rb23lb

So I just scheduled a Service A appointment at my local dealer. I asked them if I already have the oil, if I would save a bundle off the normal service A price.

The service advisor said "YES, it is much more expensive here and that is a good idea sir!"

So I essentially will be paying for just their labor and filter...

NOW... my question is... How do I know what exact type of oil to get? Is it just called "Mobil 1 Synthetic". Also, how many jugs do I get? 2 or 3?

WAIT... If I am bringing my own oil, can I just bring a K&N filter of my own as well???

Would a dealer install a K&N most likely? Or is it too different from stock for them to mess with???

I figure, why not get a 1-2 HP gain and 2-3 MPG increase for a slight cost, if I can eliminate all the risk of installing it myself??? RIGHT???

Any other good service A tips out there or essential things to push for?

Maybe this could start as the OFFICIAL SERVICE A TIPS & TRICKS THREAD?

Thanks in advance everyone for your help and responses

rb23lb

ok.... i see 0w40 or 5w40 of Mobil 1 sythetic is the answer on oil type... quanitity is 9 quarts... correct?

Now, what about getting a K&N filter installed with my service A ifI bring it down there?

What about a FREE AC system flush?

Flame3g

i say just let them service the car. i paid $199 but it was a special. they charge $100 an hr. so what are you really saving $30 to $40 buck that your probably going to spend else where. I say just let MB do their job. Hope everything works out. The air filter is not hard to put in at all

rb23lb

ya but i read some horror stories about the k&n being preoiled and causing major problems...

Do you think MB would put it in if I brought it to service A?

RLE

If you can save enough on the oil to offset the cost of driving someplace to buy it, and valuing your own time at zero, go for it.

As to a K&N filter, and I suppose you are referring to the air filter, I think you should forget it. I think the HP gains claimed are absolute BS and further, the danger of oil droplets escaping the filter and ruining the mass air flow sensor are a risk you have to think about. In any case, the dealer will not install an aftermarket part that could result in a warranty claim later which they will deny.

What's this about an AC flush? Wherever did you get the idea this was necessary or even a good idea? When the time comes that the system needs service, which will likely be years down the road, you will know it.

white46

for K&N, are you refering to air filter? or engine oil filter?

i don't think i heard anybody using k&n oil filter.
if you are refering to air filter, it is true that there is very slim to none performance gain.
as RLE said, K&N filter is pre-soaked with some special oil. This may cause problem with MAF down the road. Also, this is known problem with BMW e46, since it's MAF sits right behind air filter. I had the problem as well when I had e46.

for AC flush, is your AC not blowing cold air anymore? If it fine, then just leave it as is.

Ron Jr

I used to used the K&N oil filters on my last car.

mb_horseshoe

Your MB comes with 0w-40 from the factory, however depending on the climate of where you live you can change the weight - however you should definitely not stray away from Mobil 1 Synthetic. And you'll need to take 9 quarts (it requires 8.25 I believe).

Mercedes Benz of Laguna Niguel uses Mobil 1 5w-30, and I heard from somewhere that Fletcher Jones uses Valvoline Synthetic 5w-30.

andy_meng1024

My dealer installed every aftermarket stuff on my car.

Untertürkheim

Mobil 1 0w-40
Valvoline SynPower 5w-40

Both are MB 229.5 and AMG approved, and sold in the US, excellent oils. Both can be bought through amazon.com with no tax or shipping
http://www.amazon.com/Valvoline-VV96...f=pd_rhf_p_t_4
http://www.amazon.com/Mobil-Syntheti...6022069&sr=1-1

The Mobil 5w-40 is 229.51, a low SAPS oil, do not use it if you can avoid it.

mb_horseshoe

my dealer uses 5w-30. what gives? mb laguna niguel.

Untertürkheim

That is very strange, M1 5w-30 is not MB approved, and no -30 oil is AMG approved.

C300Sport

some new specs here I haven't heard before:
What is SAPS? What significance is 229.5 vs. 229.51

AMGfan

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html

Try this link...

AMGfan

I think they may have made this switch as a cost saving to them...? just guessing?

C300Sport

Thanks for the link AMGfan.
Also, does anyone agree that the red plastic tip on the dipstick actually makes it harder to read the oil level than using just a plain metal slide? I guess they use the cable style rod so that may explain the need for a tip but sometimes I think I am freaking going blind trying to see the nice clean oil on the red tip.

FrankW

LiquiMoly's by far better than Mobil1, but they're more expensive per quart.


either way...oil change only cost me $75 tops with Mobil1 with Mann fleece filter (OEM) at local MB/BMW specialist. why would any one bring their car to dealership and over pay is beyond me.

Untertürkheim

229.5 is the latest MB spec for gasoline powered cars and diesel powered cars without a diesel particle filter.

When a 1 is put at the end of a spec (229.51) it is the specification for diesel powered cars with particle filters, these oils have low Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus, and Zinc content. These are anti-wear additives and ph buffers, so you do not want to use them unless necessary.

Untertürkheim

LiquiMoly is great oil, but very hard to find in the US, here is the 229.5 rated oil (the website it outdated, only listing 229.3, but it is in fact 229.5 oil).

http://www.liqui-moly.com/liquimoly/.../usa_2040.html

FrankW

I can get LiquiMoly easy. It's what I mostly use in my C32.

Untertürkheim

Where do you buy it? I am in the LA area.

AMGfan

As non-gear head per se, what makes Liquidmoly better in comparison to Mobil1?

omgitselaine

Just got my A service done this morning for $275 ouucch does my booty hurt !!??

Carsy

[QUOTE=rb23lb;3154061]So I just scheduled a Service A appointment at my local dealer. I asked them if I already have the oil, if I would save a bundle off the normal service A price.

The service advisor said "YES, it is much more expensive here and that is a good idea sir!"

Good thinking. "To save a buck is to earn a buck ."

Some also derive pleasure from learning more about the vehicle they drive & becoming more involved with its maintenance.. It is wise to have the correct oil in the garage ready for a top up .

Don't worry about the "stock brokers" on the forum not wishing to save their dollars.Most have already jumped out of their high rise windows

CynCarvin32

My last A service was 89 bucks at the dealership. Next time ask for a discount. You paid 275 for an oil change. Eeek. My SL55's B service with a 150 buck cabin fliter was below 300 bucks.