98 E240

[damo2000]

Hello all, i've recently purchased a 98 E240, I'm presuming it uses a timing chain rather than rubber cam belt - is this correct??

Also, does anyone have any info re: what I should watch out for. ie common problems etc??

Any info/advice would be grately appreciated.

 

[jberks]

Hi,
as far as I am aware, it is a chain, so no scheduled maintenance required.

The main thing to watch on E's are corrosion. There are loads of threads on here about it but in summary, top of doors under the rubber seals, boot lock and front cross member are the key areas.
Other than that, there are no 'common' problems. They are more troublesome that the old 124's. - though that was a pretty high bar to reach and Merc were going through a cost cutting phase when they built yours and mine.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

I am not sure I would agree with "no common problems".......

 

[akrosline]

Well, in agreement with Olaf I would recommend a simple comparative observation on the level of noise generated by your car. Should you find it a little bit on a high, I would suggest a check on your water pump. I went through this experience recently. Mine is purring like a sleeping kitten now!

BTW anybody had any experience with bigger wheels size on a lesser W210 97? Are there any significance pluses or minuses (apart from the cosmetic element that is!)
Contemplating!!

 

[akrosline]

Hi Olaf,
Some signs is emerging on and around the typical spots on mine too! Havent found the thread on the corrosion topic, but could we actually get MBenz do it for us at their expense! Glad if you could share some info on this!

 

[jberks]

I am not sure I would agree with "no common problems".......

Olaf,
I never thought you would!
I didn't say there no problems, just few 'common' ones. The E seems to have a wide range of stuff to play up. e.g Have you had to replace your fan regulator or o2 sensor yet? And my ABS and drop links are just perfect!

 

[jberks]

Hi Olaf,
Some signs is emerging on and around the typical spots on mine too! Havent found the thread on the corrosion topic, but could we actually get MBenz do it for us at their expense! Glad if you could share some info on this!

Hi,
If your car has FMBSH there's a good chance they will do it. Take it to the dealer and ask them to do a full check (including the front crossmember). They know where to look and are generally fairly helpful - well mine was anyway. Put in a claim and then wait. - expect 4 months+ for a response.

 

[akrosline]

Hi Jberks,
Thanks for the tips. In fact I've booked and schedule to send my car this March 30 to our local Benz Service Centre. Hopefully fair play would prevail as FMBSH is almost 100%. BTW what do mean by 'front crossmember?'

Cheers
Mike

 

[OlafMaxwell]

Finally got a call this evening to say my car was found and is now ready.....

! never had to replace any sensors or airflow meters, but that may be next on the list. I just had 2 new injectors fitted. Drop links are ok but my originals were knocking at 25k.....maybe the replacement ones are better because they are still fine.

However in terms of common problems reading the site and knowing colleagues problems a few items seem to keep surfacing and are worth a closer look.....I did not experience all of these.

Air conditioning condenser radiator [mine was gone at 60k....]
Rear shocks [self levelling, estate].
Drop links [cheap, annoying knock when they are gone]
Exhaust [was gone at 4,000....split in pipe]
Speedo/clocks problems [I did not have these].
Window regulators...check the windows all operate correctly, full down to full up. I read about failures, I have one that has always sounded distinctl wheezy but has not gone wrong.
O2 sensors and MAF meteres seem to go, not had this [yet?]
Brake switches.....cheap.
Blowing bulbs....bulb holders are dodgy, rear light.

If you have a friendly exhaust or car tyre buddy get your car up in the air and give it a good look over underneath.

Akrosline, bigger wheels may look good but they decrease the comfort level, increase the handling and roadholding. Its a balance, really low profiles, say 18/19" will make the car much less smooth on the road, you will feel everything you drive over. If you do all motorway driving it will probably be ok, if you drive a lot of bad roads you could be in for a bumpy ride.

 

[damo2000]

Advice

Cheers for all the info, i'm praying nothing goes wrong. My car has done 105k and has nearly 100% MB serv history. Do you think it is worth keeping this up?? or would a specialist be just as good?? Also, does anyone have any idea of the price of an A or B service at a dealer??

 

[jberks]

Assuming your car isn't riddled with rust, at 98 and 100+k, a specialist is a far better bet. They know the issues your car will have far better than any dealer.- Just look at the forecourt - how many R reg's do you see?

A service at the dealer will be £2-300 - B service £450-the sky's the limit (my last one was just under £600 and thats with refusing another £250 of "recommendations").

I intend to have the next A done at the dealer - its not that much different, but I think that will probably be it as it will take me to close to 80k and 6 years old. I have already had a few (non service) bits done at the specialist and have been very happy with the service and results.

A good specialist should be 1/3 to 1/2 cheaper overall. Any less and question what parts they are fitting. - Labour will be half but they can't do much on parts as they should still be genuine Merc bits. Ask on here and someone will recommend a good local specialist.