Octane of gas? Seat adjustment cover? Seat adjustment problem

[operagirl]

What octane gas should I use in an 84 500 sel?

Just got this baby, delighted, but wanna make sure I do whatever I need to keep her in top shape.

What oil viscosity? Brand?

Also needto find a cover for driver's side seat adjustment--seat adjustments don't work right--can move forward and back but not UP and I feel now like I'm sitting on the floor!!

Ideas?

Thanks! Anne

[jdc1244]

Use premium (93) fuel per the OM

Castrol 20w 50 motor oil.

Not sure I understand the third question – do you need a fix for the seat motor?
[?]

[operagirl]

yes, I need a fix for the seat--probably not the motor. the passenger side seat adjustment works fine. Mine is missing the cover in the door, showing 3 knobs (see pic). It works fine to make the seat move forward closer to the steering wheel, works fine to make the back go up or back, but doesn't seem to make the seat any HIGHER. Perhaps none of them do this?

Any idea where I can get a cover for the seat adjustments?

Thanks, A

[jdc1244]

Oh, that…

See the switch closest to the backrest adjustment? Push up on that and see what happens. If it works it will cause the back of the seat cushion to tilt up and forward giving the occupant greater elevation. If the motor works but the switch does not, then the switch may need to be cleaned or replaced.

[operagirl]

Thanks. I did try that and it didn't do much, though it seemed to move slightly. The other 2 switches seem to work fine.

I'm used to driving a 2000 Chevy Blazer (DUMB MOVE on my part; what a piece of JUNK that car is!! I hit a parking lot light post going about 3 mph (didn't see it in the blind spot where front screen meets the side window pulling out of a parking spot and it totally crashed the front of the car!) so perhaps I am just used to feeling "higher" in the car seat than one sits in a Mercedes!! haha

Thanks for the help! ANy other tips I should know to keep my old gal running well? Frequency of oil changes? Do you ever use Prolong or Zmax? What do you do to protect the paint finish? the shine is so incredible, I wanna keep that forever!

Anne

[jdc1244]

Use only OEM parts. Preventive maintenance is the best way to stay out of trouble. An oil and filter change every 3000 miles is best. The other fluids and filters should be changed at the regular intervals per DB. I wash it every week and wax once a month with Meguiar's Cleaner Wax

The timing chain and valve train need to be checked every 100,000 miles – the chains come loose rather then break – the plastic chain guides wear out or burn out, break and the chain comes off. If you don’t loose the chain the plastic bits will fall in the sump and damage the oil pump. All very nasty and expensive needless to say. DB’s effort to save weight back in the 70s.

Welcome and good luck.

[operagirl]

Thanks so much! We don't have an official MB mechanic up here in Sticksville, but the gentleman who works on my partner's Saab seems quite knowledgeable. I have made notes of what you've said and will go over with him.

SHould I purchase a repair manual? FOund one online for only $25; wonder if this is valuable to have?

Do you keep your car out of the harsh sun? You're in FL, I'm wondering if it fades or damages the finish? I'm so impressed with the lovely finish, so shiny, it still looks new!

I'll change OIL every 3K miles, will have mechanic check the timing chain and valve train, will use the 93 octane gas, have him change oil and replace with the Castrol 20W/50 you suggested.

How often do you change the air filter? Is this done when the oil changes are done?

Appreciate your wisdom! I just love this car and hope to make it last as long as possible, she is just so lovely!

Anne

[jdc1244]

Yes, a repair manual or at least an OM is a good idea. Because they’re so easy to slip on and off I change the air filter once a year. The interval is more than likely longer but the filter is cheap and it’s cheap insurance, so each January it gets an new air filter – easy to keep up that way.

Castrol 20w 50 is what all the mechanics I talk to recommend. Some will argue that that’s too heavy for New York State, particularly during the winter. Here in Florida, of course, it’s not an issue. (That’s why the forum “oil wars’ break out.) I’m thinking of breaking with tradition and using Delo 400 for my next oil change. It’s a 15w 40 weight oil used for diesel engines. It is API SJ rated for gas engines, it has more detergent and 15w component may flow a little faster when cold to avoid “top end� wear. We’ll see.

I also keep it out of the sun. Florida is great for rust-free cars but the sun can damage the paint and interior. If washed and waxed the finish will last forever – even here. The interior, however tends to take a beating. My interior is in fairly good shape but the parcel deck is faded and I’ve had to replace some of the wood trim.

[operagirl]

interesting notion about the Castrol versus Delo. Why would you switch?

What do you use to keep up the leather interior?

A

[jdc1244]

I use Meguiars Gold Leather Conditioner (no I don’t own stock in the company).

Dello 400 has evolved into more than just “diesel oil.� I use it in my 300 D with excellent results. The weight/temp range may provide greater flow when cold but still provide protection in the heat. The extra detergents may clean the engine better than Castrol without running the risk of leaks as I would get with synthetics, for example. There’s nothing to loose and possibly something to gain – and because the engine does not burn oil, blow by being so small, I don’t feel there’s a need to worry about damage to the cat converter. I’m planning on removing that in the future, anyway. [;)]