hi guys,
i just got the c280 and it's already service time. gave a call to mercedes benz and they say that it would cost me $300+. what's in it to make it that expensive? is there any other things other than the oil change and usual mainance procedure?
also, if i want to get the oil change elsewhere. what type of oil filter am i looking at? can anyone provide me with a number?
i have roughly about 300+ miles of driving to do in the weekend. would it be a problem if i am late for oil change/service for about 400 miles or so?
thanks. i had been driving a old shop-maintained jag in a different country for most part of my life. ll these might be dumb questions, but i am a new owner and need all the help i can get.

 

by the way, the oil in engine now should be Mobile 1 Syn. 10W40, according to the previous owner.

 

Here is the best answer you can get about MB oil change:

(1) Default Oil-change interval on FSS computer is 10,000 miles. FSS shows you how many miles left. Tap the zero "0" button twice to see. (Refer to manual if you do not know what FSS is.) So it is reasonable to change oil every 10,000 miles, and reset FSS to zero.

(2) Synthetic oil like Mobil1 last 10,000 miles in your car. Mobil1 is also what MB recommends.

(3) Globally tested, accepted, and loved Castrol GTX 10-40 is regular non-synthetic oil that you can put in your car SAFELY. It will last 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

(4) To put Mobil1 Synthetic at a local oil-change outfit will cost you $80. At MB dealer is $85. So why risk at local grease places?

If you are penny-pincher, you can safely do option-3 for $60. But do the numbers and you will see it's not worth it!

Whatever you do, just don't put cheapo brands because some of those are ill-reputed for sludging and caking problems that will sicken your engine.

Regards,
A.

 

thanks major. that helped a lot.
the dealer suggested service A and i called the local dealership in the place i am heading to and they gave me a price like $300+
what is it? how often do i need a service like that?
a lot of these might be on the manual and i am not too lazy to read it. it's just that the car didn't come with a manual and the replacement hasn't arrived yet.

 

hopefully you have ordered the 'Service Booklet'. which is where you will find the A & B service details.

 

What the heck, here is the info...

A - Service Schedule

Vehicle Passenger Compartment
Function Check:


Horn, headlamp flasher, hazard flasher, turn signals.
Warning/indicator lamps, illumination and interior lighting.
Exterior lighting incl. headlamps.
Windshield wipers, windshield washer system.
Headlamp cleaning system.
Check seat belts for damage and proper function.
Reset Flexible Service System (FSS) counter in instrument cluster.
Replace dust filter.
Wheels, Brakes


Check thickness of brake pads by removing and reinstalling right front wheel.
Check thickness of brake discs by removing and reinstalling right front wheel.
Check tires for damage and condition.
Measure and record tread depth.
Correct tire inflation pressure.
Engine Compartment


Engine oil and filter change.
Check and correct fluid level:
Engine cooling system, antifreeze and corrosion protection.
Brake system.
Windshield washer.
Lubricate catch, safety catch and hinges on engine hood.
Trunk


If so equipped: Battery, wet cell; Check acid level, replenish.
Check battery condition using "Midtronics MCR 717" Tester.
Correct tire inflation pressure in spare tire.

 

B - Service Shedule

Brake Test


Brake test on dynamometer or test drive. Check parking brake and run in according to specifications (on vehicles with 4MATIC, ASR, ETS, ESP observe instructions in Maintenance Manual!).
Vehicle Passenger Compartment
Function Check:


Horn, headlamp flasher, hazard flasher, turn signals.
Warning/indicator lamps, illumination and interior lighting.
Exterior lighting incl. headlamps.
Windshield wipers, windshield washer system.
Headlamp cleaning system.
Check seat belts for damage and proper function.
Reset Flexible Service System (FSS) counter in instrument cluster.
Replace dust filter.
Wheels, Brakes


Remove and reinstall wheels, rotate if necessary, does not apply for vehicles with different tire sizes front/rear.
Check brake pads for lining thickness front/rear.
Check condition of brake discs front and rear.
Check tires for damage and condition.
Measure and record tread depth.
Correct tire inflation pressure.
Vehicle Underbody


Visual check for:
Leakage - Major components.
Chafe marks, line routing, components.
Check condition of front axle ball joints.
Check condition of steering's mechanical components.
Engine Compartment


Visually check:
Leakage - Major components.
Chafe marks, line routing, components.
Engine oil and filter change.
Check and correct fluid level:
Engine cooling system, antifreeze and corrosion protection.
Brake system.
Power steering.
A/C refrigerant level.
Windshield washer system.
Check condition of poly-V-belt.
Lubricate throttle linkage, check function and condition.
Lubricate catch, safety catch and hinges on engine hood.
Front, Rear of Vehicle


Inspect headlamp setting, adjust to correct setting.
Replace windshield wiper rubber inserts.
Check condition of wiper blades for headlamps.
Trunk


If so equipped: Battery, wet cell; Check acid level, replenish.
Check battery condition using "Midtronics MCR 717" Tester.
Correct tire inflation pressure in spare tire.

 

ALL of these are extra $$$...
At approx. every 30,000 mi/48,000 km or 4 years :
Check condition of drive shaft flex discs.
Retighten lock bolts of steering. Observe torque


At approximately every 60,000 miles or 4 years .
Replace fuel filter.
Replace air cleaner filter element.


At approximately every 100,000 miles or 4 years .
Replace spark plugs


Every 2 Years
Replace brake fluid.
Check body for paint damage (by Service Advisor).
Check chassis and supporting body parts for damage and corrosion (by Service Advisor).


Every 3 years
Replace coolant.
Sliding/pop-up roof: clean and grease sliding rails and sliders.

 

I had the B service don't on car car yesterday. I have it done at a Napa sort/repair shop. They are authorized by manufactures included Mercedes to do maintenace. I supplied a Mercedes brand oil filter. They will print out from their computer the complete Mercedes B service schedule and they check off everything done. The schedule is clearly defined as Mercedes Benz 98 and up B service, there is a separate form for the A service. Italso provides extra space for items other then required. The two dealers in the area change between $435 to $475 for a B service, the $435 dealer includes changing the brake fluid the $475 charges extra. I paid, including new brake fluid, oil, and antifreez change. $233.78.

Interesting about the 10/40w oil. Yesterday the computer printout showed either 5/30w or 10/30w Mobil 1. ain the "remark" column dated 4/5/05 as the lastest update on fluid requirements.


The Napa shop A serive is $175.00 excluding extra's.

 

what do you pay for a spark plug change in the usa on this model - I was quoted nearly 400 pounds GB [nearly 800 US dollars] which came as a bit of a shock. one mechanic said i should wait for a miss fire to develop which seemed like an extreme soloution. how long can i safely run these plugs[ bosch platinum] as the alternative of 4 years or 100,000 seems poles apart - my car has done 50,000 miles but is nearly six years old. Any comments would be gratefully recieved
thanks