First timer with a few questions;

I just bought a nice 300 TDT with 140k. New tires, brakes and a complete OEM exhaust system.

The maintenance records are being assembled by the previous owner. He leases property to a garage owner and assures me the car has been well serviced.The maintenance book is missing and I've ordered another. Net Star shows the trap recall was done.

I'm a bit of a hack mechanic but enjoy the challenge.

1)What is the best and cheapest shop manual available?
2)What are the first things I should check/change/service?
3) How much do these things require service wise?
4) Why didn't I ask before I bought it?

Jay.

Congrats. I picked up mine in Nov. and like it more and more as times goes by.

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1)What is the best and cheapest shop manual available?
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The best may not be the cheapest. MB manuals are the best but you need quite a few for this car. Chassis (two volumes), engine, electrical, etc.

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2)What are the first things I should check/change/service?
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All fluids and filters. Engine, transmission, differential, power steering, brake, coolant, self-leveling, fuel filters.

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3) How much do these things require service wise?
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MB calls services at 15k and 30kmi. Oil change at 2,500 or 5,000 miles, depending on driving, temp, etc.

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4) Why didn't I ask before I bought it?
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Because you love the car.

There is a Haynes manual that is not bad, but is only readily available in the UK. It covers diesel and gas 124 models. I would imagine that it could be ordered via the internet. I ordered mine from an ad in the Star magazine a few years ago.

If you wish to keep this engine young, I would strongly recommend frequent, hot oil changes using universal grade oil which is especially formulated for diesels. It has additives that deal with soot dispersal, a problem specific to diesels. The most common examples of these oils are: Chevron Delo multigrade, Shell Rotella T, Mobil Delvac and Mobil Delvac One. Any of these are excellent choices, except Rotella T has a higher paraffin content, so if you chose it, you should always drain the oil when the engine is at operating temperature to minimize parafin build up inside the engine.

good luck,

I've seen the British Haynes manual advertised - Performance Products usually carries it. Price is typically ~$25 or so. You have to read British english to use it, so prepare to work under the bonnet rather than the hood...

I personally favor the MB 124 manuals. They are published only on CD-ROM these days. The cost is about $125. For this you get the engine, chassis, climate control, electrical troubleshooting, and maintenance manuals for every 124 model. It costs five times more than the Haynes, you get perhaps 50 times more information. Some here have groused about the organization and/or clarity of the images on the CDs - I've not had any serious complaints to date. I think the real thing represents a much better value, though it does cost more.

- Jim

Thanks for the quick answers.

I had oil changed at the MB dealer while getting Net Star info and ordering maintenance book. $35 for the oil change.

I changed the air filter myself .

Looks like I'll be ordering a CD for the rest.

Once I get the basics done, I'll be asking about ALDA and boost...

Thanks again.