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/
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
As preparation of refreshing the front suspension, I bought the special tool to press out (and in) the ball joints which are housed in the knuckle on the W211/W219 platform.
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
Last time I will be using gaskets from Febi Bilstein as the rocker cover started leaking again around cilinder 4. Replaced it with a Viktor Reinz gasket. If it will leak again, I will buy them from the Mercedes dealer.
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!
I noticed that the supercharger idler pulley had quite some dirt accumulation on it and also felt a bit of play, so decided to replace it with a new pulley. I made the right decision as the grease was escaping and therefore attracting the dirt.
Runs smooth again with the new pulley. When I will upgrade with billet pulleys, I will also replace the tensioner itself.
I was suprised with this look, which is a horror type of situation for every CLS owner with Airmatic suspension. In the end I tracked the issue down to a leaking compressor air line (to the valve body), which solved the issue.
The power steering reservoir on the W211 & W219 platform have a filter built in. This filter is not serviceable, meaning that you need to replace the reservoir if you also want to replace the filter.
I took the liberty to replace the reservoir/filter and also flush the complete system and put fresh new synthetic oil in.
I used a vacuumpump to get most of the old red mineral fluid out. Then replaced the reservoir and used the “lock-to-lock” steering motion to pump all the old fluid out. Temporarily cap off the return line on the new reservoir and extend the return line to any suitable container for the old fluid.
I used about 2 liters to flush the system and 1 liter to fill the system. Febi Bilstein CHF 11-S Nr. 06161 is the correct fluid for this system.
Steering goes noticeably lighter after this service!
