ML/GL - would you change diffs and transfer box oils?
Discussion
I have mine set on comfort all the time, although I do "test" the other settings from time to time. So far, no issues.
I also test the low range, diff lockers and suspension height adjust - they don't get used in anger very often but I'm concerned in case they atrophy through lack of use.
I had to have the air suspension pump replaced when I bought it at 38K miles which surprised me, however I don't expect to have to do that again - ever really. The car had a few things that weren't right for a 38K miler. I had them all put right and it's been golden ever since...
... except for the underbody protection plates which clunk upon hard braking. Mercedes once put a sticky rubber strip between the ends (where one plate overlaps another) which stopped it but I had Halfords replace the exhaust sensors at one point, and they must not have replaced them properly. This is on the list for when it goes to Merc in a couple of weeks.
I also test the low range, diff lockers and suspension height adjust - they don't get used in anger very often but I'm concerned in case they atrophy through lack of use.
I had to have the air suspension pump replaced when I bought it at 38K miles which surprised me, however I don't expect to have to do that again - ever really. The car had a few things that weren't right for a 38K miler. I had them all put right and it's been golden ever since...
... except for the underbody protection plates which clunk upon hard braking. Mercedes once put a sticky rubber strip between the ends (where one plate overlaps another) which stopped it but I had Halfords replace the exhaust sensors at one point, and they must not have replaced them properly. This is on the list for when it goes to Merc in a couple of weeks.
Mine is an X164 and doesn't have TPMS - it has TPS which utilises the ABS sensors to determine if any tyres have a different rolling radius. Makes it so much simpler messing about with different wheels and tyres but I can't get an instantaneous pressure readout from the dashboard as I'm led to believe the TPMS-equipped cars can.
I think, for the sake of adding it to the major service items bill, I'll just let Mercedes change the diff fluids too.
I think, for the sake of adding it to the major service items bill, I'll just let Mercedes change the diff fluids too.
Well, I took my X164 into Mercedes on Wednesday for the highest majorest most-massivest service they do, for which they have already quoted me £700-ish. They will change the engine oil, replace the brake fluid, and I really don't know what else but there's a reason why I want this super-service which I'll explain below.
On top of the service items I have requested they replace the gearbox oil, the front and rear diff oil, and the transfer case oil. They said there's some super low-temp diff oil I could have, and I do want it (explained below), so they ordered some in.
Also I want them to sort out the noisy underbody protection plates which clunk under braking, and my aircon must be leaking because it doesn't hold any gas for more than 3-weeks.
Finally, an MoT.
They called me to say I had no coolant in my engine - only water which is annoying considering I have always had my car serviced by (what I thought was) reputable agents. To drain the system and refill with highly-concentrated coolant (my request, again explained below) was extra to the service.
And he said the turbo seals needed replacing. I had them replaced there only 2-years ago, so that was a freebie.
They haven't finished the work yet. I'll get the car back on Monday... I think. Apparently the aircon is going to require hoses and a condenser and it'll cost "about a grand". On top of everything else. Erk..!!
However... you know, I am not too upset. I love my car. I don't know if all the X164s have height adjustable air suspension, a low range transfer case, and centre and rear diff locks, or the under body protection plates, but mine does and it's frickin' epic.
It's a 61-reg with 85K miles on the clock and (here's the reference from above), I'm taking it to the Arctic circle on 7th Feb along with a small group of other SUVs. This is why I need low temp fluids and why I'm prepared to pay to get it spot-on now.
I already have a spare set of wheels shod with brand new winter tyres in the garage. I'll put them on a week before I go.
We're driving from Shropshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire to the channel tunnel, then to Copenhagen, across the Oresund bridge, up through Sweden then west into Norway through the longest road tunnel in the world (Laerdal), to the Atlantic coastal road, then the Trollstigen, and finally to the Arctic circle visitor's centre before we turn around and come home.
My GL wi be joined by a Disco 2, a Disco 4, a 4.6 litre X5, a 40D X5, and possibly an L322 Range Rover (yet to confirm).
I know the cost of the road trip. Any guesses for how much the work at Merc will cost? I'll find out Monday night.
On top of the service items I have requested they replace the gearbox oil, the front and rear diff oil, and the transfer case oil. They said there's some super low-temp diff oil I could have, and I do want it (explained below), so they ordered some in.
Also I want them to sort out the noisy underbody protection plates which clunk under braking, and my aircon must be leaking because it doesn't hold any gas for more than 3-weeks.
Finally, an MoT.
They called me to say I had no coolant in my engine - only water which is annoying considering I have always had my car serviced by (what I thought was) reputable agents. To drain the system and refill with highly-concentrated coolant (my request, again explained below) was extra to the service.
And he said the turbo seals needed replacing. I had them replaced there only 2-years ago, so that was a freebie.
They haven't finished the work yet. I'll get the car back on Monday... I think. Apparently the aircon is going to require hoses and a condenser and it'll cost "about a grand". On top of everything else. Erk..!!
However... you know, I am not too upset. I love my car. I don't know if all the X164s have height adjustable air suspension, a low range transfer case, and centre and rear diff locks, or the under body protection plates, but mine does and it's frickin' epic.
It's a 61-reg with 85K miles on the clock and (here's the reference from above), I'm taking it to the Arctic circle on 7th Feb along with a small group of other SUVs. This is why I need low temp fluids and why I'm prepared to pay to get it spot-on now.
I already have a spare set of wheels shod with brand new winter tyres in the garage. I'll put them on a week before I go.
We're driving from Shropshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire to the channel tunnel, then to Copenhagen, across the Oresund bridge, up through Sweden then west into Norway through the longest road tunnel in the world (Laerdal), to the Atlantic coastal road, then the Trollstigen, and finally to the Arctic circle visitor's centre before we turn around and come home.
My GL wi be joined by a Disco 2, a Disco 4, a 4.6 litre X5, a 40D X5, and possibly an L322 Range Rover (yet to confirm).
I know the cost of the road trip. Any guesses for how much the work at Merc will cost? I'll find out Monday night.
Well, I have the car back from Mercedes now, and it's been through quite a lot. They had it for a week - it needed quite a lot of time spending on it by all accounts. Plus, they had to send off for parts which took time to deliver.
I requested the most comprehensive service, for which I was quoted £700-ish (can't remember - or maybe I just didn't want to hear it), which includes engine oil and filter, brake fluid change and a list of other stuff as long as my arm.
I also provided them with a long list of extras including the repair of my aircon (new pipes and condenser), gearbox and torque converter fluid, front and rear diffs fluid, transfer case fluid, and sort out my noisy underbody protection plates.
And finally, they called to say my coolant was little more than water, so they drained the system and filled with a high concentration coolant, suitable for my Arctic circle road trip in Feb.
It was expensive, sure, but it has given me peace of mind that it ought to get there and back. And it drives better in little, barely-perceptable ways.
I requested the most comprehensive service, for which I was quoted £700-ish (can't remember - or maybe I just didn't want to hear it), which includes engine oil and filter, brake fluid change and a list of other stuff as long as my arm.
I also provided them with a long list of extras including the repair of my aircon (new pipes and condenser), gearbox and torque converter fluid, front and rear diffs fluid, transfer case fluid, and sort out my noisy underbody protection plates.
And finally, they called to say my coolant was little more than water, so they drained the system and filled with a high concentration coolant, suitable for my Arctic circle road trip in Feb.
It was expensive, sure, but it has given me peace of mind that it ought to get there and back. And it drives better in little, barely-perceptable ways.
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