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If the oil pump fails, not changing your spark plugs will not void your warranty.
For a warranty claim to be denied, Mercedes must show that the failure was the direct result of a spark plug failure.
One of the first signs of the need to change spark plugs are;
Hard starting
rough idling
decrease in mpg
Most manufactures recommend changing spark plugs every 100,000 miles. Most manufacturers use standard spark plugs that cost $8 to $12 a plug.
Mercedes spark plugs cost double that. One would think that paying double would give you twice the length of service. But no, you only get 1/2 the length of service.
Many years ago, before fuel injection, emission controls and gasoline without present day additives, changing spark plugs every 20/30,000 was necessary.
Pull a spark plug at 50,000 miles from today’s clean burning engines and they will often look like new.
I agree with you. In fact I am waiting for the car warranty to expire, then I’ll be at liberty to work with an Indy mechanic and choose aftermarket OEM parts and the intervals for service items like spark plugs, engine air filters, transmission services, etc. In fact I’ve already spoken to an Indy MB diesel specialist that work on Vito’s and Sprinters to do my transmission service later on. There’s no reason why Vito’s and Sprinters hauling stuff day in and day out get transmission services at 75k miles max vs MB Aust forcing their passenger cars to get the service at less than 40k miles. My Indy actually recommends for only heavy haulers to service the transmission after 50k miles.
The reason I stick to going to the dealer for now and following their service schedule is because I do not want to have to argue with MB Australia/MB dealer for warranty claims where they may upfront try their best to squirm out of it. That’s the modus operandi here: deny, deflect and then agree under threat of litigation.
I plan to keep my car for 3-4 years beyond warranty. The risk I’m taking in doing so is facing the infamous M260/M264 valve guides’ abnormal wear causing the valves to leak. I’ll actually be quite gleeful if this engine has these issues before warranty expires in late 2025 - then it’s completely on them. The WIS is pretty specific that there needs to be a CEL and a leak test will need to be done before they replace the cylinder head. Unlike MB USA, MB Aust has not yet issued an extended warranty on the M260/M264 cylinder heads.
Going back to op’s topic: MBUsa has specified the spark plug and air filter change at 5 years/50k miles. If the OP isn’t under warranty unlike myself, then he’s perfectly at liberty to delay those items till what he judges is a reasonable mileage/interval
Last edited by aks_19_ak; Apr 1, 2024 at 12:53 AM.
I have a 2013 SLK350 with over 125K miles, and had its spark plugs replaced at ~100K miles. The car is still on its original factory battery and about the only things that have required "regular maintenance" are the usuals - fluids, brake pads, tires, etc... I have said this before, the ONLY major repair to this car since ownership has been replacing two cat converters at ~30K miles (under warranty). That. Is. It.
Majority of MB cars are bullet-proof, that is MB's calling card, and the overtly incessant fluid change schedules are just money-grubbing scheme.... I follow my own schedule and ignore the "A or B" service chimes from my car... knock on wood, it has worked charmingly well for my 2013 SLK350
My 450 had an oil and filter change at 15K miles (last year) at my MB dealership and will be going back for a similar oil and filter change when it hits 30K miles (projected to hit by end of this month), representing ~15K mile interval between service. I will add tire rotation to the service and that will be it. The car has been a gem to own (so far) and has had ZERO issues for me to complain about, so I am gonna follow my own service guides based on my usage of the car... Yes, it is still under CPO warranty, but I am not worried about any warranty issues, nor do I plan to have an extended warranty for it when it runs out of current one. Its a car, its gonna need fixing at some point...
So I just spoke with a Mercedes rep that I found last year and kind of trust. He was saying that usually the A service with the new spark plugs costs $1200 and coming up next I would have the B service with trans fluid change and that costs $1800.
Although I only have 37,000 miles I am eligible to get the 2 maintenance package for $1600 so both would be covered. It sounds reasonable to me although I would be getting the spark plugs earlier than at 50k. How about to you all?
So I just spoke with a Mercedes rep that I found last year and kind of trust. He was saying that usually the A service with the new spark plugs costs $1200 and coming up next I would have the B service with trans fluid change and that costs $1800.
Although I only have 37,000 miles I am eligible to get the 2 maintenance package for $1600 so both would be covered. It sounds reasonable to me although I would be getting the spark plugs earlier than at 50k. How about to you all?
What a bargain, spending money on maintenance you do not need to save money is not saving money at all. This reminds me of those old car sales tactics, if you buy the car today, they will discount the car deeply, but the offer is only good for today.
Yeah, it's tricky because I am mainly looking at the next year in which I would spend $1800 (well if I went with the dealership) so counting that and even a plain A service I would be spending at least $2100.
Now I guess the trick is would I find an outside shop that would give me an A service, B service trans change and spark plugs for less than $1600. I am somewhat doubting it, but not sure.
Last edited by Courthaven; Apr 5, 2024 at 03:36 PM.
Yeah, it's tricky because I am mainly looking at the next year in which I would spend $1800 (well if I went with the dealership) so counting that and even a plain A service I would be spending at least $2100.
Now I guess the trick is would I find an outside shop that would give me an A service, B service teans change and spark plugs for less than $1600. I am somewhat doubting it, but not sure.
There are plenty of reputable MB repair shops populated by ex MB service techs with MB repair experience that will take care of your car post warranty. In 120000 miles of my SLK350, it has been lovingly cared for by an Indy for 95% of those miles. The most I ever spent on any service call was $600… tops. Don’t allow anyone to rip you off… but if you can afford it, well go right ahead and give them your money.
There are plenty of reputable MB repair shops populated by ex MB service techs with MB repair experience that will take care of your car post warranty. In 120000 miles of my SLK350, it has been lovingly cared for by an Indy for 95% of those miles. The most I ever spent on any service call was $600… tops. Don’t allow anyone to rip you off… but if you can afford it, well go right ahead and give them your money.
I absolutely agree and this is great advice.
I'm on my second MB and the only time they have seen a dealer is for covered warranty work. Otherwise, I do it myself or take it to an independent shop. MB dealers heavily promote that MB cars are snowflakes that require "special tools" and many people believe this. It is total horse****.
MB cars are mechanical machines with a ICE just like the majority of others. In fact, I find working on my Mercedes' much easier than the many other brands I've owned because of their thoughful components designs and engineering.
Besides removing all the plastic bits, changing spark plugs on our Mercedes is no different than a small block Chevy from the 60's. Anyone that knows how to use common tools can do it.
I've had both good and bad experiences with Indy shops with mostly mediocre results. One Indy literally ruined the engine ignition system by putting grease where it didn't belong. The repair cost was well into the thousands. I threatened a suit and they paid MB for repairs. I will never use one again. Overall I've had excellent service from my local MB dealer that I've used for almost 50 years. Occasionally I receive unexpected gifts such as a free detailing, thermal beverage mug, key ring, ...
Incompetent and inattentive mechanics can be found anywhere. Dealers are not a guarantee of immunity to this, only that you'll pay much more for the failure.
To each their own. If you find personal value in paying massively inflated prices at a dealer because they may have some magic fairy dust, then by all means do it and be happy!
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Originally Posted by Courthaven
Yeah, it's tricky because I am mainly looking at the next year in which I would spend $1800 (well if I went with the dealership) so counting that and even a plain A service I would be spending at least $2100.
Now I guess the trick is would I find an outside shop that would give me an A service, B service teans change and spark plugs for less than $1600. I am somewhat doubting it, but not sure.
Just my suggestion: before buying the maintenance package, why not first check the price with an independent shop?
From my experience maintenance packages, unless they are put into a lease where they can be residualized, do not save you any money.
The package at $1600 only looks attractive based on what the dealer charges, $1200 and $1800 - which to me seems very, very high.
Yeah that's what I am going to try. So far for just my normal A service the indy shops were $200 instead of $250-$300 that I was paying at the dealer, so not drastically cheaper. At one shop the rep said they don't think they do the trans fluid change and the other indy didn't know without a Vin (I am going to just go in person).
I did see that it was mentioned on here that someone thought they spent $1000 on the trans change alone so I am doubting that I would save too much. Afterall, I would be paying $1600 for this A, next year's B service and a trans change and new spark plugs all in all. Plus get a loaner both times which is a help.
Now what could change the game is if anyone has paid significantly less for they trans change I guess.
Indy shops don't have a loaner program like MB has. When figuring cost at an Indy shop, don't forget to add he daily cost of renting a MB C class when comparing cost to that of your local MB dealer with a free loaner.
So I just spoke with a Mercedes rep that I found last year and kind of trust. He was saying that usually the A service with the new spark plugs costs $1200 and coming up next I would have the B service with trans fluid change and that costs $1800.
Although I only have 37,000 miles I am eligible to get the 2 maintenance package for $1600 so both would be covered. It sounds reasonable to me although I would be getting the spark plugs earlier than at 50k. How about to you all?
Wait a second...maybe I am misreading this -- but -- you know you are going to spend $1200 and $1800 over the next 12 months. $3k total. But, today you can pre-pay that $3k for $1600? What am I missing? LOL. Sorry.
Yeah, it's tricky because I am mainly looking at the next year in which I would spend $1800 (well if I went with the dealership) so counting that and even a plain A service I would be spending at least $2100.
Now I guess the trick is would I find an outside shop that would give me an A service, B service trans change and spark plugs for less than $1600. I am somewhat doubting it, but not sure.
Got it. So you aren't planning on the $1200 expenditure in the next year. Obviously I was missing something, LOL.
Yeah, it's tricky because I am mainly looking at the next year in which I would spend $1800 (well if I went with the dealership) so counting that and even a plain A service I would be spending at least $2100.
Now I guess the trick is would I find an outside shop that would give me an A service, B service trans change and spark plugs for less than $1600. I am somewhat doubting it, but not sure.
Even two years is a good deal. $3k over two years, pre-pay now for $1600. Is it refundable if you total the car? LOL.
Even two years is a good deal. $3k over two years, pre-pay now for $1600. Is it refundable if you total the car? LOL.
Well, I don't know what they'll do if I total the car, but I pray that won't happen. Otherwise, I think I am going to jump on this deal. Especially, since in looking at other posts it seems like the transmission oil change would be at least 900-1000 at an indy. I doubt I could possibly save enough to at an indy on the other services to turn this down). Plus, at least I will feel confident that it's done right with genuine parts.
On my mom's S500, she used an indy that a lot of people use around here and later found that he didn't even use the genuine Mercedes parts after claiming to.
Only if the price is actually $3000. To me changing 4 spark plugs and transmission fluid should not cost $3000.
See post #37.
Also the A&B services are included in those prices. So its A service with the spark plug change ($1200) and the B service with trans fluid change ($1800) if that helps.
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