maintaining 97 e420 where is ????
 

Okay, I'm new to this car and I have looked all over for the oil filter and the spark plugs. Where are they exactly? Are they DIY or do I need to take it to a shop? What tools do I need to do these items if its a DIY job? Any other suggestions on what else need to be done or checked so I can get a baseline as far as maintenance or things to look out for? Is there available shop manual or CD available for this model? Thanks!

I know what you mean...
 

I know what you mean... I couldn't even find the battery when I first got my 1997 E420!! (Found the positve connector for the battery but not the battery itself!)

I use alldatadiy, the online service, for all maintenance and repair information on the exact same car. I suggest you subscribe, it will answer pretty much all questions.
Once the cover is removed (not hard) all sparkplugs have their own ignition coil. It's not a hard job but tedious.

Thanks for the insights. I subscribed last night to alldatadiy as suggested. This weekend I'll change the plugs and I'll pay careful attention to the alum heads. As far as the battery, I was lucky enough to watch the dealer pull the rear seat off to seat it correctly.

Thanks all!

Another note on changing plugs
 

Since you have aluminum heads, be sure the engine is cold, like overnight cold, before removing the plugs. It's very easy to strip the threads in the head if done hot.

You should use anti-seize compound on the threads. Get the torque specs and torque the plugs. Too tight and you strip the head.

John

Your car uses a cartridge-type oil filter. The cover for the oil filter cannister is on the passenger side, towards the front of the motor-you wil see that the cover is held in place by a single 13mm bolt (which is probably 8-9" long)

For this vehicle you'll need to remove the air filter housing in order to have adequate clearance to service the oil filter.

to remove the air housing unit, you will have to remove the manifold plastic cover. be careful w/ the 2 nuts in the back, they have some play since it is on rubber mounts, and do not overtighten or else you'll crack the plastic cover.

420 Plugs and Filter
 

Did you ever find them? Didn't see where anyone told you where the plugs were.

The plugs are under the black strips in the middle on the Cam Covers (also called Valve covers). You no doubt need to remove the Air cleaner assembly to get to them.
After that, the black strips can be pried loose with a small screwdriver under the edge of the black plastic trim which covers the plugs and wires.

The filter is in a canister on the left front side of the engine. It should be silver in color with a 13mm bolt in the center.


There are instructions on this site for changing a 95 E420 if not mistaken. They are real close to yours

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/OilFilter1


Mike

I might as well add to the aluminum head paranoia and suggest the use of a torque wrench to install the plugs.

"It's not paranoia if they're REALLY out to get you!"

- Woody Allen

Thanks everyone for the great tips. I did manage to find where the spark plugs were with the help of you guys and the Alldatadiy data. I still haven't changed them as I ran out of time over the weekend. I plan to do it again this weekend after having the engine dead cold as suggested. I will also try the oil change now that I have an idea where the filter is (Alldatadiy was really not a help on this one with its poor illustration). I will check again the DIY section regarding the '95 e420 as it is close to mine as suggested.

I was able to change the rear end gear oil though. To my surprise, the oil was foamy and somewhat tan in color for the first few seconds of draining it. It seems that the oil was contaminated with water...I think! I replaced it with the Swepco brand gear oil, leftover from when my friend changed his 300e. Maybe it's all in my head but I noticed a little quieter rear?

BTW, the Alldatadiy info leaves a lot to be desired as it did not offer the collective tips and insights this forum is so great about.