Some Maintenance questions
 

I've got an 87' 300E.
I havn't done many major repairs, except for replacing the alternator a few months ago.

I notice my car has some weak electrical power sometimes. During the winter months when I have heat fan blowing the abs light wiill turn on. I think maybe some voltage problem???

I would also like to know what kind of things I can do to improve fuel mileage.

Thanks for any suggestions.
- Mark

Get your battery load-tested.
A good tune-up may improve your fuel economy. ;)

manny offers good advice. In addition I would simply put a voltmeter across the battery with the engine running. If it reads less than about 13.5 volts with a good battery, then you may have a weak alternator or voltage regulator.

Good luck,

the battery was just replaced a year ago...
so maybe its the voltage regulator? how much is this ?
and where is it located, is this a DIY job?

thanks

btw, manny, where are you located in ontario?
are you in toronto area? do you know a good mb certified mechanic?

I live about 45 min. west of Toronto, and up to this point have always used my M-B dealer in Kitchener ( Victoria Star Motors ).
Have had nothing but first-rate treatment & experiences with the service & parts department. ;)

Regarding the voltage regulator,
are the Echlin Ignition Voltage Regulator any good?
My local Napa parts dealer has this, any experience with this anything?

Usually a flashing or intermittent ABS light can be attributed to a bad OVP. Do a search on the forums for more info, but briefly, some of the solder connections inside the unit break causing all sorts of problems on your vehicle.

The unit can be found behind your battery, it is an aluminum, small square box with a red or black cap. There is a fuse located underneath this cap that you can check but usually the unit fails without the fuse blowing. I just replaced mine last year when it started causing my SRS and ABS light to flash. Solved my problem.

Good luck

where is this OVP?
can u post a picture?

Here is a picture. The part number is: 2015400845. It is directly beside the fuel pump relay on the side toward the engine.

I used to live in Oakville.

oasis100:

If you're looking for a good MB mechanic in Toronto, check this guy out:

Charlie McNally, at:

McNally Auto Service Ltd
130 Le Page Court, North York, ON M3J3J1
(416) 398-6799

He's near Finch & Keele, is honest, friendly and fairly priced. I'm beginning to feel like a bit of a shill, with all the good press I give him, but it is all true.

Jonathan

I've heard this mechanic mentioned before. I currently have a very good mechanic but he is very busy and his turn around time is pretty horrible although his honesty and skill is impecable. Needed to have a rattle in my exhaust checked out and would like to try someone else out.

What is McNally Auto Service Ltd's turn around like (ie how long does he keep your car for)? My MB is my primary commute.

TIA

It all depends on what you're in for. His normal hours are 6:30am to 5pm M-F and 6:30am to noon on Saturday. He has a couple of POS loaners available if you let him know in advance, and he's close to transit.

Jonathan