I've been turning wrenches for awhile now and have been helping folks with maintenance and repair of their MB vehicles. Up till now I have not worked on a MB newer than 1995. One of the guys that I help from time to time recommended me to a friend of his with a 2000 S430 and the friend called last night inquiring about helping him out. He said that he thought it needed a "tune up" and something about the suspension. Unless the suspension is something really different I feel like I can handle whatever comes my way with it but what is this about a "tune up". I'm thinking just get the service guide for the car and pretty much stick with it based on the mileage. On the other hand I am considering turning the work down because I'm not too sure I want to mess with something that new. Do you need special code reading devices to get the read out on these cars or can it be done through the radio indications? Thoughts/comments are appreciated.

__________________
Jim

tune up is basically the same minus a cap and rotor. The wires don't typically get replaced (although some might break depending on the vehicle)- they are about $50 each and with 16 on a V8 that can be costly. 16 spark plugs, fuel and engine air filters ought to do it.

The 220's have airmatic suspension. Look at the tops of the front shocks. If they are still sealed with that epoxy, chances are they're going to leak if they aren't already (look for cracks in the epoxy). MB sells reseal kits, but they are over $100 per side and there is a MB tool to help get the old part out. I may be able to help you out on making your own if the car needs it.

I wouldn't turn the car away. You shouldn't be over your head with it.

__________________


1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Thanks John.
I have just gone through resolving some electrical/runnability issues with a 1994 S320 W140. I don't want to sound big headed but I feel if I can resolve electrical issues on it I think I can tackle just about anything. The W140 is alot of trouble if you ask me. Give me a 123/126 to work on anyday.

__________________
Jim

I have crossed the line. I have a "customer" with a pristine '83 300D which has been in the family since new and I do the service on. His wife drives a 2000 S430 with 113k miles on it. A few weeks ago he asked if I would be interested in doing the service on the car and I said to let me put it on the lift to nose around it some. After reviewing the layout I told him I would give it a try. Well, I did a major service today and to tell ya'll the truth it was not that hard at all. Everything was well laid out and straight forward. Thankfully I did not have to get involved in the computer stuff and compared to a w123 parts are expensive in my opinion. Tranny fluid $11/quart - what's up with that?

While road testing the car to insure the tranny fluid level was correct I actually came to kinda like the way the car drove/rode. Very impressive ride and it will haul butt. I'm not real sure I like all the nav doo dads though. Never did figure out how to just get an odometer reading on the panel.

__________________
Jim

lol, welcome to the dark side

__________________


1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350