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W211 Service C

Another question for those keen on motoring DIY, when working under the car, for example draining the oil, how do you go about it? Do you just slide under, with the car on the ground, jack it up on some trolley jacks, use ramps, or some other method? I'm just wondering what the best home solution is, especially as I'm not exactly small! ;) :D

Buy a set of ramps, something like these. You'll need to plan to use them several times to get your monies worth...

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You can get the older style metal welded ramps for less than half the price of the Sealy CAR3000C plastic ramps but I'm not a fan, it only takes a weak weld.

Then you need to make sure you've got the right tools. The oil filter lid removal tool really helps, as does a proper set of Clic-R pliers for the fuel filter hose clips. After that you're looking at a socket set and Torx screwdrivers.

Search for 'Mercedes W211 service' on Youtube, there are lots of really helpful video's showing you what to do.

For a first DIY service you should be aiming to do:

Oil and oil filter + sump plug or sump plug washer
Cabin / pollen filter
Air filter
Fuel filter

Take a look on eBay, Mercedes of Newcastle have created several genuine 'service kits' which include everything you need above including the oil.

You can check brake pad thickness and disc condition, plus lights and wipers, windscreen washer fluid, coolant levels etc. yourself.

Transmission oil, rear diff oil and brake fluid are better left to the professionals unless you're feeling brave.
 
Just a reminder that services A, B, and C include a long list of checks. Simply replacing the engine oil and filter DIY is not a 'service'.... the Service Booklet has the full list of checks that need to be carried-out during each type of service. For those without previous DIY experience, the Haynes manual will explain how the checks should be carried-out and what to look for.
 
I get the MB dealer do the service, then fix anything they pick up myself. The car has done just over 225,000 miles and I’ve changed brake pads, discs, wheel bearings, ball joints, injector seals, radiator, fixed the air suspension compressor and various other things. I think they are really easy cars to work on. I use a 3t trolly jack, axle stands and some hydraulic ramps to get underneath it. So far the only thing I didn’t do myself was changing one of the rear drive shaft boots, as that involves taking most of the rear suspension part to get the drive shaft out.
 
You're right, don't forget to lubricate the door hinges :)
Or check the condition of the tyres, the discs and pads, the brake pipes, the serpentine belt, the coolant level, the PAS reservoir level, the brake fluid level, the transmission oil level, the diff oil level, check for leaks in the engine bay and under the car, the list goes on...... of course you can choose to ignore all of the above and just wait for the warning light to come up on the dash or for bits to fall of the car.
 
You perhaps didn't read my earlier post in full, a lot of those items I listed.
 

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