theinmoe

Advance Autoparts stores, they always have promotion for buy 5qts of Castrol or Pennzoil and any Purlator premium plus filter for $14.99 or $15.99. (I choose the most expensive filter on the shelf which is for our car) W204 oil filter is L25277 which normally cost $29 but with this promo you get both oil and filter for $15. Use the oil for other car or give to someone who can use, still filter for less.
This filter made by Mann HU718/5 same as OEM filter sell under different name.

http://www.advanceautoparts.com/
now they have $14.99 special.

I changed mine at 8000 Miles after 5000 Miles roundtrip to Yellowstone, oil was black and dirty. I saw black fine particles in filter chamber. 13K is recommanded but no harm changing at 7500 miles I guess.

C300Sport

The only problem with this is that MB specifies synthetic oil. I know that the difference, especially when changed more often, is debateable, but it could be enough to void the warranty for lubrication related issues.

nyca

The Purolator filter is made by Mann? I have seen that filter at Advance, but I didn't buy it because I was afraid it was a lower quality replacement.

theinmoe

I use Mobil1 MB specifies synthetic oil. But I am not sure why changing more often could void the warrenty, at 8000 miles the oil was filthy. Something I notice was the noise from engine after starting for 2 to 3 seconds not happen anymore. ( this normally happen when restart after 3 to 4 hr after hot engine off. There is a discussion in this forum about this noise, may be from valve lifters.)

That's what I though also, but this one costs $29 and made by Mann. Check it out and compare with the one you just bought. Mine was same as original filter in the car except original filter has additional MB p/n.

bradtj

Just went through the learning process on this before buying a C350 and I was shocked at the ABC service prices for what is done. Almost kept me from buying the car. The dealers were very (understandably) silent about what is required. My big question - doesn't warranty come under question if work (besides oil) is not done by MB as reommended and how do you get the service idiot light to reset? I got some up front service paid in my deal but never received a "straight" answer to these questions.

nyca

There are threads here on how to reset the service message.

If you look at the maintenance schedule, depending on your depth of DIY ability, there are some things you can do and some things the dealer should probably do. For example, I wouldn't change my own transmission fluid on this car. Pick and choose what you are comfortable with, use the proper products, and save your receipts.

bradtj

I appreciate your reply. I would usually change oil myself. Just more concerned about warranty on car. Seems like you shouldn't have to get secret codes to reset the maintenance reminders, etc. If it was my car I would change oil every 7500 - since I do have the maintenance services paid for and it is a leased vehicle I will just follow the reminders. It is interesting that on my 330i the service light for oil change didn't come on at all. After 15 mos, or so I went to the dealer and said I wasn't comfortable waiting so long for a change. They said it wasn't due but they would change it. The need for attentive service might be dictated a bit by who is paying for it (in three years 35,000 miles 2 oil changes, one cabin filter, and one battery was extent of service).

orie

Just had my Service A done at Euromotorcars in Bethesda, MD. Was $294 but I had a $50 off coupon so it came to $244. Not THAT bad.

I'm more shocked on how quick the 12,800 miles came and went on my car :o Bought it August 1st 2008 No problems with it so far outside of some slightly malfunctioning tire pressure monitors (when the extreme cold hit).

Arjy

apparently the service A was done on my car right before we purchased it (we bought it at 11,900 miles)

che0x

Did my first annual service this week at 4000 miles, actually just an oil change, for $132 including a 10% off maintenance coupon. Service adviser agreed that at this mileage a full "A" service was not really necessary. Full service was quoted at $270, which is a lot to pay for basically fluid checks.

Also had the tires rotated side to side, updated engine and transmission software, and got the rear brake pads changed to the new ones that are supposed to reduce rear brake dusting.

mad102190

i just got mine done this weekend. I called the local dealer and they said $300, so I talked to a friend who worked at a different MB dealer and he told me that getting it done at a dealer wasn't worth it (and he made sure I wouldn't tell anyone he told me lol). he told me to take it to an authorized MB shop and they got it done in half the time for $100. its basically an oil change and a few inspections, and a computer inspection and resetting the ASSYST message (obviously). Dealers rip you off.

jrct9454

OK, I'll bite....what is an "authorized MB shop" that isn't a dealer in San Diego or LA? "Authorized" by whom?

There are independents, and there are dealers [and a few dealer-run service-only facilities]. Some third kind of animal I've never heard of?

Understand, service is service, and the independents are perfectly capable of doing this work...but that doesn't make them "authorized".

joebenz

W.I. Simonson in Santa Monica gave me an estimate of about $250 for Service A.
Any SoCalers have quotes from other dealerships?

C300PO

I got a quote of $199 for Service A at Hoehn in Carlsbad CA (North San Diego).

steveb9771

Service "A" is $168 in Southern Cal at House of Imports
See http://www.mbz.com/index.cfm?action=...anchiseID=2382

Most dealers in Southern Cal advertise that they will meet or beat advertised price from any local dealer