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I took my 2020, low mileage (46,000 miles) to the dealer for the free service clinic they offer. They gave a list of things that will need to be done for maintenance. Last year I was supposed to get the Service B maintenance, but since it was low mileage, all I did was got an oil change with an Independent mechanic. So this year, I think I am due for service B, even though my car is not at 50,000 miles.
I am thinking of doing the service B with the dealer because they gave me a coupon for $300 off. The service advisor said the service B includes the first 3 items on the list which total around $824 plus/minus, so it will cost me around $524 or so.
Do you think I can wait until next year or even later to do the other items on the list since my car is low mileage ( replace axle oil $245, replace engine filter $192, transmission oil $1150, spark plugs $567, transfer case oil $450) . These are dealer prices in Los Angeles area. Thank you in advance.
2023 E 450 Sedan. 2018 GLC 300. 2013 E 350 Coupe (retired)
Fluids deteriote over time, not just by mileage. Since you are not under warranty, you can be selective i suppose. I'm not sure if all those fluids are due according to the offical Mercedes service schedule. The dealer may be pushing you forward a bit. So find the official service schedule. I would wait a year on the plugs, and likewise try and justify the same on the tranny. An independent shop should be cheaper
As financially painful as services can be, it's best to follow the manufacturer's service schedule, and be sure your service book is accurately maintained. Conscientious servicing and record keeping is worth a premium when you trade or sell your car.
Just to be clear, service is due every 12 months or 10k miles, whichever comes first, so you are past due. As said above, fluids deteriorate whether you have the mileage or not. To top it off, you drive in gridlocked LA. Brake fluid should be flushed every 2 years regardless of mileage as it absorbs moisture over time, although we don't have a humid climate here, so it doesn't happen all that rapidly. Still, moisture in the fluid can cause corrosion. All the stop&go driving you do in LA also likely leaves moisture and fuel in the oil, so should be changed once a year along with the filters. Stuck in traffic can be harder on a car than driving it like you stole it, so if you plan on keeping it, be nice to it and follow the proper service schedule.
I drive my C63 only about 4000 miles a year these days, and except for the first service, all services were time based every 12 months. I got my spark plugs done after 5 years as they are due at 5 years or 50k miles. Again, whichever comes first. Last thing you want is an insulator to crack and fall into the combustion chamber due to the age of the spark plug. That's a new engine if it happens.
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