I just purchased my first Merc, CPO black on java C240 26k miles and extended 3yr/100k warranty. A few questions:
#1 - Anyone change their oil/filter between the FSS intervals? I'm showing 7400 miles before Service A. Seems like a long time for oil. If so, what weight Mobil 1 (climate is Southern Ca)?
#2 - I'm not a big mod person. But I do feel this car could benefit from spring and wheel mods. My goal is to reduce body roll and nose dive while keeping the ground clearance reasonable and ride plush on So Cal roads. A contradiction I know, but interested in keeping tradeoff to a minimum. What do you guys recommend for brand and size for both springs and wheels.
#3 - Would like to add OEM COMAND nav but dealer $2500 seems ridiculous. What's the best way to do the OEM upgrade and save a few dollars doing it?
During the mid 90's, I was a service advisor for MB. Always admired these autos, even with their minor quirks, but never imagined actually being able to afford one of my own. So I do have some experience with these cars. Obvious that a lot has changed since the intro of the M-Class.
First off, congrats on your new car! As for the oil, they should have changed it if the starmarked it, so i wouldnt worry. Wheels and suspension are a great thing but they will set you back a few dollars. Obviously Brabus and Lorinser are the upper level but if you go to F1 motorsports (century city) or CEC (santa monica blvd) they can take care of all your needs with high quality. since you used to work on them you may want to do it yourself to save some $$$. There are a few recent posts of Command systems for about 1000$, but you may want to look at the new Pioneer screen/navi at pioneerelectronics.com. it is a great unit and i can get it for about 1000. just pm me. hope this helps
Thanks for your advice. Yes, Fletcher did perform a B service before delivery. I'm just used to changing my oil somewhere between 3k and 5k on my other autos. Just thought that 7k+ was alot, whether synthetic or not. An oil change can tell you a lot about the running condition of your engine and waiting 7-10k miles to get that info seems excessive. As far as suspension/wheel mods go, I'm more concerned with quality than quantity/size. I'd rather spend $3k for MB spec products that won't negatively affect the part wear or warranty than slamming it down and installing the largest wheel that will still turn. Would prefer sticking with Brabus, AMG, or Lorinser for wheels. Just not sure if 17" or 18" is the better choice. And is H&R or Eibach the better choice for springs?
Well, you can get a good set of amgs for a reasonable price if you look hard enough. that is probably the best choice for you since brabus and lorinser are nowhere near 3k. i dont know much about lowering the car. My brother lowered his car (not a benz) and it destroyed the ride. i have never heard anything good about altering the suspension on a car. I may be selling my stock 17s off my 2006 c 230 if you are interested. the wheels will have about 2500 miles. but are only 6 weeks old ( i have to commute from the valley to usc 3 days a week). let me know.
Hi, Matt, congrats on the new ride and welcome to the forum. Since a couple of your questions are still hanging out there, I thought I'd answer a couple. MBZ specs only one formulation of Mobil1, 0W-40. You can find it at some auto-parts stores and a few Wal-Marts. Purportedly it is a special formulation with additives not found in other weights of Mobil1. There are other synthetics that meet the 229.5 spec, but that's the only Mobil1.
The FSS is pretty cool, it actually analyzes your driving and changes settings accordingly. You should regularly check your oil, of course, but I wouldn't worry about shortening the service interval. 10K seems like a long potential way to go for an oil change (I'm old school too!) but they designed the engine and filter for it. So long as you use the correct filter and oil, you can trust the FSS.
Finish out your profile when you get a minute and post a pic or two of the new benz. [:)]
Thanks gregs210. Will be happy to post some pics ASAP. And, guys, don't hesitate to post questions in regards to your 202, 140, 210's, etc. I may be out of the loop on these new 203's, but I had many experiences as an SA at Tafel Motors in Louisville, KY.
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