PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - First Winter with MB Diesels (I am in NC)

F18 · #2 08-31-2006, 09:45 PM

Did you just move to NC? Or did you just get the two MBs this summer?
If you have owned and maintained or know that they were maintained well by the previous owner you should not have any problem with the winter drivability of the vehicles unless the engine compression has dropped or the Injection pump pressure is below spec and marginal. In both cases it would cause very difficult cold weather starts (ie. 20deg. F or below).

If they have block heaters check the condition of the plug and cord....you can also check the cords continuity with a ohm meter. Some vehicles sold in warmer states like Florida never had the dealer installed block heaters...but you can have one retrofitted. Make it a habit of plugging the cars in at night if the temps drops to 20 deg or less. It will save you alot of grief in the morning...believe me!

Just good maintenance, ie. a fuel and air filter change can help. On my old MB's cold starts did benefit from dropping the oil viscosity to a quality 10W30
when temps approached 0 deg. F . Otherwise 15W40 was good all year around.

The regional fuel distributor will take care of winterizing the fuel based on winter temps in your part of the country so you don't have to worry about that.

In snow...4 snow tires will make you "king of the road"...without them they will handle like a tobogan.