is it possible to do a tune up yourself???? i have a 01 e430, and it really needs a tune up. does it requires special tools or something. please help me out.
There is no clasic tune up on those cars.
Service is filters/oil change and checking up the items on the list.
At about 100,000 miles you should replace spark plugs.
What is the problem? Do you have any error codes?
i just bought my first MB. it has about 72K miles. but it think it need a tune up. i already change the oil, and oil filter, MAF sensor, air filter. how do i check the transmission fluid. is there a dipstick? how do you drain it, and refill. is it possible to do it yourself?
Vehicle: 2002, E430, 2002 BMW 530i, 1955 Belair Hardtop
Location: South Shore Mass.
Posts: 11
I also just bought an E430, though it's a 2002. Not sure of the maintenance history, so I'm gonna be going through it too. I'm gonna do the oil change, air filter, spark plugs and transmission fluid.
Gents, the search function will reveal a wealth of information on these topics.
There is no mandated "tune up" period. Plugs are generally done by 100K miles, filter intervals are in the owner's manual.
There is no dipstick on the AT, rather a seal cap you have to break to get off. And you need a special tool to check the fluid level, it's based on fluid temperature. Very bizarre. Again, if you search here and the other forums you'll find folks who have done it themselves but it's not like a regular car and if yours is new enough, you won't be able to drain the converter, so you change out less than half the fluid. I'm a big fan of DIY and have pretty decent mechanical chops, but in this case I did a lot of homework before finding a shop I trusted to do it right.
Welcome to the MB club and enjoy the ride,
Greg
__________________ If the only prayer you say in your life is thank you, that would suffice. Meister Eckhart
When you learn from your own mistakes, that's experience.
When you learn from the mistakes of others, that's wisdom.
When you fail to learn from any mistakes, that's government.
Recently had my service A completed on 01 E430 w/75k at dealer. Dealer recommended replacing spark plugs soon when I picked up. I thought they were 100k spark plugs, and he said they are but should also be replaced every 5 years. Should I get them replaced, or wait?
Recently had my service A completed on 01 E430 w/75k at dealer. Dealer recommended replacing spark plugs soon when I picked up. I thought they were 100k spark plugs, and he said they are but should also be replaced every 5 years. Should I get them replaced, or wait?
Hey, Gator, welcome to the forum!
And you have to know the dealer is always going to recommend stuff.
Personally I've never heard of a "time limit" on spark plugs.
If the car is running fine, I wouldn't sweat it. Typically plugs go 100K or more; if you do them before that mileage range you'll probably see a modest increase in fuel mileage since the systems compensate for wear on the plugs. Whether that's worth it is a decision only you can make.
FWIW, that kind of dealer nonsense is why so many people find a good indie they can trust.
Vehicle: 2001 E320 - Brilliant Silver/Ash: MBCA member
Location: The Mountain State
Posts: 6,363
I have encountered dealers who attach a time limit and a mileage to certain things (for example brake fluid and antifreeze I think they said were 2 years or X miles). It seems to me that a seasoned tech should be able to look at nearly all the fluids and know if they are fine or need to be replaced (by appearance, smell, or feel).
As far as the spark plugs go, if you are confident with setting the gap, it certainly won't hurt anything to replace them. But, I think I would try to get the 100,000 miles out of them unless the car exhibits symptoms of a mis-fire.
__________________
Ich liebe meinen Mercedes-Benz!
I have encountered dealers who attach a time limit and a mileage to certain things (for example brake fluid and antifreeze I think they said were 2 years or X miles). It seems to me that a seasoned tech should be able to look at nearly all the fluids and know if they are fine or need to be replaced (by appearance, smell, or feel).
As far as the spark plugs go, if you are confident with setting the gap, it certainly won't hurt anything to replace them. But, I think I would try to get the 100,000 miles out of them unless the car exhibits symptoms of a mis-fire.
Hey, MM, I agree absolutely that chemicals can degrade and become contaminated over time, so I agree with a time limit on such things. (Same logic applies to you and I changing our ATF even though MBZ says it's not necessary, no?)
However, as I said, I have never heard any legitimate basis for changing plugs based on a time lapse as opposed to mileage. I suppose if you only drove 1,000 miles a year they might corrode from age/moisture/etc. before you drove 100 years, but other than that, I can't comprehend a reason to set a time-deadline on them.
i still have the original spark plugs on my 97 E320, and i have like 133k miles on it, but it fires fine, and gas mileage it has been the same. should i wait for a sign, or just go ahead and replace the plugs?
Linear Mode
