enough to buy it from the dealer, they'll charge an arm and a leg for it and it's not all that important. If your in a cold climate I'd use 10w-40, if your down south or in a summer climate, 20W50 would be good, just make sure the viscosity you are using is appropriate for the forcasted weather, in other words get the 20W50 out of there before Christmas .

Gilly

[J.HIDALGO]

Quote:
"Remember the truck still has roadside assistance, the phone number is on the inside of the sun visor mirror cover on the drivers side, it doesn't expire. Good for a jump start, flat tire or out of gas, anyways."
Is the road side assistance free for these items (other than the actual price of the gas)?
Thanks!

[Gilly]

Yes, it's free for those 3 services, these are referred to as the "Sign and Drive" services. Even if you are too far away from a dealership (most dealers agree to a 30 mile radius as their service area) MB will STILL pay for an alternate service provider to help you, although don't expct the same level of competence as a dealer tech.
The roadside assistance doesn't expire, and it stays with the vehicle, doesn't matter if you're the first owner or not.

http://www.mbusa.com/brand/container.jsp?/care/clientcare/roadside_assistance.jsp

Gilly

ps They won't charge you for the 2 or 3 gallons of gas (or Diesel) they will bring out to you. If you runout of Diesel, I'd stress this a few times when talking to Roadside Assistance about your dilema, especially at 2 am .

[J.HIDALGO]

I was awared of the roadside assistance program but, I was not aware these three items were free.
Good info!

[ebernhard]

Gilly...

I’m a fairly new/infrequent member, but I have followed this thread, and I must say it has been very helpful. However, I do have additional questions before I get a service:

1. I purchased my 1999 ML430 in March of 2003 with approx 49K miles on it. After driving the 'truck' (my wife requires I use this terminology ;-) ) East from Columbia MS, I did bring it to the dealer for some minor repairs that were covered under the sales agreement. (An aside – purchased from BelivaMG… a great eBay/private dealer from whom I would purchase again.) In any event, I’m not sure if the MB dealer did an A or B service (or none at all). Is there a database that is consumer-accessible whereby I could enter VIN and see what service was done?

2. Given that the truck now has 57K on it, I guess I’m ready for a service. I am boycotting the MB dealers in area, since they are not really worth a one-point star, much less all 3. I have found a good MB independent mechanic, who says I need a service. I think I will be performing the large service (B) and replace the following: dust filter, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs and perform a coolant and brake fluid flush. Is there anything else I should be looking into?

3. On spark plugs… are the Bosch Platinums appropriate for a 1999 ML430?

4. You mentioned this service might be free??? I do have a 3rd party bumper-to-bumper warranty through 3/2008 or 100,000 miles which extends the original factory warranty... Do you think I could I get the service covered?

5. I’m currently using Mobil1 0W-40 and am a firm believer. The concern I have is that it does seem to drink oil… about 1 quart every 500-1000 miles… is that OK?

6. Given that I’m using Mobil1 and that I drive less than 50% highway speeds, is 10,000 miles OK before oil change? Is there a time period that I should also observe (ie 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first?)

7. You mention to check oil while hot. This goes against what I’ve always thought: check cold to be sure oil has filled the pan. What are the advantages to checking the oil hot, “about 20 to 30 minutes after shutdown after a trip in which the engine reaches normal operating temp”?

8. I’ve had difficulty check the oil electronically through dash computer… I know it needs to be warm and flat, but I often get a “---“ reading. I would love to be able to use/trust this feature, since I have a front guard that makes it less convenient to lift hood… any recommendations?

Thank you for this great website… eric