thanks all for the replies. i think i will go to the Benz dealer tomorrow and pick up the proper fluids. it sounds like the MB stuff is the same price as the off the shelf brand, i mind as well go with the MB product.

so i am going to change the:
1. oil & filter
2. Antifreeze
3. ATF & filter
4. rear diff

is there anything else i should change not knowing how long it has been since it has been changed? i am a big advocate of regular fluid change, it is the life blood of a vehicle.

is there any tips or tricks i should be aware of, or is this straight forward. i have a mechanical background, but it is a lot with import cars (Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi). i never owned a European car before, so i just want to be absolutely sure about things, before i start wrenching on this vehicle.

the car is 1996, with 149K. i have a mechanic that i will take the car to. the colonel i work for has a Benz, and there is a Benz shop off base that he takes his car to. i will have him introduce me to him this week, so i can build a report with him.

Aaron