500E 60K Service

[Fangio]

Hello All,

My 1992 500E has 55K miles, and I'm wondering if I should do the 60K service now or wait til I hit the actual mileage. In other words, is this a mileage-critical service or a time-critical service? Theoretically, this car should have hit 60K in around 4-5 years, and here it is 11 years later and I'm still probably a year away from hitting 60K. Is there something I should do now (plugs, plug wires, rotor caps, etc) and other items I could wait on doing? Your collective thoughts?

Also, what does the factory-recommended 60K service encompass? There isn't a description in the back of the owner's manual as I've seen in other cars I've owned. The service writer at the dealership didn't know off the top of his head, and I'd like to do the things that need doing, not just the "nice to do" like lubing door hinges, etc.

Suggestions?

Thanks,
Kirk
1992 500E
55,037 miles
Pearl black/gray

[seacoast_benz]

Kirk, do you have the 500E factory service handbook? It is separate from the owner's manual, and lists all procedures, and has detachable coupons to show what was done. It ought to be in the zippered black leather manual case.

I've got a sixty-K coming up myself and I'll post what the book recommends. I believe there's a transmission service and a cooling system flush and a couple of smaller items; it's certainly more than just an oil change and a wash.

s/b

[400E]

Another source of info is the MB "Maintenance Manual." It provides detailed information on routine service procedures. Call 1-800-FOR MERC if you want to get one.

The next question is whether the dealer actually does whats listed on the service menu! :-)
My E320T just had a 60K service done. Only 4 days later, I found that the self-leveling hydrolic oil level had fallen to almost nothing!!!
Wonder how the dealer missed that.... :-)
My E500 is coming up to 57.5K service - just an oil change. I shall be waiting until 60K before further enriching the dealer.
Oh, in addition, the dealer charged me $37 for a $21 (MB list) air cleaner as well as nearly $5 per quart of crappo Quaker State engine oil. Essentially, the dealer overcharged me for all parts (matrixing in MB speak) for incomplete work.
Needless to say I am a wee bit annoyed...
Finally, if your car has been properly maintained, I would recommend against bringing forward the 60K maintainance. Firstly, unless the vehicle's recent operating conditions warrant additional service such as transmission filter/ oil etc., time value of money principle suggests keep the $500 in your bank account. Secondly, unless you are a stickler for theoretical engineering excellence, ie you stay up all night pondering the relative lubrication characteristics of engine oil beyond Mobil 1 and Redline are good, your vehicle really does not need anything more than timely and comprehensive maintainance.
Finally, if you bring forward the 60K service, you'll need to bring forward every other service. Otherwise you'll have a greater period than is factory recommended between at least two services (assuming that you perform one of them at the right mileage).
Just my 2.49 pennies...