Hi All,

I have a few q's about an E320 year 2000 I just got. The car has 87k and runs great.

1. What kind of oil do you guys recommend?

2. Is there any maintenance that I should check into to keep it running tip top?

3. Any known problems with these models that I should be aware of?

4. Lastly, there is no CD changer, but it looks as if I can easly buy one and install it. Is this someting that is hard to install? There should be a connector in the trunk already, correct?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome aboard! These are good cars.
Motor oil that complies with Mercedes specs. If you're in the states the one that is easiest and most affordable is Mobil1 0W40. Most chain auto parts stores carry it, if you have Advance Auto watch their ads they sometimes do a good deal. Some Wal-Marts carry it too. The other viscosities of Mobil1 do NOT meet MB spec so don't be fooled.

If you don't know that the AT has been serviced, definitely do that ASAP. Change the adapter/connector/spacer on the front of it at the same time. Cheap part, known to leak and if bad enough can ruin the TCM...a pricey result. Absent records, also change the brake fluid and coolant. Otherwise if it's running okay, drive and enjoy, at 100K there is a good laundry list.
Plenty. There is a list of common issues posted by Gregs210 over at both www.Benzworld.org and www.BenzObsession.com that you can reference.

Most folks I know have had spotty luck with the CD changers and their connectors. If not originally equipped I think you also have to have it programmed through SDS. Unless you're married to the head unit there are some really aftermarket decks that can work with the steering wheel controls, then you have MP3 capability, etc. And if you're not worried about the steering wheel controls there are plenty of choices, including decks with 7" articulating screens that include bluetooth, GPS, DVD, etc.
You're welcome; hope at least some of that was useful.

Here's the common issues link at BO:
http://benzobsession.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=3438

Wow thanks all good info. I am going to look into the ATF service etc. I'm sure that has to be done by Mercedes, or do you think I can tackle that myself?? I am a bit of a mechanic but don't like to mess with stuff that is best done by the Benz expert.

It has some slight front end suspension noise at the front right wheel. I'm taking that in tomorrow to have it looked at.

Other than that, it seems to run smooth as can be. Really awesome car. I'm pretty used to the older Benz electrical problems, however so far so good on this 2000 model.

It is my guess that someone really took care of it.

I'll post some follow up soon.

Thanks!

I wouldn't make that assumption about the transmission. The 5 speed was originally marketed as "maintenance free" and sealed for life. Of course that life is shortened if you actually leave it alone.

There is a lot of good information in a thread at BW about changing it yourself: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1334827-photo-diy-722-6x-transmission-fluid.html You will need a dipstick tool but so long as you can keep things clean it's not an insurmountable challenge. Be sure to use the proper fluid, too, it's not just off-the-shelf stuff. There's also a way to flush the rest of it after you drain and fill using the cooling lines.

Check out the front end yourself; the sway bar end links and bushings are known for wearing out and clinking/rattling; they're easy and cheap to change yourself.

This FAQ about your transmission is useful reading, it's by a guy named loubapache at BW: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210-e-class/1463460-mercedes-benz-722-6-transmission-faq.html#post3647154

Fastlane has the Redline D6 fluid that meets MB specs for about $43 a gallon. You'd need one if you'd just drain it and refill, three if you plan on flushing after refilling. (OEM MB branded fluid is about $15/L at the dealer ... or more.) Shell 134 is about half the cost of Redline, google to find a good price on it (around $5-6/USQ).

Probably a whole lot more info than you were looking for but what the hey.

Once again great info and thanks. No info is ever too much!

So, update on the suspension:

I took my MB to a local suspension shop, they put it on a lift and said that all bushings and components look great and they can't figure out where the noise is coming from. I was shocked because I am one that hates suspension noises and figured it must be a bad bushing or something of that sort.

Should I value their diagnosis of nothing being wrong? I am going to assume no, and check the car out myself once I get it to my buddy's house that has ramps jacks etc.

The noise occurs over multiple smaller bumps. It sounds like something is loose or rattling. It doesn't sound like a lose exhaust though, but you never know.

The car rides excellent aside from the noise in the front right.

Are there other noise issues that this may be that the local suspension "experts" failed to see?

Thanks again.

I'll post updates as I find out what it is. Might be useful for anyone else with similar issues.

I probably answered your front-end question in the other post. From your more-detailed description here, I'd bet it's the end links.

That said, the bushings are cheap and easy to replace, moreso with the links removed, so bang 'em out together.

Really, would you not hate yourself if you did the end links and drove off, rattle-free...and then hit some bumps and heard the lower-frequency clunk from the bushings?

Just make sure it isn't a wheel bearing, have seen those "weld" themselves before on a 210, although it's always been a diesel or V8.

I am in the "leave the transmission alone" camp. Either you have a good one or you don't, and changing the fluid doesn't help this fact. Know of one car personally (210 with a 722.6) that went 350,000 w/o a change and then I lost track of it (car was sold by original owner, who did travelling sales type work and racked up over 100,00 a year).
If it's NOT leaking or causing any problems, save your money!
Gilly

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Thanks Gilly. I'm in the same boat as the transmission shifts great now. Should I start to experience anything irregular I will investigate the suggested maintenance.

No problem. I know it's an unpopular position. The way they are built, it's almost like a "destiny" as far as how long it will last. Some will last a long long time, others won't, it's all in the original tolerances when it's built. If the thing starts scraping metal or lunching the plates, it really won't matter much if the fluid is changed or not, it'll continue to wear down the plates or produce metal until the transmission develops problems. The fluid is very good, expensive stuff and as long as the transmission is wearing "normally" there won't be a problem.
Gilly

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Link to another post I wrote here a long tme ago, from a document form a handout we were given in a Mercedes (factory) training class on the 722.6, it is unusual in how informally it was written:
1999 S500 with 722.6 Automatic Transmission Filled for life?

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Thanks, again. I'm having some trouble finding the 5w-40 motor oil. Do you guys feel that 10w-30 synthetic will due just fine? I read that the only reason 5w-40 is recommended is because of winers. I do live in Pennsylvania and it does get cold here.

Any suggestions would be helpful. My guess is 10-30 will work just fine if I can't find the 5-40

Assuming you are talking about Mobil1, the other viscosities do not meet MB spec. What is wrong with 0W40? That is affordable and readily available and works whether you're in a Canadian winter or an Arizona summer.

The only place I know to get M1 5W40 is at the stealer, and it will be very, very expensive there.

It's 0W-40

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