Main Inspection Performed on Time?

I tried clearing this code using OBD II, but to no avail. No DTC's were listed (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) I then found a post on mbworld.org that helped. When you do a service, it is imperative that you clear each "additional item" in the sevice menu individually. When you go to clear the general inspection it asks for a month and year. I originally thought that this meant the time from today, the day of service, but it refers to a DATE, e.g. month: 2, year: 09 refers to February of 2009. See previous posts for service interval dates. If you don't clear these additional items, your service interval will be sooner than it needs to be, e.g. 10,000 miles instead of 13,000 miles in my case.

FSS Mischief

Well, I reset the FSS system. It now reads 10,000 miles until Service C, but now I have a message, "Main Inspection Performed on Time?" I suspect that, since this is in the error message department, I will need to use the OBD II system to clear the code. I'll get back to you on this one...

Cabin Air/Pollen Filter

The cabin air filter for my car (yours may be different) is manufactured by MicronAir for Mercedes. It is a paper filter with activated charcoal. I ordered mine from AutoHaus Arizona as eGermanparts did not stock the Micronair Filter. You can also order directly from MicronAir.

The filter is on the passenger's side, right next to the cowl. The black plastic filter holder is secured by one 10mm plastic nut. The rest is rather intuitive.

Time for an Oil Change

42 mpg from Ann Arbor to St. Paul. :) I'm home! Time for an oil change. Amsoil makes a European synthetic motor oil that meets the Mercedes-Benz 229.1, 229.3, 229.5, and 229.51 specifications. Capacity w/filter is 6.87 qts. or 6.5 l. Buy 8 quarts. You will need filter number HU 721/2 x from MANN. I have heard some mention about tilting the motor forward before starting the vehicle to prevent oil starvation. As of today, there is no TSB related to this issue.
You can become an AMSOIL "preferred customer" and save $$. My membership paid for itself after my first purchase of 8 qts.

You can do an oil change without jacking the car up. It's very easy. The plastic "belly" of the Benz come in three parts. The first is right under the bumper. Leave this one alone. The second and third are the ones you want to remove to change the oil. They are held on by 8mm hex head bolts with large integral washers.

The drain plug faces toward the passenger's side of the car and is a 13mm hex. (see picture at right. It has a box wrench hanging from it.) Mine was on VERY tight. I had to use a "cheater" bar for more torque. Don't worry about mucking up the threads as their is spproximately 1.5 in. of thread on the drain plug!

You should use a new copper sealing washer. If you don't have one at hand, you can reuse copper washers if you heat them to RED hot in a propane torch. Do not do this on cement heating cement this hot will explode and shoot bits of grit into your eyes. Use a pliers. Ask me how I know :)

I used a standard small size oil filter wrench to remove the oil filter. This might slip on the plastic. You can buy the tool from MB as well.

I needed exactly 7 qts. of oil. Your oil filter will hold some of this. First fill the engine without starting it to its recommended level. Then start it and let it run for a few seconds. This fills the filter. You will then have to wait a ridiculous amount of time before the car will let you measure the oil level again. You might have to add a half a quart at this point. DO NOT OVERFILL. Removing extra oil is a huge PITA.

Clear your service codes per the previously listed PDF's

Congratulations! you're done! Go have a beer.

Chautauqua

I am in Chautauqua, NY where cars are not allowed (except for unloading your luggage) so I am happy not to be driving for a while.

Saratoga to Cooperstown

35 mpg. on a combination of highway and rural winding roads. I get most of my parts from egermanparts.com

This is because they are a front for Worldpak, a HUGE distributor for auto shops. Their prices are excellent and, from my experience, their service is top notch. FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS OVER $75!

• Air filter $24
• Wiper Blades $28
• F Brake Pad set $66-$110
• R Brake Pad set $84-$90
• F Brake disc $64-$90
• R Brake disc $47
• R Brake pad sensor $8
• Combination filter $13
• Oil drain plug gasket $0.40
• Oil filter kit $13
• Ball joint $67

I encourage you to call your dealer first as some parts are cheaper from Mercedes, e.g. the water pump.

Service Readout

I followed the service readout directions as per MB instructions (see another post) and they didn't quite work. Here's what worked for me...

1. Key to position 1
2. page down button steering wheel until you reach the basic display with either mph, speed or temp.
3. Navigate to the screen that shows the service to be performed, e.g "Service A" or "Service C"
4. Hold down the odometer reset button for about 5 seconds, or until the service menu appears
5. Pg. down selects and pg. up goes back a screen
6. Use +- to toggle up and down
7. Note items to be performed
8. Use pg. up to go back to the basic display
9. Turn key to position 0

My car showed US 2, 5, 12 and 13 and under "Additional Work" showed exh gas analysis, general inspection and US service 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12.

The code for these numbers is in the FSS Service sheet PDF.

1- Check Brake Pads and Discs (I know I need to do the rear brakes soon)

2- Replace engine compartment air cleaner (just did it)

3- Replace combinatin filter (should be easy)

5- Replace fuel filter (just done in Jan. as part of the glow plug debacle)

8- Replace coolant (done Nov. '07 with water pump)

9- Check paintwork and chassis and replace brake fluid (I need to do the front lower ball joints and I just changed the brake fluid in the reservoir)

10- Clean and lubricate sliding sunroof mechanism

12- Oil and Filter change

13- Checkoff sheet for misc. items including battery.