Servicing a E300 diesel any tips?

[94.300td]

I'm just about to do a major service on my E300d estate, (w124) 1994, I have oil, coolant flush, coolant, air filter, fuel filter, oil filter and six new glowplugs, (starting on frosty mornings is a little iffy) This is the first time I've serviced it because I've just bought it.

Does anyone have any tips for doing the fuel filter? on my other cars I just whipped the old one out, put the new one in then pumped the primer bulb, but I can't see a bulb on the merc...

Also has anyone done the glowplugs on one of these? Do they come out easily or are they likely to snap off?

I love the forum guys and thoroughly appreciate your advice! I'm no novice to mechanics but this car is new to me and I want to do it properly, it took me long enough to find a diesel estate...

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Are any glowplugs dead? If so, do them before the fuel filter, easier to start it back up. Also, if they don't come out easily - leave them. Theres another thread on here about a snapped plug.

Make sure the battery is fully charged.

When doing the fuel filter, make sure the engine is up to temp first.

Fill the new fuel filter with clean diesel before you put it on.

Oil capacity is 7 litres.

Watch when you change the air filter that the collected crud doesn't fall down the pipe. Use a vacuum cleaner.



Personally, I'd leave the glow plugs alone - let an indie do it.

 

[Bolide]

Servicing

You want to do the fuel pre-filter as well. The fuel system will start leaking when you disturb it so get some O-rings from the dealer & replace all the O-rings in the clear pipework

If the car's new to you I'd also do the gearbox fluid & filter, have the front balljoints checked very carefully (actually I'd replace them, they're only £12 each from Mercedes), replace the front outer anti-roll bar bushes and check the front pads while the wheels are off. I'd also suggest getting the tracking set. Brake fluid should be changed every 2 years so have that done too

The rear sidelight bulbs darken with age and the car becomes invisible compared with newer cars with brighter lights. So replace those bulbs but make sure you use the correct wattage. Then I'd pull the covers off the headlights (it's a headlight-out job) and very carefully polish the reflectors & clean the glass

Then I'd lubricate the door hinges & checkstraps, bonnet & tailgate hinges, clean the electric aerial mast and replace both wipers

Job done!


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[PRS]

Nick, Where is the pre filter located ??

 

[Bolide]

Pre-filter

Nick, Where is the pre filter located ??

It's to the left of, and in the same housing as, the main filter and is held down by a bolt. It's a kind of strainer about 2" long and 1/2" diameter. It's to catch the big bits of crud that come up from the tank

None of these bits cost real money so you might as well replace them as inspect them


Nick Froome
www.124.co.uk

 

[PRS]

Thanks Nick!

 

[94.300td]

WOW thanks for all the advice guys, I changed the oil, filter, flushed the cooling system, replaced the coolant, changed the diesel filter, air filter, lubricated the door hinges and check straps, cleaned and lubricated the electric radio ariel this morning.

Then I got snowed off so the rest can wait untill a warmer day!

I am sure the car drives a little smoother now or is it my imagination...

 

[Parrot of Doom]

Keep an eye on the pipes around the fuel filter, watch out for air bubbles.

 

[Ednamillion]

You want to do the fuel pre-filter as well. The fuel system will start leaking when you disturb it so get some O-rings from the dealer & replace all the O-rings in the clear pipework

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

Hi Nick,

Don't mean to be a pain but regarding the seals for the clear pipework could you indicate on the detali shot which ones you are referring to? I'm looking to carry out a service and I want to make sure I spell everything out nice and clearly for my local dealer when it comes to the parts I need....These (dark) days it's proving difficult for me to check the detali shots against the actual engine bay in daylight.

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.as...GM=717.433&CT=M&cat=19T&SID=07&SGR=120&SGN=04

Edna'...