Mercedes maintenance
1995 Mercedes E320 Wagon[edit]
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W124
- 3.2L I6 FI (M104.992)
- Rear wheel drive
- VIN: WDBEA92E1SF338019
- 1995 E-Class
- Fuel tank capacity:
- Est MPG (from edmunds.com): 16 city / 22 highway
- Original equipment tire size: 195/65-15
- W124.092 estate chassis
rear brake light bulbs[edit]
12-volt 21-watt 1156
The configuration of the lights in the rear tail light cluster is four bulbs arranged vertically. From top to bottom:
- brake light 12-volt 21-watt 1156 P21W
- reverse light 12-volt 21-watt 1156 P21W
- turn signal 12-volt 21-watt with offset pin 7507 P21W
- running light ??? R10W
headlight bulbs[edit]
- Sylvania type 9003
The high and low beams are contained in the same bulb. Should cost between $10 and $30 depending on brightness, life span, color temperature. The cheaper ones should last longer because they aren't burning as hot.
spark plug replacement procedure[edit]
Maintenance log[edit]
January, 2016[edit]
Heater blower regulator replaced, cowl drain cleared
July, 2015[edit]
New cabin air filters, new engine air filter
Cabin air filter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2m5oPNdFkW4
Engine air filter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlgdrhV_B-M
March 2015[edit]
Checkup, new tires, new front coil springs, new front wheel bearings, wheel alignment
Feb 2016[edit]
Car stalled while driving. Would crank, but not start. Towed to the mechanic and it started, but is running rough.
Caused by misfires on cylinders 1 and 3. No spark from coils 6 and 4. Ignition coils for cylinders 4 and 6 have failed. Spark plugs and ignition wires worn.
Installed 3 ignition coils. Installed ignition wires. Installed 6 spark plugs. $900
Oct 2017[edit]
Engine warning light comes on while we are travelling to Colorado.
Passenger side low beam burns out. Replaced a bulb. No tools required.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i3TEdL3rlc
The year is wrong and the headlight configuration looks different, but the procedure works.
Feb 2018[edit]
Front windshield wiper and rear defrost intermittently fails. When you wiggle the fusebox, it will sometimes begin to work. Replaced the aluminium fuses with copper and fixed the problem.
Here is the fusebox
Someday, we'll probably have to replace the wiring harness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kz6K1v2R13Q
July 2018 broken oil fill cap[edit]
I used some channel locks on the oil cap to loosen it and broke the plastic form. After the break, the dashboard warning light for oil level started coming on regularly, even when the oil level is fine. Ordered a new one from Rock Auto.
Dec 2018[edit]
Car is beginning to struggle to start. It feels like the battery is about to fail. Some batteries for sale on the web claim that this battery requires professional installation because it is vented. But the E320 wagon doesn't have the battery in the trunk and therefore is not vented. I think. Rock Auto shows prices ranging from $164 to $183 https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/mercedes-benz,1995,e320,3.2l+l6,1195578,electrical,battery,2476 But I still have to drop off the old battery for recycling, so I might as well buy my battery from somewhere local that will do the recycle for me.
Got a new battery at Meineke.
April 2019[edit]
Passenger side headlight goes out again. Easily replaced again. The part was in stock at a local parts store.
Left rear window no longer goes fully up and down. It partially works, but makes a scraping sound and stops before completely closing.
Buy replacement part from Rock Auto https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6335847&cc=1195578&jsn=422 for $83 It recommends using a rivet gun to make the job easier.
Replaced the window lift motor and only broke a few of the door panel clips.
It took about 8 hours to do the replacement. Thank goodness I didn't have to use a rivet gun.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/EWs85Mqrr254xpVa9
The day after, the C fuse blew and all the auto door locks stopped working. I don't think that was related. Replaced the fuse and it hasn't blown again.
May 2019[edit]
Engine tune up because power was spotty when accelerating. Replaced neutral safety switch. Replaced fuel filter. Replaced spark plugs and wires. Cleaned fuel system and injection system. Transmission serviced: replaced filter, gasket, fluid. Steam cleaned engine to locate leak. None was detected at the time. Coolant system flushed, filled, bled. New front and rear brakes/rotors/sensors. Flushed brake system. Oil change.
May 2019[edit]
Engine starts smoking.
Replaced thermostat and fixed a radiator hose leak. Now the engine temperature is more stable.
June 2019[edit]
Mileage: 181500
Rough idle, loss of power at freeway speed, stutters at city speeds.
Took to a dealer in Fort Wayne for repair.
Mechanic found 2 out of 3 ignition coils not firing properly. Replaced 2 coils at $134 each.
Asked about why they should be failing so regularly and he guessed an electrical problem that is causing them to overheat.