Maintenance work outside of Scheduled Maintenance
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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Maintenance work outside of Scheduled Maintenance
This is probably a really uninformed type of question: Other than the work specified in Service A and B, do our cars require anything else? For example, a brake fluid change? I recently had my car at the dealership for a Service B, and my SA said that I should get my brake fluid changed and I had him do it.
My car currently has 34,000 miles.
I've also had some suspension issues with my car. At the same time I took the car in for Service B, I mentioned creaking noises emanating from the suspension area of the car when I get in and out. The service department diagnosed the problem as "cracked and leaking torque strut bushings." The SA told me that this was replaceable under warranty.
At about 25,000 miles, this same dealership had replaced some castor bolts in my suspension because they were allegedly worn out. But for this problem, my SA told me that the replacement was not under warranty so I ended up paying several hundred dollars.
Help! Has this dealership been scamming me?
My car currently has 34,000 miles.
I've also had some suspension issues with my car. At the same time I took the car in for Service B, I mentioned creaking noises emanating from the suspension area of the car when I get in and out. The service department diagnosed the problem as "cracked and leaking torque strut bushings." The SA told me that this was replaceable under warranty.
At about 25,000 miles, this same dealership had replaced some castor bolts in my suspension because they were allegedly worn out. But for this problem, my SA told me that the replacement was not under warranty so I ended up paying several hundred dollars.
Help! Has this dealership been scamming me?
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 511
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From: Nuevo México
2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
I am not sure what year and model you have, but here are a few thoughts.
In general MB recommends changing the brake fluid every 2 years, regardless of mileage. This gets the water out of the system; probably more important in humid climates than dry climates.
Suspension parts should be covered under factory warranty, unless it has been abused. This would include bushings, struts, etc.
Brake parts are mostly NOT covered under warranty (pads, rotors, etc.).
Also, I change my engine oil every 5000 miles, not the recommended 13000 miles. Mobil 1 European Formula 0W-40.
In general MB recommends changing the brake fluid every 2 years, regardless of mileage. This gets the water out of the system; probably more important in humid climates than dry climates.
Suspension parts should be covered under factory warranty, unless it has been abused. This would include bushings, struts, etc.
Brake parts are mostly NOT covered under warranty (pads, rotors, etc.).
Also, I change my engine oil every 5000 miles, not the recommended 13000 miles. Mobil 1 European Formula 0W-40.
Thread Starter
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My apologies, I have a 2005 C230 Kompressor SS.
From your reply, I assume that castor bolts should have been covered under warranty?
What you said about the brake fluid is close to what the SA told me. He said that I should change the brake fluid after 2 years. I bought the car in September 2004, so it's been 2 yrs 4 months.
Thanks for your info alpinweiss!
From your reply, I assume that castor bolts should have been covered under warranty?
What you said about the brake fluid is close to what the SA told me. He said that I should change the brake fluid after 2 years. I bought the car in September 2004, so it's been 2 yrs 4 months.
Thanks for your info alpinweiss!
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Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Check that they actually changed the cabin air filter. A cloged filter will diminish performance of the HVAC system.
The brake fluid should be changed every two years. The reason is not because of water, but rather copper absorbsion. The passages in the anti-lock system are very sensitive to brake fluid viscosity. In the USA only the fluid from the dealers is acceptable. I have not found a brake fluid that meets Mercedes specification in the aftermarket.
You might also give a spritz of MAF (mass airflow) solvent on the sensor wire. CRC makes the stuff, and you can get it at Pep-Boys and the like.
The brake fluid should be changed every two years. The reason is not because of water, but rather copper absorbsion. The passages in the anti-lock system are very sensitive to brake fluid viscosity. In the USA only the fluid from the dealers is acceptable. I have not found a brake fluid that meets Mercedes specification in the aftermarket.
You might also give a spritz of MAF (mass airflow) solvent on the sensor wire. CRC makes the stuff, and you can get it at Pep-Boys and the like.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,365
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From: Orange County, CA
GMC - Miata - Trek - P-Car
It's ironic that when Mercedes included "free scheduled maintenance" a few years ago, they suddenly determined that our cars would require much less servicing than they had before. Granted, manufacturing techniques, metallurgy, and lubricants have improved markedly in the past decade. However, if you expect your car to perform well years hence, there are a few things you may want to insist upon, and more frequent servicing that should be performed.
Many on the forums have their motor oil and filter changed at intervals not exceeding 7500 miles/6 months. In addition, the transmission fluid and its filter should be changed at ~40k, along with the differential lubricant. Do not believe the drivel spouted by the dealer about "lifetime fill.."
Now, I must declare that I perform all the service on my vehicles myself, so the expense is negligible. Consequently, it precludes me from having to undertake the more arduous duties the SWMBO has insisted upon.
Last edited by splinter; Feb 4, 2007 at 11:15 PM.
