My 04 E320 4 matic has 88,700 miles. I bought it off of the second owner who bought it off a lease from the dealer. This is the second Mercedes I have owned. Years ago I had a 86 420 SEL.
I am extremely mechanically inclined and do 99% of the work on everything I own.

Question...
TRANS
Im not sure if the trans fluid has been changed. I have the paperwork from the previous owner. He had it in for an oil change and they recommended a trans fluid change on the paperwork. Dont know when the last time it was done but it does have the black plug with the red lock tab, which from what I have read, means it was done before. Theres nothing stamped in the manual from the dealer.
What type of fluid is it? Im trying to avoid going to the dealer to buy fluid. Should I change it?

OIL:
In all my cars I have changed the oil and filter every 3000 miles. Is it the same on the Benz? Does MB recommend Mobile 1 0/40. On the previous owners oil change paperwork, It said they used 5w/40
How long do you guys recommend I go between changes?

I want to get a oil dipstick and a trans dipstick.
The have the trans ones on Ebay pretty reasonable.


Any DIY links or websites?

Thanks,
Brian
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I would recommend Mercedes fluid only on the trans. Ebay is the best place to get the dipstick, at Mercedes I think it's a little over 100 dollars. I would service trans once a year with normal driving. More than normal driving, alot of miles, I would do it twice a year.

 

resource section diy articles.722.6 fluid change mb spec only
and oil change #2 fleece filter at autohausaz.com mobil 1 ow40 mb spec synthetic.10,000 miles between oil changes.
Benzworld.org w210 diy section similar process for your oil change.
Special trans dipstick and pan magnets,I have, pm me for delivered price.
reset your service light is in the manual.
trans fluid and filter change at 39000 miles per mercedes tsb.So it is time for you.Then about every 3 years.
You are coming up on plugs,I also have the 17mm special boot removal tool that saves your spark plug wires and speeds up the plug change.

 

Thanks. I actually pm'ed you a few days ago with all these questions. I posted this question on Benz World and them guys crucified me.

My car also says that I will need service C in 3,200 miles. I looked in the manual and did not see what service C consist of.

 

I have PM'ed you twice and Im not getting any response. There is an Advanced Auto that just opened up around me and they have Autolite Platinum for buy one get one free. Are these ok to use?

 

or bosch platinum.
bosch 7422 or ngk 7090.
no anti seize.
follow the diy
get the 17mm boot tool/

 

Sent you a PM Olord