I was just wondering what is to be expected in a 75K mile service for a 94 E320? I have the owners manual at home but I was just wondering if the list can add some wisdom Anything "special" to look out for?

We'll be driving to Cleveland for a stay from 5/9 through 5/18 to visit family and friends and I'd like to do the service before we leave. Just curious, if I go through a shop what can I expect to pay for a 75K service? Although, depending on time constraints I'll probably end up doing it myself. I like to wrench

Check the wiring harness if it has not been replaced. This can leave you with a poor (or non) running car.

Other than that, the book is pretty good.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

I always to tell people to check two maintenance items that occur in time intervals instead of mileage intervals. It is because of the time intervals that these two items don't appear on any of the regularly scheduled maintenance intervals and often get overlooked.

Brake fluid - replace every 2 years.

Radiator fluid - replace every 3 years.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Suginami is right. I can't stress changing the tranmission fluid on your car enough. I've got a '94 W124 too and the Transmission maintenance was cheap. Maybe differential fluid too? Peace of mind.

Thanks folks. The radiator, diff, brake and trans fluids sound like a good idea. Makes for a good baseline anyway

Any special "Mercedes only" fluids (besides oil)that anyone recommends.

diff fluid......weight/type/brand?
trans fluid....weight/type/brand?
brake fluid....weight/type/brand?
radiaitor fluid...weight/type/brand?

I use non synthetic oils in my Miata's and just change often. I am not a huge fan of synthetics because I change the fluids often. Usually at shorter intervals than recommended.

Synthetics really do offer advantages, I wouldn't avoid them like that. Just don't change them as often or you're wasting money. Anyway don't forget about the power steering fluid & filter (yes, there's a filter in there).


diff fluid...... Mobil-1, Amsoil, or Red Line
trans fluid.... Mobil-1 ATF
brake fluid.... Valvoline SynPower (best bang for the buck) or ATE Super blue (even better, costs more though)
radiator fluid... Mercedes anti-freeze ONLY!
power steering... MB fluid, Mobil-1 ATF, or Valvoline SynPower (I used Valvoline)

I find that the tranny fluid & filter needs replacing by 25-30kmi, and I can usually feel a difference by 20-25kmi, and the improvement is very obvious when I do change it (that's with dino ATF, not synthetic - haven't reached the next change interval yet to switch to M1! Another 4kmi... )


Regards,

__________________
Dave
Boise, ID
Check out my website photos, documents, and movies!

Dave

Good advice except in my opinion regarding using ATF in the power steering. The only time Mercedes power steering units have leaked on me was when using ATF.

Additionally, totally flushing and replacing the PS fluid is recommended.

Haasman

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'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

Haasman,

Interesting about ATF in the p/s! I know quite a few people who used Mobil-1 ATF and had no problems. You are correct though, better to use stuff designed for p/s systems. The MB fluid is pricey, near $10/qt I believe. The Valvoline is under $4/qt and so far is working fine in my cars. And I agree, the p/s should be flushed periodically... I just did this for the first time since I bought my '84, and WOW was there some nasty stuff in there! I wonder if it had ever been changed in 220kmi...!

__________________
Dave
Boise, ID
Check out my website photos, documents, and movies!

I would definitely use Mercedes Benz original anti-freeze only!

It is a light yellow color, and is unique in that it has a neutral Ph. If you put some in your fingers and rub them together, you can also tell that it has a very lubricitous quality to it. It almost feels like motor oil in this regard. I'm told Mercedes makes it this way to keep the water pump and hoses in good shape.

As an anecdotal aside, I used regular green anti-freeze in my car once, and within a several month period, my water pump failed, and three different radiator hoses / heater hoses sprung leaks.

I learned my lesson.

__________________
Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".