Mr first C43 Oil change / Checkup
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 201
Likes: 32
From: Encinitas, So-Cal
Thanks for the reply!
So I can get an oil change around the corner at an indie mercedes mechanic for about $90
What will I spend on oil/filter/plug etc to do it myself?
Might not be worth the trouble?
So I can get an oil change around the corner at an indie mercedes mechanic for about $90
What will I spend on oil/filter/plug etc to do it myself?
Might not be worth the trouble?
It is a DIY job if you have some basic tools and equipment. Drain the oil down the sewers... nobody will notice 
I'm KIDDING. Old oil MUST be disposed of in a secure and proper place. It is a polluter. Search around for some DIY, but I would recommend you get it done by a professionnal in the know with proper tooling and equipement. Your C43 deserves special treatment: Mobil1 0W/40, genuine OE filters, O rings, etc.
I'm KIDDING. Old oil MUST be disposed of in a secure and proper place. It is a polluter. Search around for some DIY, but I would recommend you get it done by a professionnal in the know with proper tooling and equipement. Your C43 deserves special treatment: Mobil1 0W/40, genuine OE filters, O rings, etc.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 498
Likes: 7
From: South Florida
1998 C43, 2017 Honda Accord Sport
Oil will cost me anywhere from $50-60 depending on where I buy it, then another $12 or so for the filter. So about $75 for a DIY max.
Also, Mobil 1 has a rewards program on their site. You get $5 back for every 5qts purchased or something like that. Gotta photocopy your receipt, cut out the UPCs, and mail them in.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 435
Likes: 8
From: Mizzou
1998 C43 AMG
May not be worth your while to get dirty and dispose of oil to save $20....
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
1999 C43 AMG
Below is an article explaining what the FSS is and how to reset it:
If you do an oil change yourself, which most people do you will need to reset the FSS, or Flexible Service System light. This cannot be reset with a scan tool, as those are designed for reading codes in the check engine light, and the below procedure will not work for a check engine light issue.
First How the System works:
The Flexible Service System calculates in both miles and time, how long before you need to service the engines oil. Simply press the mileage button 2 times and you will see this displayed on the dash.
The new V8 & V6 motors are equipped with an oil quality sensor connected to the cars, computer system, as well as an oil level indicator. These two sensors as well as sensors from the cars CAN-BUS system feed additional data such as Speed, Engine and Coolant Temperture, Load Factor, RPM, and Engine Oil Temperature.
Additional factors, such as operating conditions, stop and go driving, high speed driving, cold starts, and oil usage are also calculated to determine the time/distance between oil changes. If your driving conditions are right, the system may even extend the 10,000 mile service intervals. However, oil is not that expensive, and we not recommend attempting to drive that long on one batch of oil. You cannot damage the engine changing the oil too frequently, however, you can certainly burn out rings, seals, and bearing by not changing your oil regularly.
How to Reset the System:
This technique has always worked for me, and is exactly as it was mentioned in my owners manuals under FSS so your mileage may vary:
Your Key Switch has 4 detents or positions.
Position 0 – Locked Wheel – Engine Off
Position 1 – Wheel Unlocked – Engine Off
Position 2 - Wheel Unlocked – Engine On – This is where you normally have the key when driving
Position 3 – Wheel Unlocked – Starter Engaged
Now you are going to use the same button, that when pressed twice, displayed your remaining time and mileage. Normally the R button.
Get in the car and close the doors. Put your finger on the R button but do not press it yet.
Turn your key to the Run (ON) Position, Number 2 from the list.
Now Press the R Button 2 times.
You will see the number of miles or days remaining for service displayed.
Turn the key to the off position within a few seconds.
Press and Hold the R Button while turning the key back to the run position (2).
Nothing has changed yet – do not panic, keep holding in the R button for 10-15 seconds more, you should hear a beep, and now the see that the system has reset the service interval. Let go of the button and you are all set.
Hope this helps
If you do an oil change yourself, which most people do you will need to reset the FSS, or Flexible Service System light. This cannot be reset with a scan tool, as those are designed for reading codes in the check engine light, and the below procedure will not work for a check engine light issue.
First How the System works:
The Flexible Service System calculates in both miles and time, how long before you need to service the engines oil. Simply press the mileage button 2 times and you will see this displayed on the dash.
The new V8 & V6 motors are equipped with an oil quality sensor connected to the cars, computer system, as well as an oil level indicator. These two sensors as well as sensors from the cars CAN-BUS system feed additional data such as Speed, Engine and Coolant Temperture, Load Factor, RPM, and Engine Oil Temperature.
Additional factors, such as operating conditions, stop and go driving, high speed driving, cold starts, and oil usage are also calculated to determine the time/distance between oil changes. If your driving conditions are right, the system may even extend the 10,000 mile service intervals. However, oil is not that expensive, and we not recommend attempting to drive that long on one batch of oil. You cannot damage the engine changing the oil too frequently, however, you can certainly burn out rings, seals, and bearing by not changing your oil regularly.
How to Reset the System:
This technique has always worked for me, and is exactly as it was mentioned in my owners manuals under FSS so your mileage may vary:
Your Key Switch has 4 detents or positions.
Position 0 – Locked Wheel – Engine Off
Position 1 – Wheel Unlocked – Engine Off
Position 2 - Wheel Unlocked – Engine On – This is where you normally have the key when driving
Position 3 – Wheel Unlocked – Starter Engaged
Now you are going to use the same button, that when pressed twice, displayed your remaining time and mileage. Normally the R button.
Get in the car and close the doors. Put your finger on the R button but do not press it yet.
Turn your key to the Run (ON) Position, Number 2 from the list.
Now Press the R Button 2 times.
You will see the number of miles or days remaining for service displayed.
Turn the key to the off position within a few seconds.
Press and Hold the R Button while turning the key back to the run position (2).
Nothing has changed yet – do not panic, keep holding in the R button for 10-15 seconds more, you should hear a beep, and now the see that the system has reset the service interval. Let go of the button and you are all set.
Hope this helps
Banned
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 0
Likes: 36
I don't drive my car everyday which means I get a 2 year service intervall, I do A or B service every 2 years.
On these tune ups my mechanic resets the ASSYST for next time service.
I also do an oilchange in between those 2 years, which means oilchange once a year.
However I don't reset the ASSYST in between the A or B service.
My car is not a daily driver, therefore the service schedule is not how MB factory intended the service schedule for w202 cars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 4,437
Likes: 43
From: PDX
1999 C43, 2008 P30 E63, 2014 SQ5, 2024 Model Y Performance
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2010
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From: Land of mountains, cheese, chocolate and watches
12' W204 C63 AMG coupe "T-Rex", 12' W451 Smart Fortwo Pulse (99' W202 C43 AMG + Ultima Can-Am sold)
I confirm also the reset recommendation after new oil regardless of A or B service. The oil is the life blood of your engine.
If you can't recall when you had your last A or B service check, guess you may have some Alzheimer disease
If you can't recall when you had your last A or B service check, guess you may have some Alzheimer disease
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
1999 C43 AMG
i keep my maint schedule in a detailed spreadsheet. i dont use the light but not sure if i have to reset it or it runs on a sensor. thanks!
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