I'm due for te B service.

My car has just 12,000 miles. I looked at a place like Jiffy Lube. The very top level oil change and the brake fluid exchange toals about $280.

Am I missing anything that's really needed? My local Mercedes service is at $699 plus tax.

Find another shop don't use JiffyLube. Find a reputable shop that specializes in European makes.

Or do it yourself.

I'm not capable. The Mercedes specialists aren't much cheaper.

Jiffy Lube is unlikely to have MB approved oil and brake fluid. They'll use whatever generic 5W-30 and DOT4 they put in every other car. MB service isn't cheap, but if it's worth doing, it's worth doing right.

Yes exactly, these are fine engineered machines and neglect (in the form of not doing service timely or in this case using the wrong parts, fluids, inferior products) is what kills them. You treat these machines right they will treat you well.

If the specialists in your area isn't much cheaper might as well use the dealership.

If you really want to save at the dealership, ask for an oil change and then also a brake fluid don't simply ask for Service B. Since that includes a lot of checks which cost them labour hence the bill reflects. It will be way cheaper to simply do an oil and filter change and brake fluid instead of the full service B. That said, even if you don't get the shop to do it, make sure to go through the inspections yourself. Check all the belts and all system functions.

What year is the MB? There might also be time based not just mileage (of whichever comes first) might be due depending on the age of the vehicle.

Quick way to risk waranty coverage, which i assume you still have:

1. Have unqualified shop use unapproved methods and materials for service.

2. Neglect to have required maintenance (full service b) done and documented by competent shop or individual.

and bonus benefit to part one or two: lose dealership good will by going elsewhere.

Be careful when under warranty, unless you don't care if you ever get hit with a big bill for something you assumed would be covered, but that the dealer claimed was due to owner neglect.

I agree with the bonus part, out of warranty goodwill repairs approval rate is much higher if the car was serviced at the dealership. Plus building a relationship with the SA and the GM might be a good idea.

I recall a forum thread where the guy wanting to save a few $$ asked the MB dealer for only an oil change rather than the full A service. The dealer charged less but refused to reset the service indicator.

$700 ain't cheap, but for most it's only once a year. It works out to $2/day, which is less than your morning latte.

In that case either the full service or OP can reset themselves.

As I recall, asking how to do the reset himself was the basis for his post.

I see, I found the thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/c450-c43-...ml#post7967930

Might be this one as it is much more recent https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post9016100

1. Get the MB Service if you are under warranty
2. If not, find a mercedes specialist /
2. B service is every 2 years, A service is half the cost.
3. There are "Required" (Oil filter brakefluid change) and "Recommended" (wipers and lots of unneeded inspections) parts of a service. See which you want and get a quote on "Required"" and "Recommended".
I only do wipers every 4-6 years. Tire rotate every 3. Align when needed, but check every 4 years.

The car is 2023, now has 12,400 miles. I bought it new. I had a Lexus for 17 years. Never got a brake fluid exchange. Never had an issue. Used regular oil. Went to regular gas stations to get the oil change, never had an issue. The air filter? Isn't that about $20? I got them to match a local Mercedes service place at $529. Still seems like a lot. Seems like all I really need special from here is the Mercedes oil.

There are two though, the activated charcoal in the cabin underneath the passenger side is more expensive.

You do not need branded MB oil. For a W206 with the M254 just get 229.71 or 229.72 certification engine oil.

https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/229.71

Or https://operatingfluids.mercedes-benz.com/sheet/229.72

This information can be found on Page 362 on the operator's manual of a MBUSA market 2023 C 300 sedan.

unfortunately, engine technology is different and requires different fluids than from those engines. Older engines had port injections and were pretty clean overall and new cars with all of the emmission standards have direct injection and it is a much dirtier system..you want proper oil, at least.

Don't forget good engine oil helps with the turbos as well.