Alright, so I'm leasing a new C300. I was contemplating getting the pre-paid maintenance, but let's face it: It only looks like a good deal because the prices Mercedes charges are way too damn high to begin with.

With that said, I'll go do my services at an Indy.

My question is: Do I have to follow Mercedes' guidelines? If they say I have to do a tranny flush at 40K miles, do I have to do it, or will I be penalized if I don't?

I have a 3 yrs/15k miles lease.

I'm just not sure I can justify the $1200 for pre-paid maintenance. That's 10, 20, 30, 40k service. Oil change will be no more than $100 each. Then what else is there? A couple of air filters?

Does anyone know if there is a requirement (not a recommendation) for tranny flush and brake fluid flush, and if so , at which mileage?

Thanks.

 

The brake fluid flush is every other service/2 years/ 20,000 miles. You can do your own service and be OK if you log it and keep receipts to back it up. I would use OEM parts. As for the tranny flush, if you never have a problem with the tranny you will more than likely be good. If you do have problems they could void that part of the warranty and take it out of your wallet. I plan on doing all maint. myself except for the tranny flush and have them do that per the book.

 

either DIY and keep all receipts or take it to indy...

 

So I decided to go ahead with the 4 yrs/40k miles pre-paid maintenance plan. Residualized across my lease, I'm paying $550 (40% of 1375).

Anyway, my question was regarding the need to do certain services since it's a lease to save $, but it's fine. Thanks.

 

That's odd. My service plan is every 25000k or 12 months.
The tranny is filled for "life" except for one change.

The coolant is for "life"(200000k)
The brakes are 2 years(as the Fluid gathers water/moisture)

here's an excerpt from the manual. • Replace spark plugs (every 4 years/75,000km) due to electrode wear causing reduced fuel efficiency and engine performance
• Replace transmission filter (once at 3 years/50,000km), gasket, bolts, and oil to prevent internal transmission componentry from wearing prematurely
• Replace and flushed brake fluid (every 2 years) as it absorbs moisture from the air, reducing its boiling point and thereby reducing vehicle braking performance
• Replace engine air filter/s (every 4 years/75,000km or as required) due to external contamination affecting engine performance and fuel efficiency
• Replace engine fuel filter/s (every 4 years/75,000km or as required) due to fuel quality affecting engine performance and driveability
• Replace engine coolant (every 15 years or as required) preventing corrosion build up inside of engine
• Check trailer hitch
• Clean, grease and lubricate sunroof guide mechanism (every 3 years/50,000km)
• Remove and refit 2 road wheels
• Remove and refit 4 road wheels

 

Thanks for the info. Signed the papers today. $1275 for the 4yr/40k miles maintenance. Residualized, comes out to $19 a month for 36 months, so that's almost $700. It's not too bad. Probably could save money going to an indy shop, but at least this way it's all taken care of easily.