96 C280 - 124k: I recently got this car and I have a couple of quick questions.

1.I would like to put synthethic oil on the engine, transmission and axle. Is that a good move? What weight would you recommend? Any specific brands? By the way, I live in Miami, FL so we have high temperatures on the 80's to 90's.

2.Dashboard lights: it seems one bulb went out on the main dashboard, the one that illuminates half of the speedometer and the gas gauge. What is the best way to disassemble the dashboard? I used to have a 85 190E and I remember that I had to disconnect the speedometer cable in order to remove the dashboard. Is this the same for the above mentioned car?

3.What is the normal working temperature (as indicated on dashboard) under stop and go and on freeway? Remember we have high temps - Miami, FL

4. Anyone knows what is the "Rest" button on the AC console and how it works. Unfortunately I do not have an owner's manual. Do you know where I can get one?

Well won't bug you anymore with questions and in advance thank you for all your help.

Happy Holidays!!!!

R. Pertierra:p

On the engine oil Mobil1 is highly regarded.
On the diff oil, it's 80W90, if you want to find a synthetic, it would be OK, but I don't think it matters.
On the trans, i would only use a name brand MerconIII/Dexron, I wouldn't experimant with synthetics in it, especially at this mileage.
On the dash, there is no speedo cable, it's electronic. You need a pair of cluster pulling rods. I think they sell them here at PartsShop or Fastlane.
In the cooler times in S Florida I would assume you'd run an engine temps in the low 80's (celcius), in the summer you may see 90. Much above that for extended periods and I would suspect either a bad thermostat, plugged/dirty radiator, or an inop aux fan system.
The REST button is pushed after shutting off the car. i think it's mostly intended for cold areas. It runs the heater fan at a low speed to help maintain cabin temp for short periods. It may work for hot climates (using the temp in the evaporator case) but I think it mainly is designed to use the heat in the heater core, as it also circulates coolant through the heater core when in operation. The REST function will time out or shut itself off if the battery voltage gets too low.
I think the best source for the owners manual is direct from MB. Just call the 1 800 FOR MERCedes number and you want to talk
to someone about technical literature.

Gilly

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Being a Canuck, I LOVE the REST feature. In the winter, it circulates the coolant through the heater core, and runs the fan at a low setting. It runs for 30min or shuts off it battery voltage gets low.

In the summer, tilt open the sunroof and set the temp to"LO" and use REST to circulate a little cool air through the car. Not nearly as effective as winter use, but does help a little.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

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