E300TD W210, Ten Questions

[Rinsy Rinis]

Hello,

Just bought my first Mercedes-Benz. E300TD W210 1999 (T) 130,000m.
I've got a few questions which aren't answered in the Owners Manuals.

1. The service history shows the previous two services were "B" so can I assume the next service which is due after 800 miles will be an "A"?

2. Will Mercedes Service Stations allow you to supply your own engine-oil (to reduce cost)?

3. How often sould the leather interior be cleaned/treated and which cleaner/treatment would you recommended?

4. I want to remove a Nokia mobile telephone hands-free kit fitted to the dashboard and the microphone mounted in the headlining. Is the dash-removal a difficult job?

5. The left hand side temperature control thumbwheel, EC and air recirculation buttons don't illuminate whith the other dash board lights.
Is this one bulb and is it easy to replace?

6. The roof rails are scratched. Can they be resprayed or are they anodised? Which after-market roof rack would you recommended?

7. There are stone chips on the bonnet. Is it best to get these sorted at a Mercedes Service Station to keep the Mobilo 30 year warranty intact?

8. When are Haynes releasing a manual for the W210 model? Or is there an equivalent?

9. I would like to replace the front grill. Are these readily available secondhand? Could I fit a "face-lift" grill?

10. Is there an aftermarket load compartment cover so I can transport rubbish without soiling the carpet and walls?

Thank you

R.R.

PS I'm driving with a permanent smile, such a lovely car.

 

[dieselman]

Good choice of car, possibly the most reliable MB made.

some answers:

1. Whether the car is ready for a A or B service next will depend on mileage. When te car goes past 13000 the dealer performs a B service anyway.

2. Dealers will allow you to supply your own oil.

4 + 5. Make sure the dash actually needs to come out before doing so. You can get behind the dash by removing the felt panel below it.
To remove dash; remove ashtray by undoing two screws, remove storage box by releasing the clip on the upper rear edge (reach in through ashtray apature), undo screws and remove upper wood trim.
I doubt you will need to go furthe than this.

6. The roof rails can be sprayed.

7. you will need an MB approved bodyshop to paint the bonnet, otherwise you may forgo the warranty on the bonnet.

8. No manuals yet.

9. Grilles are available but you can't fit a facelift to your bonnet.

 

[OlafMaxwell]

I bought a bootliner from a company called I think Car Box. It is a one piece plastic moulding that will even hold water, fits well, looks ok and I leave it in all the time. Has sides that project up. They make them for lots of models and do mail order service.

Watch the rust issue though, it's very serious with these cars [W210].

 

[Bald-Pogle]

10. Is there an aftermarket load compartment cover so I can transport rubbish without soiling the carpet and walls?

I keep a few of the blankets that removals people use - they are big enough; flexible & can be chucked through a washing machine. They are also fairly cheap & not car specific

Bald-Pogle