Service really needed??
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2013
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Mercedes C300
Service really needed??
Hey All,
I have a 2009 C300 that I purchased in June of 2012 with 20K miles. She now has ~42k miles and when i went to get my B service, they told me I need a transmission fluid flush, brake flush, and engine air filter change. My dad says that this is all rubbish and I can wait till 100k miles to get things done. I would like to know what best practices are and if I should go ahead and get it done. My gut is telling me to go ahead and do it. I just am wary of what dealerships say because they're trying to make money at every road. Thank you!
I have a 2009 C300 that I purchased in June of 2012 with 20K miles. She now has ~42k miles and when i went to get my B service, they told me I need a transmission fluid flush, brake flush, and engine air filter change. My dad says that this is all rubbish and I can wait till 100k miles to get things done. I would like to know what best practices are and if I should go ahead and get it done. My gut is telling me to go ahead and do it. I just am wary of what dealerships say because they're trying to make money at every road. Thank you!
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Hey All,
I have a 2009 C300 that I purchased in June of 2012 with 20K miles. She now has ~42k miles and when i went to get my B service, they told me I need a transmission fluid flush, brake flush, and engine air filter change. My dad says that this is all rubbish and I can wait till 100k miles to get things done. I would like to know what best practices are and if I should go ahead and get it done. My gut is telling me to go ahead and do it. I just am wary of what dealerships say because they're trying to make money at every road. Thank you!
I have a 2009 C300 that I purchased in June of 2012 with 20K miles. She now has ~42k miles and when i went to get my B service, they told me I need a transmission fluid flush, brake flush, and engine air filter change. My dad says that this is all rubbish and I can wait till 100k miles to get things done. I would like to know what best practices are and if I should go ahead and get it done. My gut is telling me to go ahead and do it. I just am wary of what dealerships say because they're trying to make money at every road. Thank you!
Your dad is obviously not familiar with the specific maintenance needs of a Mercedes.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2013
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Mercedes C300
The transmission fluid flush was due at 39,000 miles and the brake fluid flush at 2 years. So yes, you should do it. You can change the engine air filter yourself and save some cash.
Your dad is obviously not familiar with the specific maintenance needs of a Mercedes.
Your dad is obviously not familiar with the specific maintenance needs of a Mercedes.
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Joined: Aug 2007
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From: San Jose, CA
2010 c300
It's recommended by mercedes to keep your car in top working condition. But of course you dont necessarily have to do it. Or at least not exactly in those recommended mileage. Of course you run the risk and you should do it pretty close to it. But just to prove somewhat of a point that you dont necessarily have to do it. My previous 2005 c230 is a good example. It had 121k miles when I traded it in and I never flushed the brake or transmission and I never had any issues with it. Nor did I ever change any belts. I did change the air filter and never drove it crazy though. But what I did is to the extreme and I don't recommend anyone to do the same. I took a risk.
Last edited by aznmode; May 8, 2013 at 03:02 PM.
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
The 722.6 transmission in the 2005 C230 (I had one, too) was a totally different story.
Skipping the transmission service and brake fluid flush might save you a little bit now but you could end up paying a lot later.
Skipping the transmission service and brake fluid flush might save you a little bit now but you could end up paying a lot later.
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From: Orlando, Florida
E350 Sport/ML350RWD
The 39K Transmission Service IS important. They don't need to do a flush. They can drain the pan and torque converter, replace filter and gasket it your set. The Brake fluid should be drained and replaced every 2 yrs or so because it can hold moisture which can lead to master cylinder corrosion and damage.
Is your father a ASE Certified Mechanic/Certified Mercedes-Benz Technician?
If you want to take a chance and he is willing to pay the repair bill...Go for it.
Is your father a ASE Certified Mechanic/Certified Mercedes-Benz Technician?
If you want to take a chance and he is willing to pay the repair bill...Go for it.
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Thread Starter
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Mercedes C300
So what i'm seeing is that a drain and refill is what is truly needed and that the flush is just said so that they can make a ton of money?
What's the difference between a drain and refill vs a flush?
What's the difference between a drain and refill vs a flush?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Orlando, Florida
E350 Sport/ML350RWD
The Flush will cost more because they use more fluid to flush the system. I have been told by multiple friends who are mechanics not to flush a transmission. Just make sure the dealership will drain the Torque Converter when the service is completed. The total amount of fluid used on your invoice should be 8-8.5 quarts IF your car is NOT a 4-Matic. This service can be pricey but is definitely required.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
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2010 C300
If you read your service manual you will get two tranny fluid changes before 40k. Then after that you don't have to do it anymore. So it is recommended that you do.
The theory behind changing the brake fluid every 2 years is true. If not the master cylinder is very finicky and could prematurely fail if not changed when recommended.
Although this is up to you. But think about the cost of preventative maintenance vs actual repair maintenance costs
The theory behind changing the brake fluid every 2 years is true. If not the master cylinder is very finicky and could prematurely fail if not changed when recommended.
Although this is up to you. But think about the cost of preventative maintenance vs actual repair maintenance costs
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 99
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
2008 c300 sport 4matic
Dont flush it. I did my own trans service (check my sig.) because I didn't trust any indy shops to do it correctly. Everybody wanted to flush my trans. Flushing it does not change the filter, and is the "fast" way to do it. There are hundreds of posts regarding the 722.9 trans service.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Illinois
'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
AFAIK, the trans fluid needs to be changed every 39/40K miles, so if you did it at 40K, you should do it at 80K and at 120K, and so on...
Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 99
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From: Ann Arbor, MI
2008 c300 sport 4matic
This is correct. The service manual sent out with the 2008 w204 recommended a single change at 39k miles. In 2009 and the following years Mercedes changed the recommended servie interval to every 39k miles.
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2010 C300
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From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
Since NewOwner09C300's W204 is a MY2009, if the transmission/torque convertor fluid change is done at an MB dealer, then get the free TCU software update for the 7G. Makes a difference, although the stupid Adaptive Learning will start to degrade performance at the first traffic light.
Thread Starter
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Mercedes C300
Since NewOwner09C300's W204 is a MY2009, if the transmission/torque convertor fluid change is done at an MB dealer, then get the free TCU software update for the 7G. Makes a difference, although the stupid Adaptive Learning will start to degrade performance at the first traffic light.
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From: Acapulco Mexico
2010 C300 Sport
MY2008 - 2010 and perhaps the first MY2011 have a FREE TCU software update that can be performed anytime the Star diagnostic system is connected to the W204 (as in an A or B service, or transmission fluid change).
The official MB 7G fluid change, "required" at 39k miles, means draining both the transmission case AND the torque convertor. Refill should take 9 (liters/quarts?) and NOT only 7, which means just the casing was drained. The Draconian refill procedure (as stupid as the 7G's Adaptive Learning) requires running the transmission until it reaches a specific temperature, then checking the fluid level with an access plate half-way off before trying to slam and bolt it shut, must have been copied from Rube Goldberg's last will and testament.
The 7G is never to be flushed. Period.
The official MB 7G fluid change, "required" at 39k miles, means draining both the transmission case AND the torque convertor. Refill should take 9 (liters/quarts?) and NOT only 7, which means just the casing was drained. The Draconian refill procedure (as stupid as the 7G's Adaptive Learning) requires running the transmission until it reaches a specific temperature, then checking the fluid level with an access plate half-way off before trying to slam and bolt it shut, must have been copied from Rube Goldberg's last will and testament.
The 7G is never to be flushed. Period.
