Home maintenance questions

[Matt17c]

Hi there,

I recently acquired my 3rd Mercedes, a 1999 C200 Esprit. I did no work on the previous 2 cars as they were under warranty, however, this car will be home maintained.

I don't currently have a service manual - I see that Haynes do one that covers this car, but is that the best option, or is there a better work shop manual?

Also, I have a quiet low-pitched whine when underway. I suspect wheel bearings - is that a sound guess. If so, are bearing replacements an easy job on this model (I ask because I haven't got a manual yet)? And where do you guys get your parts from - any tips on where to get parts from or where to avoid?

Thanks,

Matt

 

[philharve]

I recently acquired my 3rd Mercedes, a 1999 C200 Esprit. I did no work on the previous 2 cars as they were under warranty, however, this car will be home maintained.

I don't currently have a service manual - I see that Haynes do one that covers this car, but is that the best option, or is there a better work shop manual?

Also, I have a quiet low-pitched whine when underway. I suspect wheel bearings - is that a sound guess. If so, are bearing replacements an easy job on this model (I ask because I haven't got a manual yet)? And where do you guys get your parts from - any tips on where to get parts from or where to avoid?

Hi Matt

The Haynes manual (no. 3511) does indeed cover the service & repair of your C200. To my almost certain knowledge there isn't another manual of this type available. I drive a C-class 'Kompressor' model but still rely upon the old Haynes to provide adequate descriptions of most tasks.

According to Haynes, most tasks are well within the capacity of the well-equipped home mechanic. The really difficult tasks you should leave to an indie. Beware dealers as their because their hourly labour rates are close to three figures. Independents are far cheaper, often less than half the MB hourly rate. This Forum gives details of indies in most parts of the UK.

There are several threads throughout this Forum concerning electronic manuals which are largely available through ebay. They do much the same job as Haynes but members' experiences of them is mixed. Many find they don't work.

As for car parts are concerned ... I always go to my Mercedes-Benz specialist because he is 5 miles closer than the nearest dealer. However, both will charge you the same price for parts.

The way you posed your 'parts' question suggests to me that maybe you are considering using non-genuine MB parts. Whilst they may appear to be the cheaper option in the short term, they probably won't last nearly as long.

Another possible source of parts is the specialist MB breaker. You will find details of breakers in the 'Mercedes Enthusiast' magazine. There's a least one breaker who is also member of this Forum. He should be able to furnish you with firsthand experience of this option. You will save many pounds.

As to the 'whine' you mention, I leave that to another member to diagnose. It could be many things, it all depends where it's coming from. The car is only 7yr old which makes wheel bearing wear unlikely but stranger things have happened if you read other submissions in this Forum.

REGARDS Phil

 

[television]

Is the whine there on both pulling and the over run, what speed does it start.

Malcolm

 

[Royville]

Hi Matt,
Just wondered if you ever found out what the whining was with your car as I also have a slight whine on my C180.
Regards
Roy

 

[C220GJS]

Roy,
Can you describe where the whining noise is coming from?. Please exclude wife and/or children before looking for a mechanical defect.
Sorry, I couldn't resist , if you can state the location and type of whine it may help.

Geo.

 

[Royville]

Hi Geo,
Definitely not the wife, - gagged her and the whine is still there!
Seems to be coming from the back some where and sounds like between a groan and a whine. It comes in at about 30 ish and the pitch increases slightly with speed. It’s also accompanied by a kind of roaring noise too. I also suspect there is a little free play in the prop shaft as now and then I can feel a kick when the box changes down on deceleration.
Regards
Roy.

 

[television]

The whining sounds very much like the pinion bearing in the differencial, the whine can start say at 30mph, and increase with the speed of the car, if you take your foot off the throtle, the pitch changes. You will also get a clonk when going from D to R
It will mean a rebuild or another diff from a breaker.

Malcolm

 

[C220GJS]

First check your differential oil level and top up if necessary.

Geo.

 

[Stevie A]

I agree with Geo. Have diff oil level checked and topped up. I had a whine and the diff oil was topped up and it is now much quieter. Its the same type of whine you get on a rear wheel drive bus and not worth worrying about.

 

[Templar Al]

There are 2 types of CD available from numerous sources on eBay - one type is the Service Manual (the Mitchell one is good) the other type is the 'EPC' (Electronic Parts Catalogue) which MB Dealers use in their parts department.

The Mitchell Manual covers most things in varying levels of detail, but the EPC shows exploded views of components, which is very useful.

Alan.

 

[psmart]

There are 2 types of CD available from numerous sources on eBay - one type is the Service Manual (the Mitchell one is good) the other type is the 'EPC' (Electronic Parts Catalogue) which MB Dealers use in their parts department.

The Mitchell Manual covers most things in varying levels of detail, but the EPC shows exploded views of components, which is very useful.

Alan.

Or also, look at http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb.asp which is the EPC on the web.

 

[Royville]

Hi Geo,
Is it an easy job to check the oil level in my diff? Is there a thread which explains how to do it?
This whining (or groaning) comes in at around 30mph and seems to dissapear at around 55-60mph. Could it be somthing to do with the rear breaks or discs binding?
Roy.

 

[Ron Palfrey]

The Haynes workshop manual will help you maintain your car yourself. I recommend that you get one.

The procedure is clearly explained in that manual, with a clear photograph, on page 1A-16 Section 37 headed Final drive unit oil level check.

Ron

 

[Royville]

Thanks Ron