Gilly...

I’m a fairly new/infrequent member, but I have followed this thread, and I must say it has been very helpful. However, I do have additional questions before I get a service:

1. I purchased my 1999 ML430 in March of 2003 with approx 49K miles on it. After driving the 'truck' (my wife requires I use this terminology ;-) ) East from Columbia MS, I did bring it to the dealer for some minor repairs that were covered under the sales agreement. (An aside – purchased from BelivaMG… a great eBay/private dealer from whom I would purchase again.) In any event, I’m not sure if the MB dealer did an A or B service (or none at all). Is there a database that is consumer-accessible whereby I could enter VIN and see what service was done?

2. Given that the truck now has 57K on it, I guess I’m ready for a service. I am boycotting the MB dealers in area, since they are not really worth a one-point star, much less all 3. I have found a good MB independent mechanic, who says I need a service. I think I will be performing the large service (B) and replace the following: dust filter, air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs and perform a coolant and brake fluid flush. Is there anything else I should be looking into?

3. On spark plugs… are the Bosch Platinums appropriate for a 1999 ML430?

4. You mentioned this service might be free??? I do have a 3rd party bumper-to-bumper warranty through 3/2008 or 100,000 miles which extends the original factory warranty... Do you think I could I get the service covered?

5. I’m currently using Mobil1 0W-40 and am a firm believer. The concern I have is that it does seem to drink oil… about 1 quart every 500-1000 miles… is that OK?

6. Given that I’m using Mobil1 and that I drive less than 50% highway speeds, is 10,000 miles OK before oil change? Is there a time period that I should also observe (ie 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first?)

7. You mention to check oil while hot. This goes against what I’ve always thought: check cold to be sure oil has filled the pan. What are the advantages to checking the oil hot, “about 20 to 30 minutes after shutdown after a trip in which the engine reaches normal operating temp”?

8. I’ve had difficulty check the oil electronically through dash computer… I know it needs to be warm and flat, but I often get a “---“ reading. I would love to be able to use/trust this feature, since I have a front guard that makes it less convenient to lift hood… any recommendations?

Thank you for this great website… eric