Mercedes Servicing Inspection and Transmission Service

A 1997 Mercedes-Benz E420 was brought to Auto Werkstatt for a transmission service and a comprehensive vehicle inspection. During the inspection, technicians identified several mechanical, fluid, braking, tire, and electrical concerns that required attention beyond the requested service.

Under the hood, technicians found a damaged oil dipstick, a broken air intake hose clamp, and a dirty engine air filter. The inner rib of the drive belt was also damaged, prompting a recommendation to replace the belt and inspect the pulleys to determine the cause of the damage. Additionally, the vehicle had no power steering assist, and the power steering fluid was low and dirty. The reservoir cap was found off and lying to the side, so technicians reinstalled it and recommended further diagnosis to determine why the steering assist was inoperative. The air pump connector was broken off, with its wiring left to the side, and the hood struts were weak and unable to consistently hold the hood open.

The inspection also revealed extensive oil and fluid leaks throughout the vehicle. Technicians recommended thoroughly cleaning the affected areas and performing leak testing to identify the sources. Underneath the vehicle, the right front wheel bearing had excessive play and required removal and inspection, with repacking and adjustment recommended if no further issues were found. Wheel hardware concerns included a seized right front wheel stud that could break during removal and a bent left front lug bolt. Technicians recommended removing and inspecting the wheel hardware to determine the necessary repairs.

Brake and tire conditions were additional concerns. The driver-side rear brake pads were nearing metal-to-metal contact, measuring approximately 2–3 mm, and rear pad and rotor replacement was recommended along with a caliper inspection. The front brake pads measured approximately 4 mm, so replacement options should be discussed as they approach the recommended service threshold. Both front tires also showed significant wear: the left front tire had wear along its inner and outer edges, while the right front tire measured 4/32 inch and had outer-edge wear. Replacement of both front tires was recommended. The rear tires measured approximately 5/32 inch and were noted for monitoring.

Several electrical and visibility issues were identified as well. The check engine, SRS, and bulb-out warning indicators were illuminated. The passenger-side brake light and the third brake light were not working, and the headlights remained on high beam regardless of the switch position. The headlight control lever felt loose, suggesting internal damage. The windshield washer pump operated, but a fluid leak prevented the washer sprayers from functioning. Technicians also recommended testing and inspecting the battery, as its last documented replacement was in 2016.

During the road test, technicians noted that the vehicle’s alignment was off and the steering felt loose. These findings, combined with the inoperative power steering assist and right front wheel bearing play, highlighted the need for further steering and suspension-related evaluation.

Auto Werkstatt’s inspection documented a wide range of concerns affecting the Mercedes-Benz E420, including extensive fluid leaks, inoperative power steering assist, damaged drive belt components, worn brakes and tires, wheel hardware issues, and multiple lighting and electrical faults. Addressing these findings would help establish the vehicle’s repair priorities and provide a clearer picture of the work needed to return it to proper operating condition.