g4benz

Hi All,

First time owner here so bear with me. I just got the "Service B1 due in 30 days" message on my dash. I'm at 58,000 miles on the car right now so this has to be the 60K service. The prior owner had service done on this car at 53,000 miles so I think I can wait a bit. The only thing I think that was done at that time was an oil change. I know that it's either 10K or 12 months. I don't drive this car that much to put on 10K/year.

At around the same time as the B1 service message coming up, my freaking check engine light came on as well. I'm more worried about this obviously. Yes, I am out of warranty.

I have 2 questions:

1) Is the check engine light on because my B1 service is due? That would be really silly for Mercedes to do, so I'm thinking this is a coincidence and that I will have to get my car scanned for codes. I will stop by Autozone, who scans for free.

2) What is really REQUIRED in a B1 service? I called around and the consensus is oil change, brake fluid flush, cabin filter, spark plugs?

Thanks.

thephantom

Is it a check engine light or maintenance minder light?

g4benz

"Engine malfunction indicator lamp" as per the manual. The light is yellow and stays on while I'm driving..

I'm not sure if my car has a maintenance minder light..

jahquan3

I wouldn't expect the CEL to be the same vein as the maintenance reminder. If the car appears to be running the same as normal is the gas tank cap closed properly? I believe that could cause this, otherwise you should go and get the codes pulled.

g4benz

I'll check the gas cap today. It won't hurt. I filled up my gas tank over a week ago.

I guess it's running normal. I do have ESC problems once in a while. I wonder if that finally led to a code.

It looks like I may need to pull codes.

KEY08

The CEL and maintenance minder are not associated in any way. Annual oil changes in your case is soon enough and the maintenance clock is geared to 365 days. Brake flush every two years. Cabin filter is cheap and easy and you can do that any time on your own. You shouldn't need plugs unless you are running rough or idling funny. Trans fluid at 40K like clockwork. That's it. Get that CEL checked out. Maybe you just got some bad gas in the tank.

g4benz

Thanks. I'll get the CEL checked and post back. I hope it's nothing serious.

It looks like my next service should basically involve an oil change and brake fluid flush then. Dealer confirmed that the trans fluid was done at 40K, but I will call him again to double-confirm as I can't find it on the VMI. I won't mess with the plugs unless necessary.

jahquan3

^Definitely keep us in the loop and good luck.

g4benz

g4benz

So, there seems to be a debate on this after speaking with a couple of Mercedes owners.

My oil was last changed in March 2015 at 53,000 miles. I bought the car in April of 2015.

The mileage now is 58,000. I estimate that in March I will be around the 59,000 number.

Should I still get my oil change done in March of this year with 59,000 miles or can I wait until the 10,000 mile number at 63,000 miles OR should I do something in between?

Most of the previous owner's driving has been highway (trips from NY to FL) whereas I have a 10 minute daily commute to work.

What do you guys think?

cx876

Do it in March, it's 1 year / 10,K miles WHICH EVER COMES FIRST.

thefisch

OP, you may want to look into a prepaid maintenance 3 pack if you plan on going to the dealer and keeping the car until 80k miles. The 60k is pretty expensive with the B, brake fluid and plugs at the dealer. Also the 80k will bring along another ATF change. While the 70k should be less expensive (relatively speaking) for just an oil change, you might get good bang for the buck having the maintenance pack cover 2 of the most expensive service intervals for your car. I paid about $1,100 for my 3 pack and it was cheaper than getting those services at an indy.

g4benz

Thanks I will check that out. I just ordered an obd2 scanner for the CEL

g4benz

I thought I would update you all. So, I got my OBDII scanner last night. I was planning on using it this weekend. I start my car this morning to go to work and the check engine light has magically disappeared. Hopefully, it stays that way!!

From M to AMG

Your car sensed that you were bringing out the Big guns, IE the OBDII, and of course, head for the hills...lol

KEY08

Probably just burned out. Lol
The code should be stored in there, so all is not lost.

g4benz

haha

g4benz

good point - I might as well put my 20 bucks I paid for the scanner to some use - still glad the issue has gone away though..phew

aquinob

I would still want to know what the original code was. It may have resolved itself and the computer sensed that and turned the lamp off, but it's stored along with whatever else has happened.

jahquan3

My theory is that eventually it will always come back. It's a matter of when but not if it'll come back. Good luck for now though.

mleskovar

I believe the idea of time based maintenance is bogus....up to a point. I drive a little over 5K/year and now change my oil every 2 years based on the oil analysis I had done. According to the laboratory I could easily go 3 years. As for the other fluids.....in the past I have had brake fluid analyzed and never once was there water in it. I change my brake fluid when I change all the pads now (usually second cycle on fronts). Transmission fluid I do at recommended mileage, not years. That being said I'm guessing that your car, a V8 with a tune, was probably driven harder than most. Analyze your oil now to get base data and do it again at a year to see what YOUR usage is. For $25 it's worth the peace of mind, money, and time spent on oil changes that aren't necessary.

g4benz

for the tips

g4benz

Yes, it can work both ways! I've had some that never came back.

Crossing fingers.

g4benz

Yep, I will pull the codes anyway since I have the scanner now, and, as some of you said, it can eventually come back.

Cao Black

CEL caused by not tightening the gas cap can take "a few" days to reset. But I agree with others, since you have the OBDII tool, might as well use it. Good luck.