My 2005 crossfire has 23,000+ miles. I've had it for a year. Do I really need new spark plugs and coolant change as the book recommends? I'm due for an oil change and would have all done at one time. Moderate driving conditions, mild climate (Los Angeles). Thanks much!

 

MsFire
I wouldn't change the spark plugs, but I may consider the changing of the coolant, since its been in the engine and radiator since the build date. Take it to a Mercedes Dealer for that service, to have it done properly or to a specialty radiator repair shop and mention it requires Mercedes type fluid. I would also inspect the hoses for wear or soft spots to assure they are in good condition. If your car still has the original battery (white case), I would have it checked, otherwise continue with the normal servicing such as the oil changes.
Just my 2 cents....
Dennis

 

I agree with the above, EXCEPT that if you have the original Varta battery, don't waste your time testing it, it'll test just fine.

REPLACE it before you get stranded. Take it from a guy who knows.

 

Thanks guys! Will do as you recommend except that I'm taking it to the Chrysler dealer 10 mi from here, they have a mechanic trained to work on Crossfires. I've been happy with them so far.

 

I owned a repair shop for over 10 years. Before that, I owned 9 trucks and trailer that were over the road for 13 years. So you can take the following advice for what you may think it is worth.

First, the mechanic that is "trained" on the Crossfire has not "worked" on that many---they only made about 73,000 or so---trained is one thing; doing the work is another. Find a good shop that knows MBs. You will be "happier" with them in the long run---that I will promise you.

Second, the Chrysler dealership was going to put the wrong coolant in my car. I caught them and stopped them, but you may not know---and they are the "dealer", but they do not know this car.

Third, when I had my shop, I would tell my customers---The fluid is ALWAYS cheaper than the part it is in---engine oil is cheaper than an engine---transmission fluid is cheaper than a transmission, etc. People change the engine oil like clock-work, and that is why you rarely hear of engine oil failure, but they all but never change the other fluids that go just as far---blows my mind.

Some may disagree, but I would change all the fluids. I just moved up from my 2004 that had 58k on her to a 2005 SRT. It had only 917 miles when I bought it---917. The first thing I did was to change the oil, trans, brake, power steering fluid, and the coolant. Waste? Maybe, but all have been in the car since the factory built it, and AGAIN---the fluid is CHEAPER than the parts that it is in. I call it insurance.

And remember this---there is no such thing as "catch-up maintenance"; it's called repairs, and I made money on them too. So, if you have the money and plan on keeping this great little car---does it make sense to buy the cheaper fluid now? That's the question. It's like eating at McDonald's; it does not kill you right away, and you may think that you are "getting" away with it, but when the triple by-pass comes.....Same with what you are asking. Do the maintenance plus some to keep the car in top shape.

As for the plugs---well, the engineer that built the car "thinks" so---go from there. The reason is all the cold starts that has the car in "open loop" which means more fuel used. This can lead to carbon build-up. That's why they put the time limit. The battery suggestion is "dead" on---if it is the factory original---change it.

I would also change the fuel filter and air filters if they have not been changed in the last year. Also, BEFORE changing the fuel filter put in a can of "Seafoam" for the fuel injectors and combustion camber cleaning---that stuff is great. Here in TN it's $7.77 and worth 10 times that.

Jimmy

 

WHile he might sound extreme, Jimmy makes a lot of sense.

I don't really trust any dealership with my XF. This is one of the things that bothers me with buying an XF with over 30,000 or so miles on it. It would almost be better to have nothing but oil changes done than to have a dealer putting the wrong coolant in, etc.

And, of course, that asssumes they've been using the right oil and filters.

 

I would do what he says. Maybe not all of the fluids, but definitely look into somewhere else to get your coolant changed.

I've had plenty of bad experiences with "trained" "crossfire techs". All of them seemed to know less about the car than I did, and I even had to help one reset the FSS after an oil change. One tripped my airbag system while fixing my spoiler (don't ask, I don't know what he did).

I live in Chicago, and there's quite a few Crossfires here. You figure they would know what they're doing, but they don't. This car is really a Mercedes with a different body and they have no clue what's under there usually.

If you don't think that they will put the wrong coolant in, all I can say is yes, they certainly will. Even if you make sure to tell them to put the correct fluid in, they probably won't.

Sorry it seems that I'm beating up on Chrysler dealers; they may be very nice people and do good work. I, myself have found a few dealers like that. I just wouldn't trust them to carry fluids for a car they rarely, if ever, work on.

 

HAHAHA!!!!

 

I have a month to look for a mechanic. Does anybody out there know one in the San Gabriel Valley/ Los Angeles area? I called the closest MB dealer early this year and you'd think I asked them to drive me to Mars from the response I got. I do get attached to my vehicles and like to keep them for a long time (and trouble free). Celica (130,000mi,) Montero (120,000+), Explorer - going on 150,000. With your advice, I hope to keep my track record. Thanks!!!

 

I think Franc is easily right - 200,000 miles on these engines will be nothing.

As for the rest of the car... don't think it'll be too much of a problem, either.

(The only thing I know abotu California is that it's a terrible place to live.)

 

You sound like my type of customer back when I had my shop. The MB dealer will not or will not like working on this car---below them; even though all the parts have THEIR numbers on them.

It's great that you have time to look---ask other MB owners, or look in the phone book or on the net. Then go check out the shop---talk to the owner, and look around. If the place is a wreck, then chances are they are too. Check on prices. Many services are "can" prices---by the job not by the hour. Better to do this BEFORE you need them than after.

Your record is great and this forum can help---that's for sure. Good luck!

 

Ha,ha,ha, ha! 80 degrees and breezy, eat your heart out!

 

I think the book calls for spark plugs at 100k and unless you do tons of short trips, I wouldn't be too eager to replace 12 of them this early. A radiator flush and replace is not a bad idea since there is no such thing as permanent antifreeze, but check your manual and demand the proper coolant. A brake flush is also a good idea -- my Audi calls for it every 2 years regardless of mileage (I'm on more of a 3 year schedule). Cannot comment on the battery, as mine "seems fine" and I keep it on a float charger all winter. BTW, I have 35k on my roadster and 16k on my SRT6.

 

I am changing my coolant & the dealer sold me Mopar MS-9769 extended life coolant? ( part # ovu01524ab)
Thats all the info on the jug, can anyone tell me if this is the correct coolant?

 

I take my SRT-6 to "Angels Mercedes" in Covina - he is so honest and does GREAT work!!!!

 

Very good advice, thanks. Honestly, I look at my 04n and its in such great shape with only 23K on it and I never gave much thought to it being 7 years old! Fluid flushes on order after winter hibernation