filterwheels999

Hi! We have a 2010 C300 and the "service" indicator has lit up. We were told we don't need to bring it back to MB to get the super expensive service just to change the oil + filter. Is this correct? We are taking it to a local oil shop to get it changed (searched on www.mobil1.com already to find the right oil and filter). But I am reading in some threads that there are OTHER things that the service tech needs to do to the car (this is our first service indicator) and also that if I reset the indicator the subsequent indicators might be wrong.

Can anyone advise? I am a computer techie but when it comes to cars I probably sound like one of those computer newbies that I help with questions on the computer websites :-)

Xhale707

so computer techie you posted in the wrong section lol. If you have a 2010 you have a W204..
i would take it to the dealer for service until your warranty is expired.

MW_ATL

+1. If they are like my dealer, they will catch the applicable things that there is a TSB or such on and take care of them for you as well.

amdeutsch

Moved to correct forums

filterwheels999

Thanks -- but do any of you guys know whether or not I *have* to take it back to service, to keep the warranty? Or if the warranty will be voided if I get someone else to change the oil/filter and also reset the service indicator? This is my biggest concern.

Samieee

Just get an OEM filter and buy some Mobil 1 0w-40 and you'll be fine

filterwheels999

Thanks

Samieee

Double check on the service indicator issue. I think it's part of service A and only dealer can reset it. But yea, make sure you get OEM oil filter. If something goes wrong in future, dealer might blame it on an aftermarket oil filter.

filterwheels999

What's an OEM filter? We checked that MB is using Mobil1 and from the Mobil1 website I got the exact oil and filter models for our C300. So would that be OK? (OEM to me, from computerland, just means white label of the same product; not sure if this is the same for cars).

waiszeto

Heyyy ! i own a 2010C250 4matic. As far as i know, the dealer will update certain programs in ur car during the first two services. I think it is a good idea to bring it bak to the dealer before the warranty expire. By the way, u might also want ur dealer to check ur steering wheel since there is a recall going on.

RLE

OEM just means original equipment manufacturer.

I just ordered three Mann fleece filters for my 2008 C300 from autohausaz.com for $15.19 each. The dealer's price for the same item is far above that.

filterwheels999

Thanks. That is EXACTLY why I am bringing it back for service (the recall) and at the same time the service indicator is lit. So I just want to be sure I don't have to pay hundreds of useless dollars for this first service, but also won't void my warranty to get 3rd party oil change.

waiszeto

Wellz 3rd party oil change .. LOL you sure u trust those plp to touch ur car? They might treat ur car light honda civic or toyota corolla LOL

lickem66

I do my own oil changes with Mobil 1 and OE filter. When my wife's Service A came due, I had just done an oil change about 1k miles before. My SA just took the price of an oil change off of the Service A price and did the rest of the service A. Ended up paying about 79 USD for Service A at that point.

Peabody

Pretty much do not let a 3rd party change your oil. If you do, it's absolutely crucial their oil is on this list or this list (MB Approval 229.3, 229.5 required for use in passenger vehicles using M272 engine by MB sheet 223.2). MB can't void your warranty for changing the oil yourself, but they can if you are using an oil that is not approved my Mercedes for use in your engine. You can check your service manual for the appropriate inspection/maintenance items at each service interval. Many people here use Blackstone to generate an oil report, so that the oil type, mileage, etc are properly documented and a laboratory analysis assists in diagnosing potential issues.

Finally, to reset your service indicator, follow these steps:
Turn key into position 1
Press and hold Answer Call button on the steering wheel
Press and hold OK button on the steering wheel
You should have a menu come up on your display with an option to reset service.

I am Jeff

MB cannot void your warranty for changing your own oil. Just make sure to keep the receipts for your filter and oil.

filterwheels999

Thanks everyone for your great advice. MB quoted me $285 for all the oil + inspection. I only did the recall check today, no charge. Will go to Midas soon for oil change using the Mobil1 oil + filter.

filterwheels999

Hey guys - I do feel like one of those computer newbies asking stuff here. Haha. So, usually we computer guys tell them to read up the beginner stuff first before asking questions (although we help out as much as possible). So my question is, where do I go to learn about all this car stuff? At least, basic stuff. I know how to drive stick shift, change tires, pump air and gas, drive defensively, but that's about it. What's this 0W-40 stuff, etc? And 229.5, 229.3, etc. etc? Any good books/sites for me to go?

Thanks!

Samieee

Google works wonders

Carsy

I can reset my A service indicator before it is due but cannot when it is overdue. If you do your own oil change I suggest changing it a little earlier.

But really , I suggest that you have a very nice new car that deserves to be maintained to the highest standards.
I think that you should have the first service done by MB & in the mean time gain more experience in the art of having your car serviced elsewhere. ie making sure of using the correct oil & filters & knowing what exactly should be done.

The A service also includes a brake check. I would not like to go two years without a look at them.

You will have to decide the risks you are taking in having the car serviced by an independent.It may cost you more in the long run.

Best to get the death adder out of your pocket this time.

Good luck & let us know how you go.

MBnewby

PLEASE AVOID TAKING YOUR BENZ TO A MIDAS/JIFFY LUBE/ETC/ETC. They do not know how to work on your fine German auto and you are just asking for trouble. Saving money now will probably end up costing you a ton later since those places are not specialized to service a MB.

I too think the dealerships are way overpriced for scheduled maintenance but find a reputable independent GERMAN/EURO shop in your area to perform scheduled maintenance. Most of them are factory trained MB mechanics who went off on their own to open a business after many years of work for a MB dealership. They are higher than "Midas" but about half price of the dealership usually.

Also a trick that I have learned is just have the independent or dealership do an oil change rather than paying for service A, they always do a routine inspection anyway and the dealership will always do a 27 point inspection (which is the same as Service A). Meanwhile you only pay for the oil change.

I am new to MB but have learned some tricks in the past year. The scheduled maint. A/B are kind of just fluff that make the dealerships a ton of money. Of course there are times when you need to perform more than an oil change (brake fluid flush, transmission service at 40K miles, change air filters, etc.) For this just follow your service manual to see what is needed at each oil change and have the independent shop or MB dealership do oil change plus the extra service needed, ie. change air filters. Using this a la carte method will also save you a ton of money. Again they always do a 27 point inspection so don't pay for something they do for free by asking for Service A/B. A complete service manual is available in PDF format at the MB USA website. Save it and refer to it whenever you are due for a service which is every 10K miles I think with your new 2010 model.

Your new MB will cost more to maintain than a "regular" car but remember it's worth it! You didn't buy a car of this caliber to maintain it with $19.95 oil changes at Jiffy Lube. Find a good indepedent euro shop or get service through your dealer with the a la carte method and you will save tons of money while still getting great service.