W124 220 coupe - a few general questions!

[d215yq]

Hi all,

Just bought my first Mercedes - a w124 1996 e220 coupe auto (125k miles) and as my previous car was very different (a 1.4 Rover) I have a few (probably stupid) questions regarding the car.

1) I've not had an auto before but at low speeds in 4th gear the torque converter seems quite "loose" and engine revs increase from 1200 to 1600 without barely any change in speed of the car. Also on the motorway I still can't get more than 33mpg - Is this likely to mean the gearbox fluid needs changing or something more serious? (it was last changed 4 years ago at 100k miles).

2) once warm the temperature gauge fluctuates between 80 and 90 degrees depending on speed. The radiator looks OK but on previous cars the temperature gauge has always remained constant so is this normal?

(Also when the temperature gauge rises to 90 and the car is stopped the oil pressure gauge can dip to 2 instead of 3).

3) brake pedal sometimes feels spongy and if it is pumped quickly it becomes firmer. The car always stops very quickly and passed the MOT and the hydraulic system was checked - could this be solved by a brake fluid change or is somethign else likely to be wrong

4) the front windows sometimes judder a bit as they go up and down. As the coupe is pillarless which bits should i silicon grease to ease their operation?


If you have any DIY suggestions as to what to do regarding any of these I'd be grateful. I've just had it serviced and MOT'd and none of this was picked up so please tell me if I am just worrying about nothing!

Thanks,

Ben

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Auto box, do a fluid and filter change on the box if the you have no record of it being done, as this will make the world of difference, then post back if you still have problems.
Brakes, I personally don,t think you have a problem as my W202 C230K does the same thing regarding the pedal "firmness", but if you have not had the fluid changed or have no record of it being changed, change it. As brake fluid is Hygroscopic and absorbs water manufacturers recommend a fluid change every 2 years or so. I change mine every time I touch the brakes on my cars.
I leave the brake fluid standing for 24 hours, after buying it and pour very slowly into the reservoir to avoid air bubbles.
Oil pressure getting lower at higher temperatures is quite normal as the oil gets thinner as it gets hotter.
Regarding the temperature I personally think this is normal as my C230k does similar. But other members more familiar with the w124 could advise you better if I am wrong.
Hope this has been of some help.

 

[d215yq]

Cheers, wasnt expecting a reply so soon!

In terms of service records, the car had a full 120k mile service at 122k miles just before I bought it - it cost 500 though this included replacement of part of the exhaust system - the actual work done isnt listed out so Im unsure if this would have included brake fluid or transmission fluid.

How much is each of these and will a local garage be OK, or should it only be done at a specialist/dealer. Also no record of cam chain replacement - does this need to be replaced like a cambelt?

Cheers,

Ben

 

[bigasotonuk]

Hi,
Though I,m no expert, the cam chain should,nt cause any problems at that mileage, though I believe hydraulic tensioners can cause problems.
Where in the country are you, maybe someone can recommend a Mercedes Indy local to you, as regarding the transmission fluid is concerned I would,nt trust this to just any garage.