Hi ,
would like to know the intervals within which i need to change my Throttle cable and clutch cable(if any), air filter

Also what are the tell -tale signs that i might need to change such items.

Thanks

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1986 230E (revisions on the way)

Out of your list, only the air filter need be replaced as a "consumable" item. Generally every 30K is when it's a good idea to replace the filter. We check customer's filters at every oil change in my workshop and if the filter is excessively dirty, we recommend a new one immediately. I also check the air filters on my own cars every 3,000 miles or every oil change. I will usually remove the filter element and gently tap it against the floor to remove any big particles which may be trapped in the filter medium. My own cars receive new air filters every 30K regardless of their condition.

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Regards,
Aaron

Air filters should also be replaced after any visit to a
Winston Tire Center. When I went to one near me to have tires I bought there rebalanced, I was told I needed a new air filter ('88 Acura Integra I no longer own). When I inquired as to what part of rebalancing required opening the hood - let alone the air filter - I got a shrug and some comment about 'a courtesy for our customers'. I said no, I had checked it recently, and 'close the hood'.

A couple thousand miles later I happened to open the filter compartment, and found a large gash through the filter - impossible through natural causes, and almost certainly intentional. Well, one more business X'd off my list.

Steve

A few years ago, I had service done at a local Mercedes dealer, which included (according to the service advisor), replacing the air filter. I had no arguement as it was about 35,000mi old.
A few months later,, at the time of an oil change, I asked the mechanic to check the air cleaner as part of the routine. He opened-up the filter housing and surprise, no air filter. I was there so I saw with my own eyes.
I went back to the dealer to explain what I saw. Their answer: Impossible, not us, can't be, no way, can't happen, it's a joke, you should have check it before you left, it's your fault, somebody stole it, our warranty is for 30 days on routine service, we always double check our work, the technican who worked on your car has 15 years experience. and bla bla bla.
jackD

That really pisses me off. It gives all the good mechanics a really bad reputation.

Steve, I've been in a position myself where I was out of state and needed emergency repairs done on my vehicle. And, yes, they found "other" things that needed attention.

I let them replace some of the items just so they could get on with padding their work, lest they do something horrible to my car!

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 169K

One policy I have is to save the old parts to show the owner in the event that they want to inspect them before paying for the work. I toss the old parts immediately if they decline to see them so as not to confuse them with old parts from another vehicle.

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Regards,
Aaron