Last edit by: IB Advertising
See related guides and technical advice from our community experts:
Browse all: Specifications and General Maintenance
- Mercedes-Benz C-Class: General Info and Specifications
Important information to help you understand your Mercedes-Benz
Browse all: Specifications and General Maintenance
new owner of '08 c300 4matic, complete car newb, general questions plz help
#1
new owner of '08 c300 4matic, complete car newb, general questions plz help
hey guys,
1st post here. Recently purchased an '08 c300 4matic (us vehicle, purchased in canada). As mentioned in the title, I am a total car newb (my 1st car) and would be grateful if you guys could impart some knowledge and advice. All I ask is that if you guys could use as plain English as possible since I not very familiar with commonly used car terminology and such.
A few random questions:
1) The car seems to be running fine right now but I am thinking of taking it into my local MB dealership to do a 360 bumper-to-bumper check-up to look for anything that need immediate repair (since I wouldn't be able to recognize any warning signs), check up on all the fluids, oil change, and things that might be repaired later on. Also want to do this checkup in case the previous owner skipped out on the regular scheduled maintenance or neglected some things since he/she was selling the car.
I haven't contacted the dealership yet regarding pricing for this service but my guess is that it will be somewhat pricey. Is this something you would recommend for someone who is a total car newb? Is it worth the money? I don't mind spending the money (even if I am overpaying a bit) if its worth it and for a peace of mind but at the same time I obviously don't want to be "taken advantage of" at the dealership and get all kinds of "unnecessary" work/service done.
2) Does the car automatically tell you when things are going wrong? Like oil needs to be changed, coolant level is too low,etc,etc. From what I gather by reading the manual, that appears to be the case, but I just to want to confirm with you guys. Right now, my thinking is if the car isn't telling me anything, then everything is functioning properly.
3) I've searched the forums regarding the proper engine temperatures. From what I've read, 80-90c is the normal operating temp. Once again, just want to double check, is this correct?
4) Can you guys provide any good links that give a thorough primer, car 101 type of information for total car newbs such as myself, so I can educate myself and learn the basics?
Sorry for the long post, much appreciated if anyone can help me out here. And please feel free to provide any sort of random advice, anything that a car newb wouldn't know but should know, things to look out for, stuff that you wish someone had told you (when you had your 1st car). Thanks for your time.
- cheers
1st post here. Recently purchased an '08 c300 4matic (us vehicle, purchased in canada). As mentioned in the title, I am a total car newb (my 1st car) and would be grateful if you guys could impart some knowledge and advice. All I ask is that if you guys could use as plain English as possible since I not very familiar with commonly used car terminology and such.
A few random questions:
1) The car seems to be running fine right now but I am thinking of taking it into my local MB dealership to do a 360 bumper-to-bumper check-up to look for anything that need immediate repair (since I wouldn't be able to recognize any warning signs), check up on all the fluids, oil change, and things that might be repaired later on. Also want to do this checkup in case the previous owner skipped out on the regular scheduled maintenance or neglected some things since he/she was selling the car.
I haven't contacted the dealership yet regarding pricing for this service but my guess is that it will be somewhat pricey. Is this something you would recommend for someone who is a total car newb? Is it worth the money? I don't mind spending the money (even if I am overpaying a bit) if its worth it and for a peace of mind but at the same time I obviously don't want to be "taken advantage of" at the dealership and get all kinds of "unnecessary" work/service done.
2) Does the car automatically tell you when things are going wrong? Like oil needs to be changed, coolant level is too low,etc,etc. From what I gather by reading the manual, that appears to be the case, but I just to want to confirm with you guys. Right now, my thinking is if the car isn't telling me anything, then everything is functioning properly.
3) I've searched the forums regarding the proper engine temperatures. From what I've read, 80-90c is the normal operating temp. Once again, just want to double check, is this correct?
4) Can you guys provide any good links that give a thorough primer, car 101 type of information for total car newbs such as myself, so I can educate myself and learn the basics?
Sorry for the long post, much appreciated if anyone can help me out here. And please feel free to provide any sort of random advice, anything that a car newb wouldn't know but should know, things to look out for, stuff that you wish someone had told you (when you had your 1st car). Thanks for your time.
- cheers
Last edited by ekinnehs; 12-29-2010 at 03:21 PM.
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,310
Received 176 Likes
on
127 Posts
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2005 C55; 2003 360 Modena
Wow, my first car was a rusty 1976 Fiat 131 station wagon!
First and foremost - don't go to any dealer or repair facility with an open checkbook, and don't ever admit that you're ok overpaying!! You are a dream come true for any service advisor.
You didn't mention the mileage - knowing that might change things. Yes, the temp gauge at a notch or two above 80c is spot on.
Multiple point inspections are done free by dealers all the time - don't pay for it!! After all, the reason is to rope you into paying for stuff they find.
See the top post in this section for DIY guides for W204s. There is another great post, something titled "things I learned about my car after I've owned it"
Give a dealer your VIN and have them do a service report. All dealers are linked, provided that past service was done by a dealer, you're in luck.
You are generally correct, in that the service display will advise you of scheduled maintenance, as well as things like low oil, coolant, tire pressure, washer fluid, etc. However, things like brake bleeds, body lubrication (ie: doors) are covered in the scheduled maintenance guide which is a different manual.
At two years old, you should be looking at at least two oil changes, a brake fluid bleed / flush and probably a brake pad check. Although at average miles, your brakes are probably just fine. There is a wear sensor that gives plenty of advance warning.
Good luck with your purchase, but don't panic, it's not like you purchased a 1976 Fiat!! You have a great car that, depending on how many miles you drive per year, requires nothing more than an annual inspection as advised by the display. My only deviation: I still go by 5,000 mile oil changes, though, and not the 10k or 13k.
First and foremost - don't go to any dealer or repair facility with an open checkbook, and don't ever admit that you're ok overpaying!! You are a dream come true for any service advisor.
You didn't mention the mileage - knowing that might change things. Yes, the temp gauge at a notch or two above 80c is spot on.
Multiple point inspections are done free by dealers all the time - don't pay for it!! After all, the reason is to rope you into paying for stuff they find.
See the top post in this section for DIY guides for W204s. There is another great post, something titled "things I learned about my car after I've owned it"
Give a dealer your VIN and have them do a service report. All dealers are linked, provided that past service was done by a dealer, you're in luck.
You are generally correct, in that the service display will advise you of scheduled maintenance, as well as things like low oil, coolant, tire pressure, washer fluid, etc. However, things like brake bleeds, body lubrication (ie: doors) are covered in the scheduled maintenance guide which is a different manual.
At two years old, you should be looking at at least two oil changes, a brake fluid bleed / flush and probably a brake pad check. Although at average miles, your brakes are probably just fine. There is a wear sensor that gives plenty of advance warning.
Good luck with your purchase, but don't panic, it's not like you purchased a 1976 Fiat!! You have a great car that, depending on how many miles you drive per year, requires nothing more than an annual inspection as advised by the display. My only deviation: I still go by 5,000 mile oil changes, though, and not the 10k or 13k.
#5
thanks for the replies so far guys, kjb55 -- your post was very helpful, thank you.
2 questions:
1) service report - what are the main things I should be looking for in this report?
2) multiple point inspection - is it MB dealership standard policy for it to be free? What if dealer tries to charge me for it? After inspection, dealer tells me XYZ needs to be done -- what are some of the common "unnecessary" services that a dealer often tries to sucker a customer into paying for?
Mileage is ~49500km
thanks again guys
2 questions:
1) service report - what are the main things I should be looking for in this report?
2) multiple point inspection - is it MB dealership standard policy for it to be free? What if dealer tries to charge me for it? After inspection, dealer tells me XYZ needs to be done -- what are some of the common "unnecessary" services that a dealer often tries to sucker a customer into paying for?
Mileage is ~49500km
thanks again guys
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you want piece of mind and your mileage is below 50K you may want to consider getting and extended warranty. I recently looked into this and the cost from Mercedes Benz is about $4600. That would get you a warranty up to 100K miles or maximum of 7 years old. If you are over the 50K mile/48month warranty period you are out of luck as Mercedes will not typically allow extension of the warranty after that time. A good warranty is always good piece of mind.
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,310
Received 176 Likes
on
127 Posts
2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2005 C55; 2003 360 Modena
thanks for the replies so far guys, kjb55 -- your post was very helpful, thank you.
2 questions:
1) service report - what are the main things I should be looking for in this report?
2) multiple point inspection - is it MB dealership standard policy for it to be free? What if dealer tries to charge me for it? After inspection, dealer tells me XYZ needs to be done -- what are some of the common "unnecessary" services that a dealer often tries to sucker a customer into paying for?
Mileage is ~49500km
thanks again guys
2 questions:
1) service report - what are the main things I should be looking for in this report?
2) multiple point inspection - is it MB dealership standard policy for it to be free? What if dealer tries to charge me for it? After inspection, dealer tells me XYZ needs to be done -- what are some of the common "unnecessary" services that a dealer often tries to sucker a customer into paying for?
Mileage is ~49500km
thanks again guys
2) It's not standard policy nor required by MBUSA for dealers to provide it. However, it is very common that dealers offer such a service - as they know they'll find something the car needs.
Fluid flushes are often pushed and rarely needed. Flush the engine, trans, power steering, etc. You have to have a very neglected car with many years and miles before you'd even consider these types of flushes. They're starting to push nitrogen tire fills even!
At 2 years you should elect to do a brake fluid bleed. Make sure that your oil changes are up to date.
Mercedes is very clear both in time and miles as to what service is required - any deviation by the dealer is profit motivated and should be considered suspect.
Trending Topics
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 702
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
Find a reputable local independent shop to service your car. Most likely this will save you money.
Last edited by Pete7874; 12-31-2010 at 03:39 PM.
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SFV CA
Posts: 4,433
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
2008 Black Out C350 Saks Edition / 87 VW GTI
thanks for the replies so far guys, kjb55 -- your post was very helpful, thank you.
2 questions:
1) service report - what are the main things I should be looking for in this report?
2) multiple point inspection - is it MB dealership standard policy for it to be free? What if dealer tries to charge me for it? After inspection, dealer tells me XYZ needs to be done -- what are some of the common "unnecessary" services that a dealer often tries to sucker a customer into paying for?
Mileage is ~49500km
thanks again guys
2 questions:
1) service report - what are the main things I should be looking for in this report?
2) multiple point inspection - is it MB dealership standard policy for it to be free? What if dealer tries to charge me for it? After inspection, dealer tells me XYZ needs to be done -- what are some of the common "unnecessary" services that a dealer often tries to sucker a customer into paying for?
Mileage is ~49500km
thanks again guys
#11
MBWorld Fanatic!
It sounds like you have gotten some pretty good advice already and the simple fact that you even care about how your car is performing is going to put you well ahead of the average driver.
As long as you are cognizant of how your car looks, feels and sounds you should be able to identify and head off any great problems....of course posting your questions and observations on a forum like MB World will get you tons of information to arm yourself with at the shop.
Congrats on the car and hope your motoring knowledge grows by leaps and bounds!
As long as you are cognizant of how your car looks, feels and sounds you should be able to identify and head off any great problems....of course posting your questions and observations on a forum like MB World will get you tons of information to arm yourself with at the shop.
Congrats on the car and hope your motoring knowledge grows by leaps and bounds!