I'm at a cross roads here right now, I don't know whether I should replace ALL fluids or should I tackle broken and preventive maintenance first.

The tensioner and idler pulley are making noise, and the right mirror motor is broken. I want to fix those but the fluids, transmission, differential, brake, power steering and coolant need to be addressed too.


Where should I begin?

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1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.

Start with what needs attention that'll strand you if it breaks. Move on to things that will ruin the car if you ignore them. Then move on to things that are annoying that you can fix when you have time. Don't make the mistake of trying to do too much too fast. You'll wind up creating new problems and hemorrhaging money.

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Current stable:
1995 E320 149K (Nancy)
1983 500SL 120K (SLoL)

Black Sheep:
1985 524TD 167K (TotalDumpster™)

Gone but not forgotten:
1986 300SDL (RIP)
1991 350SD
1991 560SEL
1990 560SEL
1986 500SEL Euro (Rusted to nothing at 47K!)

Great advice diseasel300

Make sure it is the tensioner / pulley with a stethoscope or long screwdriver. My alternator bearing was going and it didn’t start making a racket until the AC was on. Whatever it is, it should be fixed ASAP. If the tensioner goes while running it can cause all kinds of other damage.

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07 E350 4Matic wagon, 06 S430 4Matic, 99 SLK 230
retired W210 (x3), W124, W126

Great advice, I'll take care of the glaring issues first.

__________________
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.