I'm putting my work list together and buying parts for "major" maintenance on my 2000 E320 4Matic sedan. This car will have 50,000 miles in several months and is immaculate as it lives in my heated garage when not on the road. I'm up to date with M-B recalls/inspections. I plan to run this car for at least 15 years or around 100,000 miles as it's a good one.
This is strictly preventive as everything works great. The only thing I've noticed over the 50K miles is a slight decrease in mpg of about 10% and that could be due to today's fuel blends or the plugs.
I've researched this forum for suggestions. What would you do (or not do) that's in addition to what I've listed below:
B-Service.
Brake pads, sensors, and discs (if needed). Brakes are original (I'm light footed).
Inspect drive shaft flex discs to M-B 4152 procedure.
Replace charcoal HVAC filters (original).
Replace brake fluid (done 3 years ago).
Flush transmission, new filter and gasket (original).
Replace transfer case fluid (original).
Replace front and rear differential fluids (original).
Replace coolant (done 3 years ago), upper and lower radiator hoses (original), and thermostat (original).
Replace power steering fluid (original).
Replace spark plugs (original).
Replace Poly-V-Belt (original).
Replace windshield wiper blade (3 years).
I'm not due to replace the air or fuel filters, the battery is 3 years old and going strong, and the tires were new at 40,000 miles. The car was aligned when the new tires were installed.
I'd like to hear from those of you who like to baby their M-B's, others who have gotten stranded that wish they had done something different before the fact, or master mechanics who have "seen it all".
to change plugs,they are 100000 mile maint issue,check here for a good 50k list,just take with a grain of salt the prices they have. Edmunds.com - Maintenance Popup
if you are going to drive it for 15 years and only have 100k on it ask about the plug change in the year 2022!At 50 k it's time for pads....
cabin filters both styles
Don't flush the trans,just drain and new filters and gaskets.
inspect spring perches for rust
inspect other areas prone to rust.
50 k is not major service if it has been maintained to specs.so no need to go overboard!
order parts at autohausaz.com or germanstar.net great prices,shipping and service.
get good stands and use the jacking points,work safe,have fun
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"
To ohlord's responses I'd also add to check the HB to make sure it's not on the recall list, there's a sticky in the General forum about exactly what to look for.
As few a miles as you're accumulating I'd also suggest that you change your oil at least every 12 months. And were it me I think I'd also do the fuel filter.
I do agree that the pads should be changed even if there appears to be decent life left in them. Likely they are impacted with accumulated corrosion, etc. And I also agree the plugs are fine at least for now; that said it would not hurt to pull one and take a look at it just to see how they're wearing.
While you're doing the serpentine belt, inspect the tensioner and idler for noise/free play. They are easier to check when there's no pressure on them.
That's all I can think of, so...
take care 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.
I had the HB checked by M-B in May of 2005 after my wife's '99 ML430 HB disintegrated (now sold and driving a '05 ML500). My E320 was not part of the recall.
I have been changing the oil every year. This was the dealer's recommendation as well although I do it myself with an Astro Pneumatic 7350 oil changer.
It's interesting that neither of you suggest changing the plugs. The service manual says 100,000 miles or 5 years. I'm obviously not at 100K but the car is 7-1/2 years old.
I had the HB checked by M-B in May of 2005 after my wife's '99 ML430 HB disintegrated (now sold and driving a '05 ML500). My E320 was not part of the recall.
I have been changing the oil every year. This was the dealer's recommendation as well although I do it myself with an Astro Pneumatic 7350 oil changer.
It's interesting that neither of you suggest changing the plugs. The service manual says 100,000 miles or 5 years. I'm obviously not at 100K but the car is 7-1/2 years old.
The other suggestions make sense.
The five year plug thing has been discussed; none of the brainiacs on this site can come up with a plausible explanation for it. The only guess that carries any sense is the possibility of the threads "fusing" together, but if you pull one you'll find out if they're fusing together or not.
I did mine at 70,000 because my car started life in NY and there is a layer of oxidization everywhere, but from a wear standpoint they looked fine. If you decide to change the plugs just use extra caution, there are lots of sharp edges that seek to do you harm...don't ask how I know.
the plugs at 103000,the car is a 99 E320 wagon,plugs were bosch platin original plugs,no visible wear,a little bluing, on the threads,spec..039 gap dead on all 12 plugs.8 years,no abuse of the wires,a well maintained car,100k on plugs is the interval for me ,if you want to change them at 50k,do so,it's cheap at 2.79 a plug,a long,tight space job,but fun,and when your done you can check them and say we told you so
ohlord
"GOT CODES?"
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