After working on the front suspension, it was time for an alignment at Daemen Bandenservice in Venray. I can highly recommend them, a true alignment (and wheel) specialist.
Site: https://www.daemenbandenservice.nl/
Decided to replace the 2 old Secondary Air Injection (SAI) hoses on the front of the big V8 M113k engine. As I pulled them of, they started to deteriorate, so I was just in time. The SAI system helps the catalysts heat up faster in a cold start situation.
Bought a new jack pad (which slots into the front subframe) as I broke it when working on the car. I also noticed that 2 rubber isolators from the airbox were missing, so I also bought 2 new ones to prevent the airbox from making contact with the surge tanks.
Replaced the Valeo wipers with fresh new Bosch Aerotwin flatblade wipers. There is a clear quality difference when you compare them.
Had to apply a temporary fix for the oil filler neck, as it’s still leaking a bit (more like sweating). Used silicone sealant as a temporary measure. I will probably replace the filler neck somewhere next year.
Also took the liberty to replace the old coolant expansion reservoir/tank with a fresh new one. The new reservoir was including a new coolant cap and coolant level sensor.
I have no idea when it was last replaced. Also it was leaking from the cap, even though I tried a new cap (see my previous post: https://www.ducked.nl/mercedes-cls55-amg-w219/mercedes-cls55-amg-w219-new-coolant-expansion-reservoir-cap-oil-filler-cap/ )
As part of the big preventative maintenance, I swapped out the conductor plate for the 5-speed 722.6 automatic torque converter gearbox (which is pretty much bulletproof) and also did a fluid refresh. Its almost impossible to get all the fluid out, that is done better with a flush (done with specialist equipment).
I replaced almost 6 liters, the rest remains in the system off course in the coolers and the rest of the transmission plumbing. Maybe somewhere next year do this again, but also replace all/some solenoids and go to a transmission specialist.
Pro tip: Transmission adaptation reset is mandatory! I used method 2 of the video below
The roof window trim had seen beter days. On both sides, the “curtains” were torn, which is something that annoyed me very much as the CLS is a luxury car.
Bought 2 new trim pieces from Mercedes, they were quite easy to replace. Start from the outside of the car with the window tilted. You should then be able to lift out the trim pieces and then continue from the inside. On the front of the roof window, a hard plastic piece keeps the trimpieces in place with a small notch.
Looks way better after replacing it!
Partnrs: 2157801540 / A2157801540
Partnrs: 2157801640 / A2157801640
My MacGuyver method for repairing the airline did not hold out very long, so I needed something structurally. Fortunately, Mercedes sells a piece of airline (1.5m) for repairing/maintaining the Airmatic system, which was exactly what I needed.
Partnr: 2203271045 / A2203271045
Costs: about 20 euro
As part of further preventative maintenance, I replaced both the engine mounts with fresh new Meyle engine mounts. Unfortunately no HD version available. Next time I will probably replace them with Mercedes Black Series mounts, as these are a popular upgrade.
It’s highly recommended to replace them, as it makes a major difference!
