vistapoints

Hi folks,

ok i've been under the impression that MB offers the same 4y / 50,000mile free maintenance that BMW offers.
Apparently MB has dropped that program for a while now
Have you guys been able to use the free maintenance as a negotiating point when purchasing your new MB?
Also, how much should I expect to pay for the periodic checkups? (i assume oil change every 5,000 miles? )

Thanks,
JT

e1000

MB stopped the free maintenance starting 2005 I believe. You can use anything as a negotiating point, but right now it might be difficult because the cars have just been released.

Service intervals are at 13,500 miles, prices vary by dealership.

GDawgC220

Services range from $250 - $500, depending on your dealership. If you want them to do just an oil change in between services, expect around $100 or so.

Buy an extractor for $40 and do it yourself for in between oil changes. Filter is easy to get to, you won't have to put a knee to the ground.

fuzzzzy

Hi,
It's amazing to read how different countries have different offers and configuration restrictions.

Here in South Africa they offer what is called "Mobilodrive" as standard with all C classes.

This is a 120000/6 year warranty.

The first service is free, the 2nd service you pay 10%, 3rd service 30% and so on, until 50% which is the maximum you pay until the warrant is over.

fuzzzzy

alpinweiss

I do all my own oil changes, and it reduces the cost of the scheduled dealership maintenance considerably. Use Mobil 1 synthetic in the 0w-40 weight and an official MB filter. I change my oil every 5000 miles, since I have the supercharged engine. Other engines are OK with less frequency.

In terms of negotiating free service as a part of the deal, remember that may only be valid at the selling dealership.

GDawgC220

Definitely agree. I use to do my own in between (10k intervals from Audi) service oil changes. They covered all scheduled maintenances so I just let them do the scheduled ones. Every 5k here as well with the turbo.

Extractor pays for itself in one change you do yerself.

RLE

<<I do all my own oil changes, and it reduces the cost of the scheduled dealership maintenance considerably. Use Mobil 1 synthetic in the 0w-40 weight and an official MB filter. I change my oil every 5000 miles, since I have the supercharged engine. Other engines are OK with less frequency.>>

0W40 is no longer used since the official oil change interval was changed to 13500 miles two model years back. Now it's 5W40 EP with a fleece filter. Both Exxon-Mobil and MB say don't change it before that. I'll be doing my usual 5K mile changes (using my Topsider)even though it's unnecessary.

With free service a thing of the past, the dealer won't see my car except for warranty repairs.

redbarronmi

Hi.. i have a dumb question .... "What is an Extractor and what does it do ???"
sorry being so dumb, but this is my first MB>>

red

Ron Jr

My dealer offered me a maintenance pack that covers all of the services during my lease period it was around $500.00 USD. I have the coupon book in the glove box and it is a more aggresive service interval I believe 7500 miles is my first.

racetested

A pump where you stick a tube down the dipstick hole to your oil pan and pump the oil out instead of draining via the drain plug underneath the car.

http://www.shurflo.com/pages/Marine/...lpurpose.html#

Derspeed

I thought it was final. Mobile 1, 0w40. My dealership service guy needs a swift kick in the a$$. I need a definite, guaranteed answer.

I intend to let the first go for 13,500 or 1 year. After that, it's gonna be 5,000 miles.

AsianML

They used to be 0W-40, then they switched to 5W-40 because the new CDI/Bluetec models used 5W-40. It made more sense to stock just 5W-40 for both gas and diesel models. Then I remember reading that some dealers went back to 0W-40 because of availability reasons (not sure how true this is). Recently an MB tech told me that his dealer and others that he knows of are still sticking to the 5W-40.

Either one works. Just choose.

Derspeed

I called again and was told 0W40 or 10W40. I am sticking with 0W40.

I was told long ago, that there is very little difference in Mobile 1 synthetic weights.

I used 15W50 in my turbo Passat in the hot months and 0W40 (now factory recommended) when it's cooler out.

The Mobile 1 website says 0W40 for the C 300 as well. That settles it for me.

http://www.mobil1.com/usa-english/mo....aspx?option=1

norcal5

Another dumb question: where is the oil filter and do you change the whole unit?

RLE

<< where is the oil filter and do you change the whole unit?>>

It's under the engine cover at the left front. Lift it up carefully from the front. Observe the fasteners before reinstalling. You will need an oil filter wrench to unscrew the filter cover. Available everywhere, inexpensive.

Replace the paper filter and the o-rings.

LaicepsYdobon

Its not free for BMW owners either; it's included in the cost of the car. One of my buddies has a BMW and he's not quite happy with their service. Anyway, I had my C-Class for 2 and 1/2 years and during that time I only had to service it twice; Service A and Service B. Service A I got done in New York City and it cost about $250 ~ 300; Service B cost me $350.

Bubbles

I am shocked MB doesn't include this or road side assistance (other than through teleaid). Granted I changed my BMW's oil three times (2k, 5k, 10k) prior to the official 15k period.

LaicepsYdobon

I think roadside assistance is included through an 800 number for free. The TeleAid is only free for the 1st year.

jrct9454

Roadside assistance is available and easy to use through the 800 number [where does this disinformation come from, anyway?].

During the warranty, most roadside calls are going to be covered at no, or nominal charge, depending on what the problem is. After the warranty, most calls are going to be chargeable, but the RIGHT to use the number to call for help is unlimited, for as long as you own the car, unlike most other manufacturers.

The so-called "free service" from BMW is a joke among serious BMW people [I'm a long-time BMWCCA member]....when you paid for the service, the car actually required servicing; when they pay for it, mysteriously, most service requirements go away....until the warranty expires and things start to break. Nothing is "free".

norcal5

Thank you

RLE

<<I am shocked MB doesn't include this or road side assistance (other than through teleaid).>>

Getcher finger outa the socket. Free USA roadside assistance is available to any MB no matter how old and how many owners. Whether you pay depends on what they do for you. MB techs like roadside duty (they rotate the duty) because they make a lot of money from tips.

1-800-formercedes

Bubbles

Thanks guys for the number, I "inherited" this C350 from my girl, who was told by her Sales Adviser that roadside assistance was unavailable unless she purchased teleaid. Thanks for the clarification, sometimes these forums provide the real information.

supernsx

I was luck out to get free maintenance for 4yrs/50k from the dealer when they were running the year end promotion. However, I have to go back to that one specific dealer for all service...

Anyway, I talked to the service advisor and I am very certain the towing portion of the roadside assistance is for all mechanical related problem breakdown. If the cause of the breakdown is unrelated to MB warranty issue (such as out of gas, flat tire and others), the MB roadside assistance WILL NOT cover the cost. You can still call the 1-800 number but they will charge you for it.