'96 C180 Service

[turbominor]

Went up to see my local stealership today to ask what needs doing at 81,000 mile service and best I could get was 'well its complicated'

Far as I can see I need to

1) Change engine oil and filter.
2) Change Plugs and air filter
3) Drain autobox and torque converter, then change oil filter

Plugged my Bosch KTS in to the diagnostic socket and got a sporadic temp sensor error (plug now pushed on!), but nothing else listed

What engine oil would you recomend for a C180?

What gearbox oil should I use ( 4Speed Auto with Econ and Standard switch)

anything else i should be doing at 81k

 

[Will]

Off the top of my head, maybe pollen filter, fuel filter, inspect/replace the poly 'V' belt (fan belt), replace coolant (I would use proper MB coolant and de-ionised water), replace brake fluid, replace diff oil (you'll need a 14mm hex/allen socket and a strong arm/good leverage), check steering damper (10 minute job to replace and not too expensive to buy), and other general checks (eg, brake pads thickness/disc condition, tyres, suspension (front ball joints!), look for leaks (engine oil, coolant/PAS/gearbox) etc. Obviously if you know what has been replaced previously, and when, it will help you decide on whether all of these need looking at?

If your car has A/C I would recommend cleaning behind the cooling fans as they tend to collect a lot of dead flies/leaves/other muck in this area which can lead to failure.

Maybe clean/lubricate the door hinges/locks (boot lid locks sieze up! )
Check condition of battery, top up level with distilled water
Check lights

Regarding the oil type, I would use the best that you can afford/justify, probably a decent synthetic oil that meets the spec listed in your owner's manual.

Autobox fluid - I *think* you can use a compatible fluid on the 4-spd boxes, although for later (5 spd) boxes you must use the proper MB fluid, if in doubt, buy the correct stuff from the dealers.

I've probably forgotton a load of stuff, but that should get you off to a good start

Good Luck

Will

 

[Copiertech]

probably a good time to have a crawl under it with a torch and look for any areas where the underseal has been damaged and touch it up as well.

 

[philharve]

Off the top of my head, maybe pollen filter, fuel filter, inspect/replace the poly 'V' belt (fan belt), replace coolant (I would use proper MB coolant and de-ionised water), replace brake fluid, replace diff oil (you'll need a 14mm hex/allen socket and a strong arm/good leverage), check steering damper (10 minute job to replace and not too expensive to buy), and other general checks (eg, brake pads thickness/disc condition, tyres, suspension (front ball joints!), look for leaks (engine oil, coolant/PAS/gearbox) etc. Obviously if you know what has been replaced previously, and when, it will help you decide on whether all of these need looking at?

If your car has A/C I would recommend cleaning behind the cooling fans as they tend to collect a lot of dead flies/leaves/other muck in this area which can lead to failure.

Maybe clean/lubricate the door hinges/locks (boot lid locks sieze up! )
Check condition of battery, top up level with distilled water
Check lights

Regarding the oil type, I would use the best that you can afford/justify, probably a decent synthetic oil that meets the spec listed in your owner's manual.

Autobox fluid - I *think* you can use a compatible fluid on the 4-spd boxes, although for later (5 spd) boxes you must use the proper MB fluid, if in doubt, buy the correct stuff from the dealers.

I've probably forgotton a load of stuff, but that should get you off to a good start.

Hi Will

How much is all this going to cost? Don't M-B dealerships have 'fixed price servicing'? What if there is very little to do? Do you still have to pay the fixed price?

REGARDS Phil

 

[bagman1971]

Hi
at the stealership they do a A service which is the major maintenance service(loads of money) or a B service which is the lubrication service. Depends on your log book as to which one you require. I am a Marine Engineer and do all the servicing/repairs on my w202 c230k 1997 as i cannot justify 200 odd pound to change the oil filter and top up windscreen wash.
Hope this helps!!!!!

 

[glojo]

Do you know the full service history of your car?

Will has provided an excellent starter list, if you intend keeping the vehicle then short term punishment (the service) will result in long term gain.

Finding a good independant garage might be a cheaper alternative to a main dealer? Paying peanuts for a quick oil and maybe a filter change might not be.

Good luck with your decision,
John

 

[BTB 500]

Some main dealers give hefty discounts on older cars e.g. I get 40% off labour and 10% off parts, which brings it down to indi level. Ask if your local one operates a similar scheme, nothing to lose ...