Gaps in service CLK 320 service history

[Silverbluemachine]

I have recently purchased an 05 CLK 320 coupe 55,000 miles with a 'full service history'. Last non-merc service at 52,600 engine oil and filter Aug 2022. (air cleaner elements and polybelt replaced)

However looking at the service book and reciepts I have found a few jobs have been missed over the years.

I can't afford to get them all done at once so need to prioritise work with help from this forum and weatlh of experience! Car runs superbly.

Quotes from local indie.

1) Spark Plugs last replaced 2011 @ 11,000 miles (quoted £378)

2) Brake fluid last changed in 2017. (quoted £90)

3) Coolant has never been changed (quoted £120)

4) Auto trans oil and filter have never been changed (quoted £220)

5) Fuel filter replaced 2009 @ 9675 miles (quoted £139)

6) Minor top end oil leak from rocker or breather housings (not quoted for yet)

TIA
Rich.

 

[W1ghty]

I have recently purchased an 05 CLK 320 coupe 55,000 miles with a 'full service history'. Last non-merc service at 52,600 engine oil and filter Aug 2022. (air cleaner elements and polybelt replaced)

However looking at the service book and reciepts I have found a few jobs have been missed over the years.

I can't afford to get them all done at once so need to prioritise work with help from this forum and weatlh of experience! Car runs superbly.

Quotes from local indie.

1) Spark Plugs last replaced 2011 @ 11,000 miles (quoted £378)

2) Brake fluid last changed in 2017. (quoted £90)

3) Coolant has never been changed (quoted £120)

4) Auto trans oil and filter have never been changed (quoted £220)

5) Fuel filter replaced 2009 @ 9675 miles (quoted £139)

6) Minor top end oil leak from rocker or breather housings (not quoted for yet)

TIA
Rich.

Is this an MB specialist or an independent garage buddy ?
Are you capable of doing any of these jobs yourself ? I’m thinking spark plugs

 

[Silverbluemachine]

Is this an MB specialist or an independent garage buddy ?
Are you capable of doing any of these jobs yourself ? I’m thinking spark plugs

Hi W1ghty
These are recent quotes from Merc specialists.
I wouldn't do any of these jobs my self so interested in what priority I should do them so I can spread the cost over a year or so. Car will only be doing 5~6k miles per year.

 

[W1ghty]

Brake fluid
Gearbox service
coolant
fuel filter
spark plugs or oil leak
That’s my order (prepare for 20 different ones )

 

[markjay]

Brake fluid
Gearbox service
coolant
fuel filter
spark plugs or oil leak
That’s my order (prepare for 20 different ones )

Agreed, actually.....

 

[W1ghty]

Have a word with your Indy at some point to see if he wants you to spray some penetrating fluid into the spark plug wells a couple of times before you get them changed .

 

[tonysmb]

I was about to ask diesel or petrol until I re-read 'spark plugs' .

I also agree with W1ghty's suggestion, however, as that period's coolant was originally specified for a 15-year life, I *might* be tempted to swap fuel filter and coolant around, though some of the petrol fuel filters were also listed for 15-year changes. Either way, you have a good guide now.

 

[DSM10000]

The quote for spark plugs arena high,even with 12 plugs @ circa £10 each.

MB Newcastle are selling MB branded ones for £131.47 for 12

I was quoted £180 by Mercedes for my 320 admittedly 7 years ago.

 

[AndrewOl]

Assuming that the car is running ok I would start with the oil leak and then go with @W1ghty list. That’s one down 19 to go!

 

[DSM10000]

I agree that if it is running well then push the spark plug replacement back a month or two.

The oil leak, even if minor may leak into other components and cause damage. As for preventative maintenance and the gearbox fluid and filter change along with a new electrical plug (sometimes known as a Pilot Bush) is worth doing.

They often leak from the connector and fluid can track into the electronic control unit and cause damage to the

The good news is that the 5 speed gearbox is very robust, as is the M112 engine but having fresh fluid and filter will help keep an expensive component in good order to

 

[Silverbluemachine]

Thanks guys, as advised I think I will go with the Brake, Gearbox and Coolant fluid changes first and soon since the car is 18 yrs old. Then will get the fuel filter done at the time of autumn service. Spark plugs and minor oil leaks some time in between. many thanks for your advice.

 

[Silverbluemachine]

So I decided to bite the bullet and for piece of mind had all jobs done by my Merc Indy apart from the coolant change. He said that the original coolant is no longer available and was not wanting to change it until he could find out more plus the water pump bearings are ok. Due to time restraints he said he would do a full coolant flush in autumn combined with the 12 month service/mot when he will know/find out what coolant is suitable. I am surprised that a replacement coolant is not readily available at an auto supplier. But not willing to question his knowledge as he's a big bloke with good prices and lots of older car knowledge!! (Different indie to the prices quoted above, total work just shy of a grand with vat)

Anyone know the story on coolant??

 

[Skd884]

This is the correct one for your car blue coolant and your indie prices in your first post are expensive for a indy.

Shop

Your Mercedes van or Mercedes truck needs Mercedes genuine parts! Euro Commercials has everything in stock - for collection or delivery. Service & Parts centres across South Wales Drop in any weekday from 6am – 10pm, or call 02920 310390

www.euro-commercials.co.uk

 

[Kudly]

So I decided to bite the bullet and for piece of mind had all jobs done by my Merc Indy apart from the coolant change. He said that the original coolant is no longer available and was not wanting to change it until he could find out more plus the water pump bearings are ok. Due to time restraints he said he would do a full coolant flush in autumn combined with the 12 month service/mot when he will know/find out what coolant is suitable. I am surprised that a replacement coolant is not readily available at an auto supplier. But not willing to question his knowledge as he's a big bloke with good prices and lots of older car knowledge!! (Different indie to the prices quoted above, total work just shy of a grand with vat)

Anyone know the story on coolant??

In the same situation myself, new (to me) CLK 3 weeks ago. Just about ready to get quotes after doing as much as I can myself. I always buy used and put aside a grand or two for big service plus any repairs.
Service histories on used cars are reliable during new warranty period and after that they can seem sketchy but absence of stamps in service may just mean they forgot to get it stamped.
Eminently sensible though to get as much done as poss to make sure it's back on maintenance track.
Good to hear you had everything done at a more reasonable cost - that initial quote did seem rather high.

 

[Silverbluemachine]

Thanks for the info. Yes the cost of the spark plug change put me off that particular Indie. (I approached 4 of them and 1 wanted over £400 for plugs change!!) The one I used in the end charged £180 for plugs change.
So I got it all the work done plus 4 x brake hoses (but not the coolant yet) for close to a grand inc vat. Thought that was ok as the car is totally immaculate, one family owned from new (father then son).
I have all receipts from work done to her and the original receipt of purchase! I think the bundle of receipts holds as much if not more value than the service book for accuracy. Gear changes are super smooth now not that they were bad before, but better.

 

[Kudly]

Thanks for the info. Yes the cost of the spark plug change put me off that particular Indie. (I approached 4 of them and 1 wanted over £400 for plugs change!!) The one I used in the end charged £180 for plugs change.
So I got it all the work done plus 4 x brake hoses (but not the coolant yet) for close to a grand inc vat. Thought that was ok as the car is totally immaculate, one family owned from new (father then son).
I have all receipts from work done to her and the original receipt of purchase! I think the bundle of receipts holds as much if not more value than the service book for accuracy. Gear changes are super smooth now not that they were bad before, but better.

Think you've done very well, a good purchase!

 

[JoolsB]

I totally get that some people don’t want to get involved in maintenance but it’s probably worth looking into a few basics. I recently acquired an older CLK and changed all the fluids, filters and brakes when I got it, I was impressed how well designed and easy to work on these cars are ( I also have a defender and a rangey so am well used to terrible design).
Honestly, with a few basic tools you could do the plugs, air and cabin filters and an oil change in a few hours and it would save you some cash for the big ticket items you don’t fancy tackling - well that’s my philosophy anyway.
enjoy the car, I love mine.