Carty

My 2009 ML 350 is due for Service C, it has 45000 miles. My husband is trying to avoid going to the dealer to get the car serviced because of the cost. He also received advice from a mercedes mechanic that we don't need to do anything but an oil change and a filter change and that we never need to change the transmission fluid. Also, he says we can flush the brake line out when we reach 60000 miles. My question is whether anyone agrees with this mechanic that you don't really need all the items done that are listed in the servicing schedule. I've always followed the maintenance schedules for all my cars and done the servicings at the dealer.

Carty

Update*** Service C requires Transmission flush, AC Cabin filter, Brake fluid flush, engine oil filter gasket,engine air filter, oil change, AC water drain clean, Midtronic battery test.

vegeta

I was told the same thing about my transmission flush. I was told it was "up to me" by my dealer. It was not part of the Service C. The flush was extra.

I was told this another time for an oil change in my slk. I put 6,000 miles over 2 years and I only changed it once, not once/year as planned. When it was changed, the oil looked and felt fine.

Do you recall what was performed during your previous services? If you look at the maintenance booklet, it tells you based on mileage. If the brake fluid was performed at ~40,000 miles, then you can wait until 60,000 miles. If it never has been changed, I would have it changed.

Does your husband plan to perform the service himself? If so, that'll save money. You can order the parts online and look for the DIY on this forum or youtube. Normally, the engine oil/filter, air filter and cabin air filter are pretty straightforward to DIY.

If you want peace of mind, you can have the dealer do the brake fluid (if applicable) and the transmission flush and DIY the rest. Best of both worlds. I hope this helps.

N4HHE

You can not look, smell, or feel, motor oil and determine it is good or "fine".

You can look, smell, and/or feel motor oil and determine it is bad. But it its not obviously bad does not mean it is still good.

The blacker your motor oil gets the quicker, the better the motor oil is doing its job. Motor oil can suspend an amazing amount of crud with no degradation in its ability to lubricate and protect. Just take a look at oil out of a diesel some time after 1000 miles. Its darker than gasoline motor oil at 15,000, yet the diesel has another 9,000 to go.

vegeta

Thanks for the clarification N4HHE. I'll remember that.

N4HHE

The original specification said the transmission was a lifetime fill. That became a self-fulfilling prophecy which was prematurely ending the life of W164 transmissions. The current spec is that an initial transmission fluid change is due at 40,000 and that is a lifetime fill. Others observe the transmission costs about 20x the cost of an oil change so they figure its a 40,000 mile maintenance item.

Probably should add the front and rear differentials to that list. Its very simple to change and 75W90 gear oil is only $11 to $20 for each end. There have been more front differential failures than there should be, but not an epidemic. A fluid change is the best way to determine if you have a problem in the making.

M-B is a bit **** about brake fluid flushes. Most cars on the road have never had brake fluid flushed. M-B wants it done every 2 years. Odd they spec replacement when there is a test that can be performed to check for presence of water.

sheepdog8

I second the vote to change the Trans. Fluid every 40k. Read about too many problems. Change brake fluid every 30k or so, not a big deal. Change oil every 10k if using proper full synthetic & good filter.

Nemchinov13

I'm due for Service C as well (or so says my ML350). I'm from Brooklyn, NY, I have a 2011 ML350 and I have less than 12000 miles on it. Mostly city driving.

Any suggestions?

Ta Qifsha

just opt for the oil change I don't think u will need the brake flush nor do you need the tranny flush I pretty sure Mercedes in new Rochelle is the cheapest place

Nemchinov13

Thank you so much

06e320cdi

Service C only refers to the approximate number of hours, IE A=1, B=2 C=3 etc. You really should refer to the maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Some items are based mileage and some such as brake fluid change are based one time. I would recommend the transmission service and differential service if you are going to keep the vehicle for any length of time.

Nemchinov13

I plan to keep the vehicle for another 10 years. Thank you for the info.

cburda

I don't like to waste money.
But the brake fluid should be changed every 2 years water gets in the system.
The trans fluid/filter gearbox changed around 40k miles.
The battery can be replaced when the indicator shows battery sign. 2 batteries..
The coolant??
Oil at least yearly.
Plugs wires 60k
Filters as needed both air and cabin.
2 years usually..That's an easy DIY...
But that's only if you are keeping the Benz.
I'm at 60k and hope to see 200k..

sultanma

I have also had problems with my ML350. Driving along when it went to limp mode. There is a problem with the wiring to the sensors on the wheels where brackets rub on the wires. These need to be replaced on all 4 wheels if you have a problem. Also the ignition system failed this also had to be replaced. Make sure that they have updated the system software to handshake with entertainment system etc. There is a way of disabling ESP to enable you to drive home normally. Look up the procedure on YouTube.
MAS

Joe Saunders

I have a 2000 ML430 that currently has 205,000 mi. I have never changed the transmission or brake fluid and have never had a problem. Change the oil with synthetic every 10,000 mi. and drive. Also, I have never used premium fuel. Used mid-grade for while but for the past 100,000 mi. or so have used nothing but regular. Again not a problem. Best vehicle I have ever had. Still as smooth as the day I bought it, Liked it so much I recently bought a ML Bluetec.