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How to take care of my first luxury car?

A family member randomly gave me their 2008 MB E350, and I am still in shock about it. Keep in mind, my previous car was a 2002 Volvo S80.

The car has an outdated COMMAND system, that I cannot not play songs from phone via bluetooth. Does anyone know how I can update the system? And for how much?

What are your suggestions for care and upkeep of my first big kid car? How often should I get it detailed, washed etc.?

I have a steady income, but I am a penny pincher lol. So please provide price estimates.

Thanks!!

3 Answers

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  • 6 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    I STRONGLY recommend that you introduce yourself at the nearest Mercedes-Benz dealership. They will be happy to provide you with a maintenance schedule if you can't be bothered to read your manual or have lost it. Generally speaking, with modern Mercedes cars, they need an oil change annually (~$125), and REQUIRE full-synthetic oil and a special synthetic-media filter available only at the dealer, or a specialist shop. You need to have the brake fluid replaced every 2 or 3 years (~$100), and the transmission fluid replaced every 40k or 4 years (~$250) - the usual stuff. Periodically, the car's computer will remind you that it needs other services depending on ambient conditions and how you drive.

    A dealership can also provide you with suggestions on modifying the audio system, perhaps with a Bluetooth adapter or simple cable. As for the cosmetic issues, it depends - "detailed" is a VERY vague term. You don't give us enough information. If you keep it clean in the first place, you may only need the inside cleaned once or twice a year. If you're a slob, maybe every month or so? As for the exterior, you haven't told us if you live in a dusty or wet area, if the vehicle will be garaged, if you location uses road salt in the winter, etc. However, I get my Mercedes E-Class washed at a professional touchless wash every other week, and detail it once in the spring after the winter weather is done.

    Last, ALL 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benzes with the engine your car has (3.5 L M272/3) have a major, known problem with engine failure caused by defective balance shaft gears. There are two class-action lawsuits ongoing about this. If your "Check Engine" warning light ever comes on, take it IMMEDIATELY to the dealer. It's usually less than $4,000 to repair, unless additional damage has occurred. You don't state the vehicle's mileage, but the problem usually manifests between 60k and 90k miles.

    Source(s): ASE Certified Mechanic for 24 years. Own two Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
  • Anonymous
    6 years ago

    Nice, a relative "randomly" gave you a Mercedes and you're worried about how to make it play music. We should have a Yahoo lottery to "randomly" guess your age and how long the car will last.

  • ?
    Lv 7
    6 years ago

    Keep it clean , don't get into a car accident, and maintain it all good :D !

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