Queries on my Mahindra CL500 MD 2WD

Am the fifth owner and the Jeep probably has run 100K plus. The last owner spent some good money as probably apparent; I have driven Jeeps earlier and I thought this behaved well and is in stock condition (I think) barring the seats.

BHPian nohassle recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Recently bought a CL500MD 2WD. Am the fifth owner and the Jeep probably has run 100K plus. The last owner spent some good money as probably apparent; I have driven Jeeps earlier and I thought this behaved well and is in stock condition (I think) barring the seats. Eager to hear views and opinions based on some snaps I have attached here.

As part of the education, I did go through a lot of threads. Though focused on CJ3Bs and DIs, it really did help me orient myself with some basics. I do want to keep it “stock” as much as I can. I have always loved the 3+1 gear combination and have read in this forum that the engine here is pretty reliable, so there goes. I don’t intend to off-road (2WD by choice), my tally will be 15-20 km every alternate day, averaging 40-50 km/hr and on pretty good roads. Thought prudent to keep it “stock” barring the below:

• Disc instead of drum brakes; any recommendations on which ones I should go for?
• ARC front shock absorbers – I liked what I saw in the reviews on YouTube but way above my budget (28K); any alternate recommendations here?
• Can’t see my side mirrors at all even with the tarp flaps well strapped. Any suitable mirrors, though not very large
• Does not have seat belts and suggestions on what works well here?
• Can I fix a handbrake?

The tyres are currently 16’ nylon; my uncle gifted me 2016 Thar CRDEe rims and have ordered a spacer + convertor to use 245/75/R16 or 235/75/R16 tyres.

Some clarifications and excuses if some appear silly:

1. For my “first” service at the Mahindra Service Centre, I have listed oil change, brake fluid change, cleaning the oil and diesel filters. Is there anything else I should add to the list like spark plugs, fan belt, radiator, nozzles?

2. What should I check for on a daily/weekly basis to keep it prime? For e.g. water in the radiator, battery, pumping?

3. If I don’t drive it for a couple of days or after a day of heavy downpour, the battery has the habit of stalling and then jerks on after I wait out a minute or two. I have ordered a replacement, but anything specific to on-going maintenance on battery for the jeep I should be aware of?

4. Engine oil recommendations?

5. Also, I have seen YouTube videos where folks just top up the engine oil themselves (not changing); is that recommended?

6. Can we use coolant instead of water in the radiator? Almost sure that this is a stupid question

7. Exhaust pipe

(i) can I fit one where the exhaust is at the full rear instead of side rear

(ii) is there a way I can reduce the exhaust fumes; I did see a couple of threads on FIP but the takeaway looked like don’t fool around unless you have a real expert which is dicey. If you notice the pics, my mom and wife tend to a small but neat garden and with the limited space and the way the exhaust is positioned, I am playing spoil-sport.

8. Any specific areas of the jeep which is prone to rust quickly; I live near the shore and therefore, I intend to paint the undercarriage soon and any specific recommendations on metal paint will also be much welcome.

Here's what BHPIan anjan_c2007 had to say on the matter:

Congratulations upon becoming the proud owner of the CL 500 MD. It appears to be a pretty neat bodyline. The engine has run 100K kms, but this should not be much of a botheration. Proper upkeep and timely maintenance will ensure that the machine so designed to run against all odds, does its job to your satisfaction.

Your queries are related to aftermarket add ons on the original design that we can leave to experts to answer. However, as regards to OE, a handbrake can be surely fitted. The lever is placed below the dash panel on the driver's side. It used to be an OE with the CJ 3B/4A series. This body is derived from the CJ 4A.

For seat belts, please check those for the Mahindra Thar or also the Mahindra Major. The Major used to have a front bench seat however.

Please get the fuel tank cleaned thoroughly for sediments that could have collected over a period of time.

If the battery needs a change, please go for a new one. Though the engine runs without a battery (a rare case in a modern automobile), please change the battery as the headlights, indicators, wipers, parking lights and the horn fully depend on the battery power.

Engine oil used to earlier be SAE 40 (SAE grade) as recommended after its launch. But now in the age of multi grade oils, 15W-40W or 20-40W grade engine oil for diesel engines is used. It needs seven litres of fresh engine oil to replenish, after an oil change. Oil filter must compulsorily be changed with every oil change.

After the oil change you can run for the recommended km merely by topping up the oil whenever required to do so.

On a daily basis, the radiator water and engine oil need to be checked before every use.

If there is no coolant chamber added by the previous owner/s, there is no need to mix coolant with water in the radiator.

For a demonstration of DIY oil change you can view this video. However, box spanners and not ring spanners are preferable for such jobs. Especially for the engine oil drain nut and also the oil filter housing nut tightening, box spanners do the job well and do not create bald spaces on the nut head in case of misses. Such bald spaces are dangerous. And always a proper sized and clean funnel needs to be used unlike the makeshift one used by this person.

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