I've read a lot about getting the first oil change early to remove all of the shavings from the newly machined parts. Is there any merit to this? Some say as early as 500 miles. I have almost 700 miles on my new C-230. While my computer is telling me 12,000 more to go.

 

not true.

at 2k miles it's ok.

 

I agree not true if you are using Mobil 1 or any high quality syn oil, I would go 2.5K to even 5K miles and then change it. Mobil 1 and other syns, capture and hold a lot of "junk." I would have the oil from the pan. Many of us pump the oil out of the dip stick after a while, which is an approved Mercedes method of changing oil, but with a new car, I would drain it from the pan the first 10k miles to get the "junk out" Also, you need a good pump to do the dip stick method, one that produces a lot of suction. I tried a couple of different ones and all left 1/2 to a quart behind. Finally found one from Griot's that gets most if not all the oil out of the engines.

 

Starting this model year, 2005, the first oil change is between 1,000 to 3,000 miles. This is the only free oil-change the owner gets, along with free tire-rotation (before 6,500 miles). The free-maintenance program had been dropped.
After the first oil-change, Mercedes still recommends 10,000-13,000 miles (depends on models) between services.
You can change it whenever you want, as many times as you want, but Mercedes won't be paying a penny (except for first one)

 

The first oil change will contain the most particulates, but the latter changes will still contain them, just not as much. There are also contaminants you want to drain. Why else do people continue to get their oil changed after the first time? Because it's clean? Geez! You're getting some crummy advice from someone here.

Always drain the oil from the pan. Sucking it out of the dipstick tube is done for the convenience (read lazy and/or cheap) of the person or business doing the oil change, not for the longevity of the engine.

Gravity is your friend. Do it the right way.