High Mileage W202

[Wezzel]

My 1999 220cdi sport auto runs like a dream but has just gone past the 200k mile marker.

As I do not have a service book with the car, is there anything I should be looking at doing over and above the normal service items now it has reached this mileage?

I have had a couple of gearbox oil changes recently and regularly change the antifreeze and brake fluid but I was wondering about things like cam chains and diff oil. I don't want to look for things to spend money on but, will do if there is something that may prevent big bills later.

 

[Smiley]

the diff oil is well worth doing and often gets overlooked - and is not expensive - check for leaks there at the same time - the seal on the front can go. Also the auto gbox fluid and filter is worth changing regularly.
The cam chain is a big job to replace and unless rattling is best left alone - look after it with regular frequent oil changes.
As the mileage ratchets up more frequent oil changes will help - most older higher mileage cars tend to get less frequent attention - I suppose as the owners lose interest?

 

[Wezzel]

Thanks Smiley,

The chain seems fairly quiet at the moment so I will monitor it and make sure the oil is kept in good nick.

The autobox went to a high mileage without a change so I have had the oil and filter changed twice over the last 2 years.

I will book the car in to my local indy to get the diff oil changed.

 

[Smiley]

You're welcome.
I doubt you will ever have to replace the cam chain if you keep looking after it with regular oil changes.

 

[Will]

Diff oil is pretty easy to replace yourself, or at any garage - not really a specialist job IMO - just undo two 17mm bolts - one at the top, one at the bottom.

Best to remove the top one first in case you drain it with the bottom one and then can't remove it to re-fill

It helps if the diff is warm after a longish journey as the oil is pretty thick so it'll drain better.

Will

 

[Smiley]

Best to remove the top one first in case you drain it with the bottom one and then can't remove it to re-fill

thats a really good tip to remember!
Similarly before putting flushing oil in your engine make sure the drain plug undoes - I speak from practical experience!

 

[Will]

They're hex-drive bolts on the W202 (allen key bolts), so you'll need a decent 17mm allen-hex socket and breaker bar (ideally something like a 2ft bar - the bolts are usually VERY tight!)

Will

 

[Crazyjester900]

a coolant flush is always a good idea

 

[MarkyB-W202]

My 2000 220cdi had over 240,000 miles on it when I bought it in March (didn't say that on the speedo )
I managed to contact the original owners and found it had been properly serviced while they had it.
I've put another 5500 since then.
The engine is fine and doesn't use any oil or make any untoward noises except the starter motor which is noticeably noisier than my previous 175,000 mile 220.
Now I've got over the fact I paid too much for it and I'd have to pay even more to get the honest mileage put on it I'm happy that it will do plenty more miles if it continues to get regularly serviced.
Thanks for the info on the diff oil, I'll get that done next service.

 

[niva441]

The only unusual item my C250 needed up to 217k was replacing the engine cooling fan as the viscous coupling wasn't as strong as it used to be. The problem gave plenty of warning, just running a mite warm in hot weather traffic jams.