I talked to my local dealership and they told me the additional maintenance for 40K miles is to flush and fill the brake fluid and coolant. Has anyone done this before and if so (in particular on a 01' ML320), anything I should lookout for?

Thanks!

Well on the FSS system the brake fluid is supposed to be checked and changed if needed every 2 years(maybe every year... I can't remember). It's not to be overlooked unless you want to replace those 300 dollar calipers in the future. Some places may replace the fluid in the resivoir and not flush the lines, but being a MB dealer they will do it right. It's a $30,000 plus car, if your MB tech advises to have something done, do it.

I think you misunderstood. I'm not doubting the dealer, this service will get done, and done right by yours truely. =) Most people don't realize it but brake fluid (besides picking up contaminents) breaks down just like any other petroleum products. I have always changed my brake fluid every 50K miles or so, even on my "cheap" cars. A little preventative maintenance goes a long way.

Ooops, I didn't see the part on the coolant. I know on the pre-FSS models, coolant was to be changed every 2 years. On yours, I think the long term coolant is used but I'm not sure. Be sure to pick up the actual Mercedes brand coolant.

Mercedes brand coolant? You mean I can't use one of the Prestone products or do they not make the correct one?

The MB coolant is designed for aluminium heads and it's not as hard on the head gasket material...at least that's what I've been told. Since the price difference is not that much I really didn't question it.

I see, good to know.

One more question - in just searching the web on oil changes on this thing, I see many places referencing having to siphon the oil out. Do these motors not have drain plugs (haven't checked yet)? Also, I can't seem to find any documentation on what viscosity oil to use. I've always used 10W-30 during the summer and 5W-30 during the winter.

I was at Napa yesterday picking up the supplies I needed to do my 40K mile maintenance and asked about the anti-freeze. Turns out, Zerex (Valvoline) is now making anti-freeze specifically formulated to Mercedes specs. Cost me $9 a gallon: http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=10

The MB brand is 10.00 a gallon around here, probably more in bigger cities. As far as the drain plug goes, there is one in the oil pan. The siphon method is used by many dealerships mainly because it's quicker(no lifting the vehicle in the air) and since there are so many dishonest people looking for an engine there is no way you can blame the dealer for leaving the plug out or loose. As far as oil goes use synthetic oil only in this vehicle. Mobil 1 is the recommended brand and I find the best viscocity is 5w30 year-round. The reason for the viscosity is the 112 engines are prone to oil consumption and this will keep it down to a minimum if any at all. like I said Mobil 1 is the factory recommended brand but Penzoil synthetic meets MB specs and I'm sure there are other synthetics that do to.

Well, got this all done with no issues...man does that thing take alot of brake fluid to flush - almost the entire quart!