The car runs great, 140k miles on it, I have had it for 2 years and only done oil changes (often). I need brakes as the wear indicator is telling me, so I am taking it in for service. I am looking for suggestions for what to check or change at this service. I assume that all maintenance has been done up till now as the service book is up to date, stamped and signed by an indy garage.

Also, is it important to use MB fluids such as brake and coolant? My garage are diesel guys but not necessarily MB guys.

I am thinking

Brake pads, change brake fluid and check bearings
change coolant and hoses
new belts
lube
Check valve clearance, but I might leave that for someone with MB experience.

Thanks

Peter

I wouldn't worry about changing the break fluid unless you have evidence that there is water in the fluid.

I would check the coolant hoses. If they aren't worn out I wouldn't worry about that either, but a coolant change is a good idea.

Valve clearences should be checked about once a year, and is a pretty easy job. It sounds tough but it really is pretty easy. And can make quite I difference in performance if they haven't been adjusted in a long time.

__________________

Changing the brake fluid probably isn't a bad idea since you don't know if it was ever done before. Moisture will actually mix with brake fluid and corrode your metal brake parts without you even knowing it happed until you have a stuck caliper.

__________________
DJ


84 300D Turbodiesel 190K with 4 speed manual sold in 03/2012

Do you know the last time the transmission fluid/filter was changed?

Brake fluid is something that should be changed every 1-2 years.

Is it no longer posible to take it to the same place that has been doing the work up till now who took the time to fill out a maintenace record? That would be the best option I would think. Someones doing it right and that is rare!