My new-to-me 1996 E300D has in its toolkit this strange aluminum rod with a threaded end. Anyone know what it's for? I didn't see it mentioned in the owner's manual and nothing came up in a search of this forum.
Hi, Jeremy, and welcome to the forum. I hope you find it useful and that you enjoy hanging out here.
You should have seen the rod mentioned in the section on changing a tire. Since MB uses lug bolts to fix the wheels to the hub, once you remove the wheel you thread that into one of the holes to help you align the wheel. Do use caution, however, it is just to help with alignment until you get the wheel back on the hub. If you let the wheel's weight rest on it you will either bend it or, worst-case scenario, shear it off.
Again, welcome to BW.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
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Vehicle: 1998 E300 estate, 2001 BMW M5, 1978 Moto Guzzi Le Mans II
Location: Manchester, U.K
Posts: 122
Hi Jeremy (/others)
What other items do you have in your toolkit, & where is is stowed? I have a blue toolroll loose in the spare wheel with gadget above, wheel nut wrench, spanner, adjustable spanner. I would like to 'restore' the toolkit as it should be
I found the tool kit (a blue fabric roll-up) in the spare tire. There is a plastic insert that holds the spare tire and that can be used to hold tools, parts, etc. The two attached pictures show what was in the kit. I do not know if it is complete. There are obviously more pockets than tools. An oil filter wrench would be nice, for example. I wonder if dealers sell add-ons?
The zig-zag tool is a key for the sunroof, allowing it to be cranked shut if the motor fails. I found it in the glove compartment.
The black plastic thing is a fuse extractor.
The tool kit reminds me of the tool kits that come with BMW motorcycles, my only other German motor vehicle experience, although the motorcycle's kit is far more complete.
I suspect that the tool kit is there just so Mercedes can brag about it. It really wouldn't be that useful; the Leatherman tool that lives on my right hip would replace most of it. More valuable to the typical (not us!) owner is a credit card and the phone number of the Mercedes emergency service.
Vehicle: 1998 E300 estate, 2001 BMW M5, 1978 Moto Guzzi Le Mans II
Location: Manchester, U.K
Posts: 122
That's really helpful. Looks like I am missing screwdriver, plastic thingy & a spanner. No sunroof (shame).
I like to have everything complete for my cars!
Don't think you could put pipe extension on the Leatherman like you can on those tools. The "Channellock" is really good and I tend to "forget" to put it back in the car when I sell it.
What I noticed in the E320 was lack of wrenches for serpentine belt replacement. While adding spare belt, I also added needed wrenches.
Would hate to get the spare belt under the hood in the middle of Mojave Dessert, only to discover, that I have no 15 mm box to change it.
...What I noticed in the E320 was lack of wrenches for serpentine belt replacement. While adding spare belt, I also added needed wrenches. Would hate to get the spare belt under the hood in the middle of Mojave Dessert, only to discover, that I have no 15 mm box to change it.
I'll have to add some wrenches and something to lever against the spring. Thanks for the idea.
Jeremy
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