Renault78law

First off, I just want to disclose that I did a search, and want to emphasize that I'm not asking WHEN I should change my oil. I think it's a personal preference. Having said that, I would like to know when MB recommends an oil change. I bought the car second hand, and I didn't get the maintenance info that originally came with the car. Specifically, am I supposed to change it at a regular interval, or does the car calculate when it is needed? And how is that calculated.

So for example, if it says 5,000mi until B service in the menu, but I decide to change the oil myself, will the car "sense" that the oil and oil filter is fresh and change to "10,000mi until B service"? I don't want to oil-change my way out of a free service.

Put another way:
1) I'm still have two years of free service on my C32
2) I've decided I want to supplement that service with an one additional oil-change between each service interval.
3) How do I know when I should do it?

Thank you!

Saprissa

The car will tell you when Service A and Service B should be performed based on both (time & mileage). So if you don't drive your car very often, but a certain amount of time elapses, then you will get the Service message.

The Service messages in themselves are not "oil change warning" messages. Just that it's TIME to take your car in based on the recommended settings.

Beyond that Mercedes-Benz / AMG recommends Mobil 1 oil changes at approx every 12,000-13,000 miles. When that occurs, the techs usually re-set the car's service counter. In itself, the car does not "sense" a new filter or new oil. Your car will definitely start having mechanical problems if you're way over your oil change schedule.

I have my oil changed between Service A & Service B intervals as well. More for peace of mind, than necessity. I like synthetic Mobil 1 and it's high mileage rating, however, just to make sure that filters and rings and other things stay clean, I prefer to do an extra oil change in between. So when is it done ? At about 6,000 miles after / before Service A or Service B.
With 2 years left of free service, and assuming you drive 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, you have 2 Services free of charge. Just get in for that last one before your 2 years are up. As for interval changes on your own dime, like I said, do it halfway in between your Service A & B. Approx 6,000-7,000 miles.

Carlos

Saprissa@aol.com

Renault78law

Thank you very much! Excellent answer.
Currently, my car says 7,100 until next B service. I'll have the oil changed within the next couple of weeks.

btw, is it true that you can get your free service +/- 1,000 mi of your next scheduled maintainance? So when it says 1,000 until next B service, may I make my appointment at the dealer? Or is it only within 1,000 mi after your maintainence is scheduled?