Hello all,

I'm new to this forum, so thanks in advance for your patience.

I come from the world of VW's and am quite new to Mercedes-Benz maintenence.

My mother drives a 2002 CLK320. All she needs right now is new brakes, fresh oil and filters all around. Been there, done that... Not a big deal. I'd just like to get a couple things straight so I have everything I need before I get started as to not leave Mom stranded and without a car for a couple days.

Things to know: She is the original owner. About 48k miles on the clock. Up until now, the car has been dealer-maintained. However, for this service they are asking a bit too much money for something I can do for her for less than half the price.

First up are the brakes. I'm ordering new OEM pads all around. On my cars in the past I've always just replaced the rotors too as they were cheap enough. However, since these parts are a bit more expensive than my VW parts, I'd like to consider having the rotors re-cut. Is this not a good idea on these cars? Or will I be fine?

Also, through reading up on this site a bit, I learned I will also need the new pad wear sensors. Anything else aside from pads, rotors, and the sensors?

Laslty, the oil change. Again, through reading a bit on this site I've noticed that an oil sump pump is used on these cars through the dipstick hole. Can I not drive up onto some ramps and pull the drain plug like every other car I've ever worked on??? I'm trying not to have to purchase the pump if its not necessary.

Also, the oil filter. Can I get away with my generic tools, or is it necessary to buy the filter housing tool as well?

Many many thanks!

Since you can do your mom's car anytime, why just change the brakes for the heck of it? Have you measured them to see if they are strill in spec? Rotors should not be turned. There generally isn't enough meat on them to make it worthwhile. New ones are reasonably cheap. I would think the rears should still be plenty good. Use a good OE filter like Mann, Hengst or Knecht/Mahle.

Len

Thanks for the reply. I can't necessarily do my mom's brakes any time. I realize how i must sound, but i'm 24 and work full time and have a life of my own. Also, I'll be moving across the country in 2 months and if i don't do it before I move I won't be able to do it at all. However, i can say that her brakes are in need of replacement. The pads are wearing thin. Who said I wanted to do the brakes for the heck of it???

Thanks for the recommendation on the filter. I priced out a Mann filter and thats what will be ordered.

Anyone have input on my question regarding draining the motor oil? Thanks again!

AFAIK you can drain the oil from that car by pulling the drain plug, although I wouldn't suggest using the ramps. Keep the car on a flat surface to ensure it all drains out.

You asked about the oil filter cap removal tool. I would definitely recommend getting it. I bought mine from the dealer for $28 (Canadian) but I can see them all over eBay for much less. The cap is made of plastic, and I've heard it can be prone to breaking. You don't want to be changing the oil on a Sunday morning, have the cap break, and not be able to drive the car until you can get a replacement from the dealer.

Thank you very much. Thats what I wanted to hear. As for draining the oil, I'll be sure to put it up on 4 jack stands instead of using ramps. I'll order the oil filter tool along with the brakes.




Now that thats cleared up; Does anyone else have any more input/experience regarding resurfacing the existing rotors? Thanks again!

Oil:
If your Mom is going to follow the FSS schedule for oil changes, that is change the oil when her display indicates it is time, then only use oils recommended in the owners manual. Around here, Mobil1 0-40 is a popular choice. Only use the fleece oil filter which is designed for the long change intervals of the FSS system. I don't use ramps. My drain plug is on the right side of the pan so I just jack up the left side of the car. I suggest examining the drain plug position and decide what will work for you. Buy the filter cap tool.

Brakes: Replace rotors, pads, and sensors.

Other: Replace the air filter. Check the owners manual and copies of the service records. The car may be due for a coolant change, brake fluid change, fuel filter... (Only use MB coolant or Zerex G-05 if you do the coolant)

If you can, buy the parts you need from Phil at the "Buy Parts" tab. They sponsor this forum, we buy their parts, everybody happy.

__________________
2012 E350 Bluetech

Thanks for all the help and info guys! Much appreciated!

if you're not ordering the brake parts and the filter from the MercedesShop sponsor of this site. Give Phil a call. He can probably come up with the filter tool too. Also, get some anti-squeal past to put on the edges and back of the brake pads. You may need three wear sensors - two for the front and one for the back.

I wasn't aware the rear needed a wear sensor as well... I have to ask: Why only one sensor? Do I not need two?

I guess if the ECU takes a reading from one sensor it assumes the other rear pad has the same amount of wear?

And thanks for the anti-squeal paste tip. When you say "the edges and back of the brake pads", do you mean around the perimiter of the pad surface? The leading and/or trailing edge(s)??

I'm ordering parts today. So far here's what I'm ordering...

New Genuine rotors F&R
New Genuine pads F&R
3(???) pad wear sensors
Anti-Squeal Paste
Mann Air Filter
Fleece Oil Filter Kit

The oil filter tool is questionable.... I looked at the pics of the tools on this site and they look very similar to a couple filter tools I already have. Maybe I looked at the wrong tool??? Anyone know the correct part # for the tool I need for this 3.2l ?

Thanks!