What services should be performed, and what is the usual and customary labor & parts for just the routine 90K service?

I have gotten conflicting opinions on changing the transmission fluid. A knowledgable MB tech says he does it on his own cars, even though it's not recommended by MB.

He cites 3 issues 1) use the right fluid 2) have a special tool for opening both torque converter & pan 3) have a MB fluid level measuring device (there is no dip stick)

Any comments on these recommendations?what is the usual and customary pabor & parts for just the routine 90K service

IMHO, this is a big money maker for dealers. Expect to pay upwards of $600 or more if you have it done. If you do it yourself, it will require barely more than $100 worth of parts.

Year please. Answer to the transmission fluid question depends on this. If it is a 1997 E420, then MB does not recommend transmission fluid changes, but it is a good idea to have it done about every 60k miles or so.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Thanks for your advice.

I don't have the facility or tools to do this myself. I have usualy used non-dealer mechanics who specialize in MB.

It's a 97 E420. The dealer quoted $900 with the transmission service ($275 add-on, he also recommended). In addition, they wanted $75 for brake fluid service and $95 for coolant service.

You have the 722.6 transmission, which is claimed to be a permanent fill by Mercedes. I changed my fluid, and I would change it if I were you. It uses a special synthetic fluid that is $13 per quart and takes 8 and a half quarts or so. $275 for that is reasonable.

Coolant is supposed to be changed at least every 3 years and brake fluid is supposed to be changed at least every 2 years. If that hasnn't been done, it would be good preventative maintenance to go ahead and have it done.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Anyone know the MB recommendations for this service for the '98 E320?

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Learn as though you will live forever.
-Ancient Hindu Proverb
(Are there any modern ones?)

1998 E320 Blk\Blk
1995 BMW 530i (bad engine) sold
1989 BMW 535i sold after 170,000 fun miles
1996 Lincoln Town Car (6 passenger land barge, still smooth and quiet at 130,000 miles, make me an offer!)

QUestion... what prompted you to buy a 97 with such high miles? I don't usually see a big price difference on used to substantiate higher miles (145K or so) ... Unless it was a major price break?

Congrats on the car, btw

The 98 uses FSS based service intervals. What is done should be detailed in the maintenance book.

And his screeename is mooney with 2 o's, not money. The mooney is a fine airplane that I have, unfortunately, never had the oppurtunity to fly.

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Ali Al-Chalabi

2001 CLK55
1999 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel
2002 Harley-Davidson Fatboy
Merlin Extralight w/ Campy Record

Actually, I wouldn't consider a 97 with 90K miles to be high mileage at all, especially on a car that could last several times that with good maintenance and a bit of luck.

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2002 E320 4-Matic
2008 Subaru Outback
2009 Subaru Forester

And a fair bit of luck, yes :-)

Yoshimura,

I bought the 97 E420 3 1/2 years ago still in warranty. It's really a 96 & 1/2. This car has been bulletproof. Fast, too. 0-60 in less than 7 seconds. Gets an honest 25mph on Highway at 75mph.

I don't consider 90K high miles for an 8 year old car, and since it's worth only $16-18K, I think I'll keep it at least 2 more years. The reviews on the newer S and E class cars have quality & long-term reliability ratings well below average. Mostly electrical problems;-Germans haven't heard about Japanese electronics, stereos & computers, I guess.

If I buy a new car, I might get a LS430 Lexus. I have a '93 SC400 since new.....what a great car, still looks like new after paint work & leather repairs. Best styling ever on any Lexus, IMHO.

BTW, the Mooney is a 1978 M20P (201) that I've owned 21 years. Has a few new parts, paint & interior though.

Sandy
'97 E420
'91 500SL
'93 SC400 Lexus
'68 280SL (sold, )
'87 420SEL (my airplane mechanic bot it-one of the great ones)
'83 300D (family ran it into the ground with 280K miles)

mooney, I must have mixed up threads on here, i thought I read 145K miles you bought the car with... disregard.

I concur with you on the car and comments...