I think I posted that I picked up a 20 year old MB e430 a few weeks back. 90k miles. I'm starting to do some maintenance that I assume needs done. I"m wondering about what is just me guessing needs done, and what really needs done.

I know brake fluid should be done. And engine and tranny fluid and filters.

Assuming (safe assumption) that this stuff has not yet been done -- Should I change the power steering fluid and coolant? Are the shocks surely shot? Springs? Rear differential fluid?

I'm just wondering if age really doesn't matter to some of that, or if milage is perhaps really the factor, and 90k isn't that bad.

quote:

Assuming (safe assumption) that this stuff has not yet been done -- Should I change the power steering fluid and coolant? Are the shocks surely shot? Springs? Rear differential fluid?

I agree with the fluid changes, but the shocks and springs (if they are conventional shocks and coil springs, not air), not necessarily. Like keeping your firearm magazines loaded, the wear comes from cycling, not just sitting around. Evaluate them on their own merits.

Drop fuel tank and boil, clean or r&r fuel lines add new filter in addition to what you mentioned earlier.

Has it just been sitting, or has it been driven some.


I would do ALL fluids, spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter, accessory belts, check to see how dry the bushings are.
Get it running drive it for a bit in as many different conditions as possible to see what noises are made and how the ride is.
Then go from there.

If been sitting drain fuel for sure.

I usually do every fluid, diff, trans, coolant etc. I also change all filters including fuel. If it’s been sitting then cleaning out the fuel system from tank to engine is a good idea and expect some corrosion to the brake system from absorbing water. I’d check the battery too.

I think it's been driven every summer for about 6k to 7k miles. Then put away when the weather gets bad. Which around here, is 6 to 8 months a year. Sigh.... I hate to even think that winter is coming back again. hehe

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
I think it's been driven every summer for about 6k to 7k miles. Then put away when the weather gets bad. Which around here, is 6 to 8 months a year. Sigh.... I hate to even think that winter is coming back again. hehe

So I am presuming it runs somewhat decently?

I would not worry about dropping the tank then.
I would run a bottle of Chevron Techron in the tank with some Shell VPower 93 Octane gas to clean the system out. Then change the fuel filter and spark plugs.

How old are the tires??

Do you have a factory service manual for it? After the obvious stuff - fluids, brakes and the likes I would consult the FSM for maintenance intervals on items and go from there.

My usual routine for all used cars would also include changing all hoses and belts. Even the little stupid short ones, they will bite you every time when you least expect it.

Probably need timing belt and water pump done.

quote:

Originally posted by Wishbone:
Probably need timing belt and water pump done.

I don’t think there have been very many MBs with timing belts.
The E430 uses a chain set up for sure.

Good initial recommendations above. After those, I'd start planning to replace every rubber item on the car, starting with most critical like bushings, seals, etc.

Actually, while doing the brakes I would most definitely replace the hoses at caliper, and if reasonably easy any rubber ones in route from MC. And definitely bleed the crap that's almost certainly in those lines.

Don't forget wiper blades. If they self destruct in a rain you'd sure hate to scratch the windshield up.

Check the use by date on your tires. I sold a Bronco much like your MB, the tires all failed in a couple months.

If it's been on the road in a winter salt zone, better check brake and fuel lines. They tend to fail when good and corroded.

90K Recommended MB Maintanice

I'd probably skip that and go right to the 100K service.

100K Service

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
I think it's been driven every summer for about 6k to 7k miles. Then put away when the weather gets bad. Which around here, is 6 to 8 months a year. Sigh.... I hate to even think that winter is coming back again. hehe

So I am presuming it runs somewhat decently?

I would not worry about dropping the tank then.
I would run a bottle of Chevron Techron in the tank with some Shell VPower 93 Octane gas to clean the system out. Then change the fuel filter and spark plugs.

How old are the tires??

Seems to run fine.
Tires are shot. I'm going to ask the dealer to assess the bushing et. If no major problem, I'll get new tires (elsewhere of course) and have it aligned.

quote:

Originally posted by duke762:
If it's been on the road in a winter salt zone, better check brake and fuel lines. They tend to fail when good and corroded.

The claim is that it's never seen a snowflake. I believe them.

quote:

Originally posted by MattW:
Do you have a factory service manual for it? After the obvious stuff - fluids, brakes and the likes I would consult the FSM for maintenance intervals on items and go from there.

They seem to be unobtainable. I guess they charge you access to the service information. The days of manuals or CDs are over. But there seems to be plenty of good info on the net. YouTube etc.

If you're going to take it to the dealer ask them to run a service report on the car. If the maintenance was done at any MB dealer it willl show up on the report and you can go from there.
The suggestions from others seem to be spot on as well.

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:

quote:

Originally posted by r0gue:
I think it's been driven every summer for about 6k to 7k miles. Then put away when the weather gets bad. Which around here, is 6 to 8 months a year. Sigh.... I hate to even think that winter is coming back again. hehe

So I am presuming it runs somewhat decently?

I would not worry about dropping the tank then.
I would run a bottle of Chevron Techron in the tank with some Shell VPower 93 Octane gas to clean the system out. Then change the fuel filter and spark plugs.

How old are the tires??

Seems to run fine.
Tires are shot. I'm going to ask the dealer to assess the bushing et. If no major problem, I'll get new tires (elsewhere of course) and have it aligned.

You said 20 years old so I am presuming it is a 1998??
Also does it have the Sport Package??
Either way the Continental ExtremeContact DWS would be a very nice not too terribly expensive tire for that car in either the 16” or 17” if it has the sport package.

Also EBay is your friend for service/repair manuals these days.
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0...2Fitm%2F282959588290

Also check your local library if they have online repair manual options.