New owner.. recommendations for service?

[spikeit]

Just picked up a 2000 E55 with 37K miles, silver / blue, loaded (Nav, Heated Seats, Phone, CD Changer, etc..) Warranty work last year included replacing one of the cats (left side) because the owner reported that the car cut out at highway... wondering if I need to replace the MAF... also when the car starts from first there is a rattling sound.. not sure what that is b/c it shifts very smooth... it goes away once it starts.. not sure if I should replace all the fluids, plugs, filters, etc.. he also mentioned that oil / filter changes are $150 is that true (Mobile One), and insuring this thing will be as much as a Ferrari.. we will see... any advice would be great.. hope to put up pics soon...

91 NSX
00 E55

[Musikmann]

First of all, check the FSS using the upper left button on the steering wheel to see when the next "A" or "B" service is due. If it has been properly maintained the 2nd "B" should be due soon. Have a look at the owner's manual too if you have one.

I doubt that the MAF is bad at that mileage and I would wait for some symptoms before doing so. The rattling sound might be the other cat or a loose exhaust system component.

If you don't have the maintenance history I would at least do an oil/filter change, a transmission service, and change the coolant. I think the brake fluid change interval is due (MB says every 3 years). Check the engine air filter and replace if dirty. Those are 100,000 mile plugs so they should be fine. Some dealers might charge $150 for an oil change but there are people here who even have dealers do them for less than $100. If you do things yourself, or know a good independent shop, you can save a lot of money on routine maintenance.

Congratulations and welcome to the forum!

[gregs210]

Plus one to pretty much everything MM said. I would add that there is no reason to start changing things if they work. If (when) the MAF goes out of range you'll get a CEL and the codes will tell you.

If the rattle is mostly at idle or just off-idle it is most likely a CAT or it could be a loose exhaust shield. Jack the beasty up and get it on stands and with it cold get under and hit the cats and shields with your hand (fairly hard) and see if you get a rattle or buzz. One already having been replaced suggests you might have another that is bad and depending on date first sold you might still have federally-mandated warranty on the other cat (8 years/80,000 miles) so get that checked right away.

Buy a topsider, the oil (Mobil1 0W40) and filter (fleece) and your first oil change will cost you less than that quote and thereafter they'll be about $75 or so.

As you approach 50,000 miles do the transmission service and differential. If you don't know about the rest of the maintenance records change every other fluid now (P/S, coolant, brake). Check the serpentine belt for wear, other than it you sound like you got a creampuff.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

[Musikmann]

Thanks Greg, I forgot about the power steering fluid. The tech added some to mine during my 1st "A" service and it got the service writer's attention. After that, they r/r the rack and pinion for the squeaky steering wheel issue and I guess it was changed at that point. I don't know what the MB recommnded change interval is on that.

[spikeit]

Car is being registered tomorrow so I will be taking it to the dealer for one of the services (A/B)... now hunting for some rims to put snow tires on for the winters here in New England...

Thanks again!

Regards,
R