maintenance question.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

emmydotnet · #1 02-03-2003, 11:21 AM

I have always wondered what maintenance regimen would be reasonable for older cars with higher milage in order to keep it in good condition and at the same time keep cost to a minimum. I have a 91 560SEL with 145,000 miles on it. I have owned it for more than 3 years and it is running good. I change my oil (DIY) regularly, and visits my mechanic at least once a year for maintenance. Within the 3 year span I have replaced the radiator, and water pump. any inputs would be great.

Kestas · #2 02-03-2003, 12:46 PM

I've often maintained the cars in our family beyond 150,000 miles. Here are a few points that may help:

1. DO NOT neglect your car.
2. Follow routine maintenance without fail.
3. Make repairs as soon as faults are discovered.
4. Try to head off any repairs before they become a problem (leaks, belts, hoses, exhaust, etc.)
5. Make each repair as though you'll keep the car forever.

There's not much else you could do. A lot of it is simply luck of the draw.

Living in the snow belt I've gotten into the habit of rustproofing any car that sees salt. Though they say cars are much more rust resistant than in the past, old habits die hard and I keep on rustproofing my winter cars.

Once your car loses its appeal to you, all bets are off and you should get rid of it and buy a car you'll be proud of.

haasman · #3 02-03-2003, 01:06 PM

I have changed all the power steering pump filters recently. It makes a big difference in how the steering feels and definitely helps with the pumps longevity.

My 2 cents.

Haasman

sunil190e-1.8 · #4 02-03-2003, 02:21 PM

how does one change the power steering oil filter?

where is it located and what tools are needed?

it is a 190e-1.8 litre.

haasman · #5 02-03-2003, 02:51 PM

You open up the power steering reservoir, inside, center is a post that has, I believe a 10mm nut. You undo that nut and will allow you to extract the filter.

The filters are often neglected and car actually make a difference how it works.

This would also be a good time to replace you PS fluid. Now .... should you use PS fluid or ATF? Well now .... there are several threads on this site about this. Some say simple ATF is fine, others say ONLY PS fluid.

I use PS fluid, MBZ's when I can.

Mike Richards · #6 02-03-2003, 08:18 PM

Before changing the P/S fluid, make sure you have a DEEP SOCKET 10mm; not the regular size. You'll then be able to remove a nut, followed by a spring and then the filter. A pair of needle nose pliers comes in handy for removing the filter. A turkey baster is great for siphoning out the old fluid.

There's also a gasket that goes around the inside of the top cover. In my case, the one that fits is made of rubber - all others are too big and to date, the dealer is the only place I've ever been able to find the correct gasket.

haasman · #7 02-03-2003, 09:32 PM

Good points ... especially the 10mm DEEP SOCKET

Haasman

suginami · #8 02-03-2003, 11:02 PM

I always tell people to not neglect two maintenance items that are frequently overlooked because they are the only two items that occur in time intervals instead of mileage intervals. Because of this, they aren't included in any of the scheduled maintenance services, i.e., 15k service, 30k service, etc.:

1. brake fluid - Mercedes requires replacement every 2 years.

2. radiator coolant - Mercedes requires replacement every 3 years.