W210 service recommendations

[richardgill]

I have a 2001 W210 in great condition (E240 Estate Avantgarde auto petrol) with 80k and has been serviced by a fantastic independent for the past 5 years. Body work rust problems have been dealt with by Mercedes including replacement of all four doors. Vehicle runs really well and looks great and is now due for an A service. I have replaced transmission oil once before at around 50k and will do the same at this service. Have noticed recently that engaging reverse takes longer for gearbox to register and upchange and downchange on relatively low revs appears to be slightly more random than was in the past. I intend keeping this vehicle for a few more years.

Can anyone recommend additional practical and sensible service work to be undertaken at this stage? I have read on an earlier post that care needs to be taken when replacing gearbox oil ensuring volume is correct and, I seen to remember, engaging a particular gear? to ensure correct volume. Any advice on keeping the mechanics in top condition would be very welcome

 

[jberks]

Hi,
I assume that by 80k, you've had the plugs changed. I can't think of much that needs to be done pre-emptively on these cars really. I found a new set of plug leads every 3 years made a massive difference to the running of my E240, especially at idle which developed a lumpyness on ageing leads but other than that and as you say, the gearbox oil, I'd say just fix when broken really.

 

[Birdman]

sometimes the MAF causes odd problems that can affect the gearbox change points. But don't swap it out unless necessary. Your indie will advise.

Also, cold weather starts can produce oddities with the autobox change points while the engine gets to normal operating temp. Something to do with getting the catalyser heated up quickly during the rich running phase.

This is not wisdom, just personal experience...

 

[television]

In addition to Birdmans reply, you can unplug the MAF and try the car, see what happens

 

[richardgill]

Thanks jberks, Birdman and Television - I'll take your advice

 

[Aussie Nick]

I suggest you examine to see if you are suffering any coolant loss from the side of the radiator where the rubber 'o" rings join the core. The rubber o rings are prone to failure at about this time in your car's age.
Indeed one expert has commented that the use of the rubber O rings was a recipe for failure and that this would have been known to the designers.
The weeping can be subtle and is more noticeable in summer.

 

[richardgill]

Thanks Aussie Nick. I had a shunt about 2 years ago resulting in new rad, bonnet, wing and air con bits at the front so presume these 'o'rings were replaced then. No coolant loss noticed but I'll add this to the check list for the service.