mostolf

I've read the threads on service intervals and how the computer works, yada yada (no offense). I've decided that I'd like to have an intermediate oil change done before the computer says Service A is up.

But I'd like to make sure it won't tick over like 1 week after I bring it in and tell me service A is up!

So, here's the quick details:
2003 c320 coupe
12.5 months of ownership
~6.5k miles

The computer still says 4+k miles until service A.

My qquestion: Is there also a time interval for the service A to pop up? I.e., will it pop up automatically after 14 (?) months of ownership no matter how far you drive it? I don't mind waiting another month for the service A if that would mean getting it for free. But, I don't want to wait another 4k miles (which could be 6-8 months for me). If that were the case, I'll bite the bullet and pay for a first intermediate oil change.

Thanks for your advice/thoughts.

mctwin2kman

Not sure about the V-6 but the 1.8L SC'ed engine measures oil quality, time, level, and also looks at the driving style as well to determine the service interval. The old 2.3 was just time, level, and driving style. The 1.8 added that quality crap in there. So by changing you own oil early you could extend the service A by a few miles. Maybe a few thousand if the computer really does look at all that stuff and it is not just some marketing fluff. My servic B still says 2000 miles to go and I have 20000 on the car. My Service A came on at about 11500. And I beat the car and drive it like a RWD should be driven. But my wife has it most of the time and she is a little more soft on the right most pedal and the left most pedal than I so that could be the reason for the over 10000 mile deal on my Service Visits.

mleskovar

I believe there is a 2 year max period between intervals. Also, just changing the oil would not reset the FSS interval to start over. But if the dealer changes the oil, they will probably reset the FSS and then it would start over.

mostolf

Thanks for pointing that out. If I take it in, I plan to ask the dealer not to reset the FSS. We'll see how they feel about that...

levelr123g

just reset the fss yourself. READ THE OWNERS MANUAL, IT TELLS YOU HOW!

why change the oil with 6.5k on it?
I have almost 18k on my oil and dont plan to change it until next month. I change my oil once a year, and the filter every six months.

mostolf

Um, yeah, I don't want to reset the FCC. As I mentioned, I would tell the dealer not to reset the FSS. That way, I would pay for the oil change, but would get the next one at ~4k more miles for free per FSS.

I'm tempted to change the oil because it's over 12 months now on that oil. Per your rationale, I'd like to change it about once a year.

mdp c230k

My car asks for service every twelve months even though only 6k miles has gone by. It has 13k on it and it has been in twice. Oh, its a 2002 C230k purchased in Sept '01. Low miles, I know! But I do drive hard!