Mercedes-Benz maintenance question

[Falcon_LS]

Vehicle in question is an '05 ML500, due for a 60,000 km (~40,000 mile) service. Put a list together, and was wondering if anybody had any further recommendation I could add:

• Replace Air Filter
• Replace Cabin Air Filter
• Replace Fuel Filter
• Replace Brake Fluid
• Replace Transmission Fluid
• Replace Differential Fluid
• Replace Transfer Case Fluid
• Replace Power Steering Fluid
• Replace Brake Pads (still on factory pads)
• Clean Throttle Body
• Disassemble and Repack Front Wheel Bearings

Also, seeing there's no dipstick, I assume you will need a T-Tech machine to flush the transmission? If anybody has any recommendations on lubricants, I would muchly appreciate it. Thank you.

 

[wavinwayne]

Replace Palm-Tree scented air freshener hanging from rear view mirror.

j/k.....Looks like you've pretty well got it covered. I assume you'll be using M-B OEM transmission fluid?

 

[mechtech2]

Change the engine oil and filter!
Fill your spare tire.

Lube all the locks and hinges. Use a spray gun oil to get inside the parts, not some thick stuff that simply lies on the outside.

Treat the rubber door seals, interior, etc. with a protectant so the UV from the sun won't deteriorate them.

 

[bruno]

First seven items are sensible
Power steering fluid is seldom changed
Brake pads are replaced according to inspection not time
Throttle body - is the car running well with no increase in fuel consumption ? If so leave it alone
Wheel bearings - rarely need service

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks you for the suggestions! Engine oil and filter's already been done, with Mobil 1 0W-40 and an OEM filter, which is why it is off the list. All tires pressures are checked every fill up, so that's why that was off as well.

Originally Posted By: wavinwayne
Looks like you've pretty well got it covered. I assume you'll be using M-B OEM transmission fluid?


Yup, ATF will be OEM MB fluid.

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
Treat the rubber door seals, interior, etc. with a protectant so the UV from the sun won't deteriorate them.

Treat the rubber door seals, interior, etc. with a protectant so the UV from the sun won't deteriorate them.


I use Meguiar's NXT Interior Protectant for this every time the vehicle is detailed. It contains UV protectant, so I assume this is good enough?

Also, I usually lubricate the hinges with WD-40, but some recommend motor oil. Which is a better choice?

Originally Posted By: bruno
Power steering fluid is seldom changed
Brake pads are replaced according to inspection not time


Pads are nearing 20%, so their time has pretty much come. PSF contains Auto-Rx, so it needs to be flushed out.

Does anybody have any suggestions for any other lubricants?

 

[SZR48207]

Originally Posted By: bruno
Wheel bearings - rarely need service


Yes, rarely need service, but only if you make it a priority to keep them packed with fresh grease.

 

[tasman]

When does Mercedes recommend replacing coolant? If you can get a hold of some BG44K would be a good idea instead of cleaning throttle body. Also call dealer and make sure they stock window switch, because you will be needing one before long

. Cabin air filter in Kuwait should be changed weekly

 

[Falcon_LS]

Coolant doesn't seem to need replacement until the 100,000 km mark. Do you reckon it would be worth changing it early? Also, I was considering MMO through the fuel tank...not sure BG 44K is available here.

 

[tasman]

I would not use WD-40 on anything unless you were using it as a cleaner. I would use white lithium grease or better yet Schaeffer's lube on the hinges

 

[Falcon_LS]

WL grease it is, thanks!

Schaeffer's isn't available here, sadly.

 

[tasman]

Oil attracts dirt and will run off.

 

[sprintman]

Well I'm only a [censored] BMW owner but I'd change the coolant after replacing the top radiator hose if not changed already? If it was an E46 BMW the list would be much longer.

 

[Benzadmiral]

If you're going to siphon out the power steering fluid and replace it with the OEM MB fluid, be prepared. You'll think a skunk has gotten loose in your engine compartment. Stuff smells like stale garlic pretzels dissolved in male cat spray.

You might also want to lube the sunroof. UncleRunkle has a thread on it in this forum, though there may be things specific to MB sunroofs that they don't discuss.

 

[nthach]

Mercedes uses a soap-based sunroof grease that is quite expensive - I'd ask one of the techs at the local dealership to give you a bit.

 

[mechtech2]

We always changed the PS fluid and filter at MB when it was in for this type of service.

 

[PandaBear]

Quote:

# Replace Brake Pads (still on factory pads)
# Clean Throttle Body
# Disassemble and Repack Front Wheel Bearings


Why? No need to replace brake pads unless it is worn. Wheel bearing? it is not a maintenance on an 05 is it? T-Body cleaning may be, but I wouldn't do it just for the sake of it unless it is running rough.

 

[Jim 5]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS
Coolant doesn't seem to need replacement until the 100,000 km mark. Do you reckon it would be worth changing it early? Also, I was considering MMO through the fuel tank...not sure BG 44K is available here.


I'd stick with Chevron Techron or Redline SI-1. Those are effective products for injectors and cleaning carbon off valves.

 

[tdaft]

The 722.6/ 5 speed transmission is filled with a special transmission fluid and is considered to be "filled for life", the
722.9/ 7 speed is not but at 40,000 miles I would leave it alone.

 

[Kestas]

Didn't Mercedes revise their recommendation for transmission service intervals? I believe they went from "filled for life" to "change at 30K, then good for life".

The idea was to get the break-in debris out of there, then the next charge was good for a lot longer than the original could have been.

Concensus from the DIY crowd is for the change interval to be no longer than 50K to 80K.

 

[itb76]

The transmission fluid in my W163 ('98 ML320) is not recommended to be replaced, but when it started shifting badly at 114K I replaced it. 80-100K change intervals seem reasonable to me. The OEM transmission fluid is required.

There is a dipstick tube but no dipstick on my W163; is your W164 the same? The dipstick for mine is available as a tool.

Wheel bearings are sealed and not serviceable. I have never needed to clean my throttle body. Replace brake fluid every two years regardless of mileage. I have 189K miles on my W163, going for 300K!