Dema

Car shows as service "B" due. However I am going to change oil only. Did somebody have expereince with dealers as doing service "A" only when car shows as "B"? Or better just go in oil change shop and chage oil and then reset service reminder?

aeggroup

I just change oil at 20K.

eagle_lex

The dealer should do whatever you ask for. If you want the full B, or an A or simply an oil change. Now that said, they probably wont reset your service light if you dont opt for the full service. but you know how to do that yourself im assuming.

K-A

Remind me to never buy a used, especially off-Lease car.

clkwork

I think it is your responsibility to keep up with the recommended service. With that being said I don't think that you're going to do any harm by missing a B service, but it's kind of a ****ty thing to do. And if something did go wrong due to lack of maintenance you would be liable for the repairs if the warranty didn't cover it.

eagle_lex

this is why you pull service records on used cars. (not bashing the OP) obviously it will only show MB services but in the case of someone using indy shops... they should keep some sort of records for the next buyer in case the buyer asks for them.

i keep my own records, but there is also records avail at my dealer when i take it there.

a low mileage car would probably be ok as long as the oil was changed and a trans flush if it was to that mileage yet. most other stuff isnt as important IMO. but it would be nice to buy a gently used PROPERLY maintained car that you had the records to prove so.

RSIKR

Brake fluid flush is part of the B service. Brake fluid is hydroscopic, it absorbs moisture. Moisture=corrosion. ABS, ESP, Adaptive Brake, etc. are dependent on uncontaminated brake fluid. From past experience with ABS on a different automobile this is not a frivolous service procedure.

Cabin Air Filter is on the B service list also. Depending on where you drive it may not need replacing. You can easily check it yourself. Instructions are on this forum.

hyperion667

HEY KA!!

never buy a used, especially off-Lease car.

aeggroup

LOL , but honestly I see no reason to do anything else at 20K miles.

EnigmaAW

on my last lease, i just did the oil change and brake flush for the B service. I'm not paying for all the visual BS and I can easily change the air and cabin filter. saved a couple hundred bucks

K-A

Yeah, they do really rip you off with the B Service. The recommended fluid changes are a must, but avoiding the visual once-over crap that probably is done even if you didn't pay for it, could be beneficial.

El Cid

Another reason why I would NEVER buy a car that has been leased.
Reasonably sure that when you turn it in, the dealer will "charge" you for failure to comply with M-B REQUIRED services.
As has been said many times before, if you can't afford the maintenance, don't get an M-B - or BMW, Lexus, Audi, etc.

BenzE350

Actually off lease vehicles are often a great value with a clear history of maintenance records - especially BMW's and other brands that include no-charge maintenance.

EnigmaAW

I can afford the maintenance, i just choose not to pay for the visual BS that I can do myself. Also i work for Audi and continue to drive a Mercedes. Figure that one out?

YYZ-E55

Running regular gas too?

EnigmaAW

only shell v-Power

telemakhos

Well, how about that the manufacturer recommends it? Perhaps I'm a little naive and some of the service is a little extra thrown in for for some dealer workshop profit but I wouldn't skip the fluid changes, i.e., the important ones.

IMO the dealer would be completely within their rights to charge at the end of a lease for failing to maintain the car properly.

What about considering the person who will eventually buy your off-lease car?

dfordham

Not to mention considering your own integrity. Surely, the lease contract says you will perform all required preventive maintenance.

You gave your word! Nuff said.

Regards,
Don

andrew e coupe

Most of the early services are a grossly overpriced oil change. They wave the magic wand and charge you $500. Lol.

aeggroup

Let's see what is exactly Service B.

1. Visually check brake system components, lines, hoses, calipers .
2. Check thickness of brake pads and disks, front and rear wheels removed
3. Engine – oil and filter change
4. Check catch, safety catch and hinges on engine hood for proper operation
5. Check condition of poly-V-belt (except for S 400 HYBRID BlueEFFICIENCY)
6. Replace fuel filter (engine 642)
7. Clean visible area of water deflector.
8. Reset maintenance service indicator in instrument cluster.
9. Replace combination filter and/or dust filter (where applicable)
#10 thru #24 - a lot of visual checks.

The only real job that exist on this list is change oil, fuel filter and brake fluid flush. Any brake fluid (by its own definition) is good for at least 50K miles, so even MB recommends to change it - there is no reason to do it.
I can afford the maintenance, but like others say - I will not pay for overpriced dealer's support. My shop does it for 60% less the dealer's price.

Honestly? I don't care....I leased bunch of MB cars for the last 15 years and never returned any of them with more than 25K miles on the clock and all of them were mint condition. Almost every of them I saw at our dealer's CPO lot in perfect condition and never heard any complains from my dealer.

El Cid

Replacing the combination (cabin) filter also requires some work and of course the cost of the new filter.
You replace the brake fluid for same reason you replace engine oil. It deteriorates as it ages. And if M-B recommends changing it, it must not be 50,000 mile brake fluid.
Regardless, I view it as safety insurance. Also, why I purchased pre-paid maintenance.

BenzMan369

Depending upon the state in which you live, many of us are actually paying double for some of the items included in the scheduled services.

For example, PA annual State Inspection requirements include pulling the wheels and checking the brakes and related systems. That's just one example.

Now that my state inspection and annual A and B services fall in the same month, I'm having both done during the same visit. (I guess you can have the scheduled maintenance done anytime you want each year actually).

I pointed this out to my long-time service advisor. He winked at me and said he'd "handle it." Since I've already paid in advance for 4 years required
scheduled maintenance, when I visited the cashier I found he had reduced the inspection charge significantly.

I know dealer charges are inflated when compared with indies but, I can tell you from personal experience with my last Benz, when you run into a potentially costly issue out of warranty, there's no substitute for dealer good will. $0 and zero hassles was a heck of a lot easier to swallow than $2,400 or a major dispute.

El Cid

Absolutely! I have had similar experiences with other makes as well. Few times I tried independents, they either broke something ("not my fault") or didn't fix the actual problem, but charged me anyway.

mikemargolis

When I bought my CPO 2011 Bluetec with 20,500 miles, I made sure that the B service had been done, which it had.

I made the salesman bring up the service history while I was sitting in front of him. He printed it out, and magic markered out the previous owner's name.

I really don't understand why anyone would lease (really rent) a car, so I will leave that issue alone.

kingofire

never play double for my service as I do it myself. Just finished the brake bleed, front brake pad change, oil and filter change and both air and cabin filter change at 20K mile change. Used Royal purple oil like I have always. I will be busy being an NFL athlete the next few months so I am glad it is out of my way right before the season. I predict the New England Patriot to be the super bowl champs this year! :P