1guitar

I'm a newbie with an E350 with 20,000 miles on the clock. In any case I see there are some very knowledgable folks on this site (IMO I think there are more than just a few that seem to know more than the mechanics at my MB dealer). In any case, given that I drive about 5,000 miles a year what things in your opinion do you think should be replaced every 4 years or 20,000 miles. I do change the oil every 5,000 miles even though the mechanic says it's a waste of money and I know that question could be debated forever, it's just that I bought this car with the intention of keeping it for at least 10 to 15 years because I've always wanted one and I don't have the kind of cash to replace it whenever the mood strikes me. So, given my situation anyone with owning a MB on a long term basis with some good advice would really be appreciated. Thanks to all who read and reply.
Regards,
Mylo

kash2014

Do you have an extended warranty? If you do, you should probably do the 4 year / 40000 mile warranty which includes the tranny service.

If you are out of warranty I think you can hold off tranny service at your own risk for a little while longer.

If it takes you a year to reach 5000 miles, then you are right in changing the oil, its a yearly or mileage type of thing, I read somewhere that the viscosity of the oil breaks down over time but don't quote me on that

1guitar

Kash2014:
Thanks for the input, I totally forgot about the tranny which I think I'll have done at 50,000. Thanks again.

El Cid

I drive less than 4,000 per year, so I just take it to the MB dealership for annual servicing, which includes replacing the Mobil One oil and filter and the other stuff. Costs about $200 every other year and then $400 the alternate years (brake fluid replacement primarily).
Service writer said I could wait until five years on tranny since cars only has about 15K on it now and this will cost more than $400.
I plan to keep mine for a very long time also.

1guitar

Hi El Cid:
You mentioned you take your car to your dealer every year for an oil change (I do also and it costs me around $100) and "other stuff" and your dealer charges you $200. What are the other services your dealer does that you are paying for? Besides the oil change I just want to make sure I'm not missing out on any other services my dealer should be doing. Thanks for the info.
Regards,
Mylo

1guitar

I see you mentioned it costs you $200 every other year, so your dealer is charging you $100 per oil change, very fair.

El Cid

They do all the required services per the Maintenance Manual. Admitedly this is mostly O&F change and checks and topping off fluids, but gives me peace of mind.
To be clear, it is $200 each year, but $400 2nd, 4th, 6th years, etc. Except when transmission is serviced.
My Toyotas cost about $60 per year for same services.