1998 c230 60k maintenance needs
 

I am putting my car into an independent shop for 60k service. Should I need anything other than the below ? I have no previous service records for the car, it was purchased off-lease @ 29k miles. Requesting:

-radiator flush and fill
-new spark plugs
-fuel filter
-air filter
-fuel injector's cleaned ? (gas additive ?? )
-set idle
-Cabin filter

I have handled brakes/rotors and all oil changes since 29k. Any advice appreciated. Does anyone know what "transmission service" entails ? Is it just swapping the fluid ? What about timing chain or timing belt ? Thanks.

Your maintenance booklet details everything you need to do.

All the maintenance for your car is carried out on mileage, except for two items which you need to keep track of separately!!!!

Brake Fluid - must be changed every 2 years.

Radiator Coolant - must be changed every 3 years.

I can't stress how critical these two are. You don't have many records, so I'd assume they were not done!!!!

The M111 DOHC four cylinder engine uses a double row timing chain that should last a minimum of 250,000 kilometers if you change the oil/filter with regularity. No MB engine uses a timing belt.

You won't need to set the idle on that engine. Computers do most of that kinda stuff for us now. Timing, mixture, idle speed, etc. are all a function of your car's brain.

Changing the trans fluid on the 722.6 five-speed auto is a little more complicated than on conventional trannies. You MUST use the MB synthetic fluid, and when you set the level, the fluid must be at 80C. Your tranny has no dipstick, so if your shop does not have one, they'll have to buy one. This is an important task to do properly, as your electronic tranny is sensitive to fluid level.

Replace the brake fluid, as Paul said. Keeping it clean is important for brake compnent life. As to the coolant, use the MB coolant. It is a neutral ph, and breaks down very slowly compared to most coolants. As your cylinder head is aluminum and the rad is plastic, you need the right stuff for longevity.

You should be changing the cabin dust filter and engine air filter more often than 30K-miles. The cabin dust filter not only keeps clean air flowing to the occupants, but to the AC evaporator as well. You will increase the life of your AC components by changing it at least every 10K-miles. I change the engine air filter at the same time, as keeping it clean is rumoured to extend MAS life, as well as keeping crap out of your intake and engine.

If you have been running a high quality premium gasoline in the car, you probably won't need any additives. The detergent agents in premium gas are 99% of the time more than adequate.

The idle can't be "set", it's electronically controlled.

Gilly