Howdy, forum members,

I've been lurking for a while, learning great things about the outgoing car, the '86 420SEL I bought in 1999. Unfortunately it's been sideswiped in an accident, and the insurance co. has decided to total the car (see my thread in Open Discussion if you're interested).

I've made a deal to buy a gold/cream '97 C230, 58K miles. Even without the Kompressor, it drives quickly, with a little help from the 5-speed autobox; the A/C blows cold; no overheating. The Carfax and Mercedes warranty work records indicate that the car is no lemon and has been serviced regularly, including brake fluid flushes. The PPI from my regular mechanic indicated that it needs:

1) Rear axle seals -- leaking

2) Rear brake pads and possibly rotors

3) Right rear tire down to its wear indicators

4) Front shocks starting to leak and steering stabilizer (damper?) needs replacement

I'll buy the tire this weekend, and have him take care of Items 1 and 2 this month. Now I can't do a lot of DIY, as I have no garage or driveway, and no real place to store a lot of tools and equipment. I change oil and a few other things. Searches have told me how to replace the cabin filter, but no specifics on the air filter. Is it inside that intake tube at the left front of the engine compartment (left as you stand looking toward the rear of the car)? If so, how does it unfasten?

TIA, and looking forward to finding out as much about this car as I did about the incumbent!

-- Paul W. (the Benzadmiral)

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-- Paul W. (The Benzadmiral)
('03 Buick Park Avenue, charcoal/cream)
Formerly:
'97 C230, smoke silver/parchment; '86 420SEL, anthracite/light grey; '84 280CE (W123), dark blue/palomino