As some of you know, I have 'invested' a lot of dough on some 500E maintenance. I just wanted to share what I did and how it all turned out.

1) I replaced the Throttle Body Actuator... This was the only repair.... Makes ALL the difference with high-touch throttle response.
2) Replaced the timing chain and rails. My 500E has 107K miles. The timing chain was in excellent condition BUT the rails were very worn... One was sitting at the bottom of the timing chain cover!!
3) Replaced the vacuum hoses and other rubber parts under the valve convers. The rubber was as frail as glass.
4) Replaced the wiring harness under the valve cover. No problems but the wiring cover was cracking off in places.
5) Replaced another wiring harness that connects with the alternator. I did this with my ole-time mechanic in Houston. IT was really in bad condition.

This whole adventure started out with a flat tire. I had a massive blowout that ruined one of my rims. I was able to get to the side road in about 100 yards. I was going out-of-town and I had been wanting to do the 105K service so I left it at the dealer. After a bunch of "here and there" and close to 9 weeks, I was left with a bad shaking in the car at 60/65.... Clearly a balancing problem.

Once this was resolved, I'm happy to report that all-is-well in 500E land. The car has NEVER driven better than it does today... I've had the car for about 2 years and I know that I am NOW gaining the full experience of the power, elegance, and smoothness of what the 500E offers. I'm ready for the next 100K miles!!

__________________
Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)

Mark:

Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences maintaining one of Mercedes-Benz's super sedans. This info will be very valuable to others in the future when they do a search of the post archives.

Keep us informed!!

__________________
Dean Albrecht
"Lead, follow, or better yet, get out of the way!"E500 owners motto

Mark,

I have a quick question, what kind of behaviour did the car exibit before and after replacing the Throttle Body?

Thanks

Roas;

1) Occasionally, when starting the car cold and putting into gear, it would want to stall or attempt to stall.
2) Occasionally, when the car was hot, it would stall immediately (maybe once every 3 months).
3) The acceleration was not nearly as smooth and exact as it is today.
4) Finally, there were error codes that were diagnosed to be from the throttle whenever the computer would loose communication with the TBA.

Hope this helps.

__________________
Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)

I have not had trouble with any of these areas, thank goodness.

I ask because I have a code that points to my Throttle Body Actuator, but have no noticable issues other than a ASR light on.

Everything appears to function as it should. I believe Michael had a problem similar to mine last year?

Hows the weather in Austin? Its been awhile since I have been back there.

It's been kinda wet but tonight was cool and dry. Yesterday we bought a '79 450SL. WE officially took off the top and went for a nice drive along Lake Travis' windy roads. I think I'm really gonna' enjoy this new adventure!
You're in Seattle, Ross?

__________________
Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)

South Tacoma (Lakewood), an hour south of Seattle.

I thought I would ask because originally I am from Austin but haven't lived there for 7 years. Austin will always be "Home" for me though, hopefully I will be there this summer to visit family.


Congratulations on the new Mercedes, you can't loose with the SL's. They are high on my wife's list also, maybe this time next year we can add one to the stable.

I know the Hill Country is full of them, but what's your favorite drive? Out to Fredrickburg?

Ross

We have not made the Fredrickburg trip yet... Last Sunday started but stopped at Perdenales Falls and that was that!! I like the Volente drive along Lime Creek Road and since we live in Steiner Ranch, I like going down Quinlin Pass to Lake Austin. There's a few 500E owners here in AUstin so maybe we can all get together this Summer.

__________________
Mark Herzig
1995 E300D 153K
1985 300D 142K (sold)
1979 450SL 122 miles (sold)
1992 500E 127K (sold)
1987 300SDL 132K (sold)
1986 300E 161K (sold)

A drive in The Hill Country would be very nice.

Getting away from the rain and cloudiness would definetly be NICE!