Basic DIY service advice needed.

[Speedline24V]

Ive got a 300e 24v and on paper, is desperately in need of a service.

Is it advisable to change the ATF fluid along with the filters myself or trust it to a garage? What type of fluid is recommended?

How many litres of engine oil will i need and what is, in everyones best opinion, the best oil for the 24v? Fully synth 5-40??

I am new to Mercedes and usually go for BMW big sixes. It is evident that Mercedes are very vague in giving out information unlike BMW where info seems to be on-tap almost everywhere.
Have i bitten off more than i can chew buying a Merc? Obviously everybody and his dog knows you expect high running costs but i didnt expect a basic lack of information and elusive, cagey advice from Mercedes itself.
I just want to enjoy this fantastic car without the unnessesary expense or am i just looking in the wrong place? Or is my head in the clouds?
Help.

 

[paulcallender]

Where have you tried so far, to obtain servicing information? The Haynes manual details the servicing steps, in adequate detail, although some of the procedures it offers are vague, for Mercs. There are other resources too, offering the same info. I think its more the case that you haven't found what you're looking for, yet, rather than its unobtainable.

I can't see why not to change the auto trans fluid yourself. You need to also drain the torque converter, and remove the transmission sump, to get all the old fluid out and make it worthwhile.

Oil capacity is 6.5 litres. You'll be buying 2x 4.5l cans, though? So its not a critical figure.

I think, even if you are doing all the work yourself, there is a certain cost with ownership that you can't really skimp on. If you've just bought a car which needs a full service, then surely you factored this into the price you paid? And then added a bit, saying, its a Mercedes, servicing will cost a lot? So you should still be up on the deal???

 

[Myros]

I know how you feel, that's why I joined here

Fully synth 5w-40 is fine, but do an engine flush before you pop it in. Keep an eye out for new leaks and dribbles after the switch. I changed our 280 24v and 500 over to synth at 90k and 120k and so far no probs. I even did and oil change on th e280 yesterday, and I've got it down to half an hour now.
Plugs are pretty straightforward on the S6 engines, just do them one at a time for electrical clarity.
You'll need about 7.5ltrs of oil, including the filter. The 500 V8 we have takes 8 litres, the 280 S6 7.5.
Probably about 8 litres of ATF for the tranny should do you. It took 7.7 for the tranny on the v8, new filter as well. You can do it yourself, but it's better if you have a pit to work in on the tranny. Not as easy with ramps or axle stands. If doing it yourself, make sure you buy a new tray seal as well as a filter.
Your expectations are perfectly reasonable. We've done 60k in our 100k C280 and it, has apart from an OVP, a set of discs and pads front, one battery, one duo-valve for the heater, 2 sets of Michelins, one damper for the water pump, cost us nothing. The only painful surprise was the duovalve at £105 plus fitting. Everything else struck me as cheaper than the similar bits were for my old BMW. And by 100k and 11 years on my BMW I had practically rebuilt the body, courtesy of tinworm.
Keep on top of the service and it well last you for years. I avoid MB dealers except for parts not available from the factors, doing it myself or having my trusted mechie do the work. That way I can afford to run two of them.
Search in here for any of your key words or qus, and you'll find somone has met it and beaten it before.
Good luck and welcome aboard

 

[tom7035]

Hi Speedline24V, welcome and heed the advice given above.
I think the secret with a Merc is not to be afraid of it! - So long as you use quality stuff you're the boss, not it!
Good luck and enjoy, Tom.

 

[Speedline24V]

Thanks for the advice. Its just a case of over-worry i think. The Mercedes is a completely different breed and seems highly "over engineered" compared to some of the cars i have and have owned in the past. Just wanted to know the best way to look after it without breaking the bank (hopefully!) and to hear some related views on this.

I dont think this one will be one of my five minute wonders..........

Thanks again.

 

[tom7035]

Hi again Speedline24V.
I meant to ask as I'm intrigued with your one-time Victor 3.5 V8 - was that the FD Victor and what V8 engine was shoehorned into it?
Note also your Corsair 3.0 ltr V6, I had a Mk1 Cortina with this engine squeezed in - think it was known as the Cortina 'Savage' at that time. Great fun! Seems like 100 years ago now!!

 

[Speedline24V]

Hi again Speedline24V.
I meant to ask as I'm intrigued with your one-time Victor 3.5 V8 - was that the FD Victor and what V8 engine was shoehorned into it?
Note also your Corsair 3.0 ltr V6, I had a Mk1 Cortina with this engine squeezed in - think it was known as the Cortina 'Savage' at that time. Great fun! Seems like 100 years ago now!!

Tom, the Victor was a 72 the model with the small narrow rear lights - it looked like a Chevy impala - cant remember if it was an FD? might have been an SL?. The engine was the good old Rover 3.5 - nice and strong with enough grunt to get you up the strip in a decent time. The V6 corsair was good too even though it had a smaller essex V6. I preferred the Rover conversions due to part availability, a lovely sound and they were fairly good on fuel too.
I know what you mean about 100 years ago! The custom scene dried up when the Chelsea cruise died some years ago (its started up again but its too clicky) and i found that the yanks and glassfibre rods dominated other cruises and events to the extent that the cars such as i had were looked down on.
Never mind! i have a lovely Merc now! makes me wonder how i used to put up with all that noise, breaking down everyday and boneshaker rides!
Bet you wish you had that Savage now! They are worth serious money!

Elliott

 

[tom7035]

My sentiments too Elliott! Isn't it great how life always seems to go 'full circle' - had to have much quiet to start with, then lots & lots of noise - and back to quiet!
Cheers, nice to talk, Tom.