New W163 owner!!

[GregH_E430]

Hello everyone, I just bought a (new to me) 2002 ML500. I do not have any service history, but I did buy from a dealer and they had the carfax. Now, if it was your truck, where would you start checking/servicing first. I would like to do as much DIY as possible. The truck has 84,000 miles and looks and drives pretty clean. Any help/advice would be greatly appreciated.

Greg

[ML Precision]

Welcome to the forum. You've come to the right place.

Start by updating your user CP to include the year and make of your ML.
This will help in answering any questions you may have.

Search the forum and you will find all you need to know for DIY

Sit back and enjoy the ride

[ozcan]

The engine might have wrong type of oil. If I were you I would change the oil and filter with Mercedes Benz approved Synthetic Mobil-1 0W 40 and Fleece Oil Filter.
Filter is $16.00 from Mercedes Dealer. Oil is around $6.50 per quart.
Enjoy your ride.

[jrau13]

Originally Posted by ozcan

The engine might have wrong type of oil. If I were you I would change the oil and filter with Mercedes Benz approved Synthetic Mobil-1 0W 40 and Fleece Oil Filter.
Filter is $16.00 from Mercedes Dealer. Oil is around $6.50 per quart.
Enjoy your ride.

Always a good idea to change the oil right after purchasing a car for the reason above and you don't know for sure when it was done last.

Congrats on the new ride!

[ML Precision]

Not knowing the service history, I would change all the fluids and fill up the tank with premium gasoline.

Just a short list of things to do:

Start with the motor oil. I use Mobil 1 0W-40 synthetic and a MB fleece filter.

Read the sticky post on the transfer case and change the fluid. I use Mobil 1 ATF.

Change the front and rear differential oil. I use Mobil 1 gear oil 75W-90

For the power steering, transmission, brake fluid and coolant, I recommend using MB fluids.

You will have to buy a dipstick for the transmission to check the level. (ebay or dealer)

Check the air filter and clean the MAF sensor at the same time.

Remove the wheels and check the condition of the brake pads.

Check around the power steering reservoir and the hoses attached to the radiator, the are prone the leak.

Now, wash and wax and call it yours

[lorryfan]

Welcome to the forum.

Since you don't have any service history, request a VMI (Vehicle Master Inquiry) report from your local MB dealer (it's free).

If the previous owner serviced the truck at the dealer it will tell you the last time the oil was changed (after or before the OEM warranty run out).

If the owner serviced the truck at a different shop, you'll still have a very good indication of the last time a service was performed on it. Carfax report is a joke!

[asianml]

Welcome to BW!