C200 k servicing DIY (where to look) or garage (UK)

[stu_class]

Very new to this forum and not sure how to use it. Tried the search tool and kept getting some error message, so someone, please help if you can. Now not sure how different the UK model is to a USA version - hope not too much.

Car is 2004 model and thus out of the warranty; and therefore very inclined to reduce cost of servicing by not going to an official Merc dealer garage.

Its done 40,000 mile and had the Service A done last time; cost of about £200.

Service B, yes I can find a full list of whats to be done, and most are visual checks; but some are not. If you do the work your self, i see two problems: 1) resetting the digital Service Trip, 2) not having any type of garage stamp. What does everyone do here?

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1. Would you let a garage do everything, therefore does anyone know of a Merc Specialist near the Midlands? ... or at least where I can look for one? Is there a recommended list on the forum?

2. Is there any of the work you cannot DIY?

3. If you can DIY, with no specialist tools, then is there a HOW TO on the forum?

...

Im very tempted to do the work my self; have done on VW's before. Already own a large tub of Mobil 1, correct oil as per manual.

Due to the age of the car, stuff on my mind is:
- cambelt wear; whats typical?
- supercharger wear, whats typical?
- Air Con seals and top up (if applies)/Charcoal Filter , easy to DIY?
- £100 for Merc to do the radiator fluid; how tricky is it?
- Fuel filter?
- any one know the gap advised on the spark plugs/ not needed until 55k-miles/4-years?

Sorry for so many questions; if there is a HOW TO, please give link

[C230 Sport Coup]

Originally Posted by stu_class

Very new to this forum and not sure how to use it. Tried the search tool and kept getting some error message, so someone, please help if you can. Now not sure how different the UK model is to a USA version - hope not too much.

Car is 2004 model and thus out of the warranty; and therefore very inclined to reduce cost of servicing by not going to an official Merc dealer garage.

Its done 40,000 mile and had the Service A done last time; cost of about £200.

Service B, yes I can find a full list of whats to be done, and most are visual checks; but some are not. If you do the work your self, i see two problems: 1) resetting the digital Service Trip, 2) not having any type of garage stamp. What does everyone do here?
I use the "service sheet" at check everything off and sign it! To reset hold the trip odo button down while on the service screen with the key on.



1. Would you let a garage do everything, therefore does anyone know of a Merc Specialist near the Midlands? ... or at least where I can look for one? Is there a recommended list on the forum?

2. Is there any of the work you cannot DIY?

3. If you can DIY, with no specialist tools, then is there a HOW TO on the forum?

...

Im very tempted to do the work my self; have done on VW's before. Already own a large tub of Mobil 1, correct oil as per manual.

Due to the age of the car, stuff on my mind is:
- cambelt wear; whats typical?
I think it's a chain....nothing to be done there...
- supercharger wear, whats typical?
According to Eaton- anywhere from 80K + miles and up. But also said, they'd heard of people lasting 220K.
I replaced mine at 125K with a new unit off ebay, then sold the old one to someone. I had to remove it to replace a manifold gasket so figured a good time to replace. Had the alternator rebuilt too for $150 while i was at it.
- Air Con seals and top up (if applies)/Charcoal Filter , easy to DIY?
Never had a problem here...though I had AC work under warranty
- £100 for Merc to do the radiator fluid; how tricky is it?
Easy, drain and fill period. use approved mb fluid, which in the US is either Zerex G05 or the stuff from Benz$$$
- Fuel filter? Every 60K miles
- any one know the gap advised on the spark plugs/ not needed until 55k-miles/4-years?In the owners manual

Sorry for so many questions; if there is a HOW TO, please give link
MANY DIY's out there, some here, some other places, search on google. You can buy a service DVD from Mercedes, and or sign with alldata.com for factory info

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