C230 front brakes - tech quest

Hi:
I'm new to the group > as I've recently purchased a 97 C230 as my first Benz..

I also have a 80 Porsche 911SC [hope you don't hold that against me] as well as a 73 BMW 2002Tii >> seems like I'm partial to German engineering..

Have to replace the font brake pads >> is the tech article listed on this site applicable for the C230?? I've done the brakes on my 911 as well as the Tii >> so don't anticipate any major problems..

One thing I did notice as I scanned through the tech articles >> oil changes on a Benz >>> you suck the oil out as opposed from draining the oil out of the oil pan?? does this apply to the C230?? >> if so >> looks like I need a new oil-sucker apparatus...

Correct oil type for a C230??? synthetic or regular // I typically use Castrol 20-50 in sumer and 10-40 winter in Northern VA.. I don't know what type of oil the previous owner used..

Coolant: Mercedes coolant ?? or can you use Prestone?

Brake fluid >> understand it's DOT-4

Tech Manuals?? where can I get a shop manual?? I've searched the web and can not find either a Bentleys, Hatnes, Clymers, Chiltons >> seems like no one prints a tech amnual for the C230 >> HELP!!!!

Appreciate any assistance... I've enjoyed working on my 911 and Tii.. and hope to enjoy working on the Benz

thanks
kim langley

[blackmercedes]

Originally Posted by kim Langley

Hi:
I also have a 80 Porsche 911SC [hope you don't hold that against me] as well as a 73 BMW 2002Tii >> seems like I'm partial to German engineering..

We won't! Many of us are also Porsche and BMW owners, current and formerly.

Originally Posted by kim Langley

Have to replace the font brake pads >> is the tech article listed on this site applicable for the C230??

It's a little different, but not much. There is an excellent thread somewhere with the specifics for a W202 C-Class, try doing a search, but it's not tough at all. Don't turn the discs, as MB units are cheap and should be replaced.

Originally Posted by kim Langley

One thing I did notice as I scanned through the tech articles >> oil changes on a Benz >>> you suck the oil out as opposed from draining the oil out of the oil pan?? does this apply to the C230?? >> if so >> looks like I need a new oil-sucker apparatus...

Correct oil type for a C230??? synthetic or regular // I typically use Castrol 20-50 in sumer and 10-40 winter in Northern VA.. I don't know what type of oil the previous owner used..

You can drop the bottom panel and change the oil normally, but many of us use topsider or LiquiVac devices since the oil filter is on top of the engine. I was a skeptic, but used my LiquiVac and then dropped the drain bolt and nothing came out, so I am a convert. Use synthetic oil in the M111 engine and you'll get excellent results. No matter how you change it, change it often and your engine will outlast the rest of the car. Not kidding.

Originally Posted by kim Langley

Coolant: Mercedes coolant ?? or can you use Prestone?

If you use Prestone, we'll find a member close to you and steal your car! MB cooling systems need MB coolant for long life. It's a specialized coolant that is excellent with alloy parts (like the cylinder head) and plastic parts (like the rad). Change it every 2-3 years. I am on "old diehard" that changes the coolant and brake fluid every other spring.

Originally Posted by kim Langley

Brake fluid >> understand it's DOT-4

Yup.

You also have the 722.6 five speed transmission, and should search the archives on that as well. The build years of 97-99 have their problems and you should be aware of them. You might want to see if any updates have been performed on your car. The fluid is "fill for life" but this is a big issue with MB nuts. Some swear by changing it at 60-100K-mile intervals, others swear by never changing it.

[mpolli]

Originally Posted by kim Langley

Tech Manuals?? where can I get a shop manual?? I've searched the web and can not find either a Bentleys, Hatnes, Clymers, Chiltons >> seems like no one prints a tech amnual for the C230 >> HELP!!!!

Haynes has this book:

ISBN 1 85960 511 7
Book No 3511
Title Mercedes-Benz C-Class Petrol and Diesel (93 - Aug 00) L to W

However they keep it a secret. I have ordered it online from the Haynes UK site (but after 2 weeks it still has not arrived) You can also get it from their TN location. After being told by them that it didn't exist, when I pressed them and provided the book # they then said "The UK manual that you are requesting is available in the US only at our Tennessee plant at 1-800-242-4637 or 1-615-793-5414." It is a British edition so I imagine there could be some differences, but I am told it is pretty good. However I am told it does not include info on the 6 cylinder engine!!! FYI.

Mike

[manny]

You can buy the manual right here: http://www.books4cars.com/result1.asp?imageField.x=118&imageField.y=55&findmake=Mercedes&offset=200
It is the 7 th one down the page. Had mine within 3 days of ordering.
Here is also a list of M-B approved oils for you car:
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html

[vin544]

I have a copy of the haynes manual as mike has stipulated. Its contains an adequate amount of information. It does not cover the 6 cylinder.

Vincent

[mpolli]

I just received my Haynes manual finally last night. I found a few details you might want to know if purchasing it:

It specifies the wrong oil, coolant and ATF fluids. Since the car shown is right hand drive, many things are described "reversed". The wiring diagrams are very poor, just a random smattering of diagrams that would probably be useless to almost everyone. The car shown had roll up windows so no info on fixing electric windows.

Having said that, it does have a lot of useful information and I am really glad to have it! The Haynes people sent along a catalog and they have some wierd Haynes manuals over there in England, including one (I am not making this up) on Sex.

Mike

[Ethan]

use Mobil1 OW 40, or at least check it out. I use the mercedes filter wrench to remove filter cover. I think both drain plug and filter cap are tightened to 18 ft. lbs.

front brakes are easy, as I recall OEM pads come with new caliper bolts.

And new brake wear sensors are a dollar-fifty each

some say that Mercedes brake pad paste is the only paste to use on the back of the pads to prevent squeal.

Rotors on Benz don't get turned but replaced.

brake pistons get pushed with a c-clamp as opposes to being twisted in.

have the little lug hole centering tool that should be in the tool kit to replace wheel.

also I cannot remember if it was the front or rear brakes but the tool kit wrench was just the right thickness for working on the caliper bolt - just he right thickness