Hi, is there any specific computer needed to reset the service indicator for a 2021 GLE 450 when doing an oil change at a independent mechanic?

Seems like 9qts 0-20 or 5-30 synthetic is required and the Mercedes oil filter.

 

The service indicator can be reset easily through a combination of buttons. These buttons enable you to enter the workshop menu and you can reset the service reminder through ASSYST PLUS.
Please kindly see attached.

 

Is it worth voiding the warranty on your $35k+ engine? If you aren't using a MB branded OEM filter and MB approved oil, MB can...and likely will....void the warranty on your engine if there is a failure. The first thing they will ask for are receipts showing the maintenance history if it wasn't performed at the dealer.

 

There are many oils that meet M-B specs, but good point to document what is put in the car if there is ever an issue. I prefer to pay more at the dealer for that “chain of custody” and to build the relationship. I have had major issues (e.g. leaking transfer case on my W166) partially covered out of warranty by the dealer I firmly believe because I had established that history.

 

Yes! With what these things cost now a days. Go to the dealership.

 

You paid for a car almost $100k so fork up the $ and get it done to the dealer winthin 4 years. After the warranty expires just do it yourself.

 

I somewhat disagree with the consensus here (talking about in the US at least). There is no need to go to the dealer, and they legally can't void your warranty because you didn't. You have to use oil that meets their specification. Other than that if you do it on time and have receipts, if you do it at the dealer, yourself at home or and indy shop, you are covered. The only time you would not be covered is if the oil filter itself failed causing an engine failure. I know of one case where an oil filter did fail causing engine damage, and the manufacturer was able to prove that, and the oil filter company paid for the engine replacement. I believe the major oil filter brands sold in the US have a warranty that covers engine damage if their part is the cause, so if for some rare chance the filter fails you would be covered.

On top of that, at least in some parts of the country, Mercedes service is a total rip-off. My last A service on my W205 was like $380. It's an oil change and a bunch of inspections -- something I could probably DIY for $80. So, I'm giving Mercedes $300 every service "to keep my warranty in tact" which I'm really not doing, because it will be in tract anyway. If I do that for 4 services over the 4 year warranty period, that's an extra $1200. The dealers and now people on forums are instilling this fear that you have to get it done at the dealer or worry about your warranty. It's simply not true, and not legally true.

That said, I started my post with "somewhat" disagree, because in general I have been taking my car to the dealer (as evidence of my A service). I've usually had other things for them to work on at the same time (warranty work, new tires, etc) so I find it convenient to get it all done at the same time and I spend extra money for that convenience. I know I'm overpaying and I'm personally ok with that, but I don't blame anyone who wants to save money and NOT use the dealer. And if you want to save some money and not use the dealer, don't worry about the warranty. Do the work on time, save your receipts, and make sure you use the proper spec oil.

 

I didn’t say you had too, it’ll it’s just easier and less of a headache if there is a problem. If you have the time, means, and desire, do it yourself. Just keep detailed receipts and notes. Because if there is a problem, I am willing to bet that they (dealership and manufacture) are going to make you prove yourself.
Stop putting words in our mouths like we are trying to scare someone.

 

I didn't quote you and nor put any words in your mouth. There are other posts in this thread, one specifically that literally says "MB can...and likely will....void the warranty on your engine if there is a failure" and then a couple of other replies stating it is easier/better to go to the dealer."

 

You are correct, you can do the absolute minimum to maintain your car, and as long as you have receipts you haven't violated the warranty conditions. The Magnuson Moss warranty act of 1975 stipulated that.

Unless you don't do the required services, which you may not be able to do at home for $80.
You or your independent should go through the warranty book and check off every item that's due, and sign it.
You probably won't be able to do system scans and updates at home. Your Indy probably doesn't have a hundred thousand dollar machine to do that work, but maybe they do.

​​​​​​But I have $100,000 car and I'm actually going to take care of it. Brake fluid flush, filter changes, etc.

And since people buy cars sight unseen these days, and most dealers provide a Carfax on their used cars, showing regular dealer maintenance is an attractive resale feature. Individuals and Independentd don't normally enter their services in Carfax.
I figure it costs me $150 extra to have them do the work, and I consider it an investment in my relationship there, as well as future value.

 

Totally agree you need to go through the required services and make sure everything is covered. Also agree that there is additional value in going to a dealership -- and I've admitted I usually do.

That said, below is the "Service A" and "Service B" right from the Mecredes website. This stuff is simply and easy to do and doesn't require any $100,00 machine to do. It's very important note that there are required things not on here that come up - spark plugs at 50k, air filter(s), etc...

But the initial Service A's and B's are:With the first visit at approximately 10,000 miles or 1 years whichever comes first – and then approximately every 20,000 miles or 2 years after that

Service A includes:

• Mercedes-Benz motor oil replacement
• Oil filter replacement
• Fluid level checks and corrections
• Tire inflation check and correction
• Brake component inspection
• Reset maintenance counter

What is Service B?

With the first visit at approximately 20,000 miles or 1 year after the previous service - and then approximately every 20,000 miles or 2 years after that - Service B includes:

• Mercedes-Benz motor oil replacement
• Oil filter replacement
• Fluid level checks and corrections
• Tire inflation check and correction
• Cabin dust/combination filter replacement
• Brake component inspection
• Brake fluid exchange
• Reset maintenance counter

 

Now you're putting words in MY mouth... Worse, you are posting false information. SPECIFICALLY and LITERALLY as you say ... This is the ENTIRE and original quote where you conveniently omitted some key words:

"If you aren't using a MB branded OEM filter and MB approved oil, MB can...and likely will....void the warranty on your engine if there is a failure."

You can see how this statement differs from what you said. It's not a scare tactic, it's the truth. Furthermore, as others have already stated, with a complete dealership service history, MB and/or the dealership are much more likely to offer assistance (called goodwill fyi) if you have problems after your warranty has expired. It's called "being a good customer." If you think the services are overpriced, you should either 1) Not be driving a Mercedes or 2) Buy the prepaid maintenance package from MB which is a really good deal for most people and their car's needs.

 

You just listed the things you pay for, but not the recall checks, firmware updates and the other things that do need their hundred thousand dollar machine.

You pay indirectly for that through higher shop rates than an Independent, which doesn't have the overhead to amortize, because they only have basic equipment.

Or warranty work during the same visit.

Pros and cons.

 

Yes, I completely agree that there are reasons to go to the dealer. As I mentioned, I myself go to the dealer usually and for reasons you mention -- like getting other warranty work done (or tires or something). The convenience factor is worth it to me to pay more. But the OP's money (and others) is not my money and if they decided to not go to the dealer, my only point is you do not need to for regular service to maintain the warranty, and there are other viable options. The actual maintenance requirements are quite easy on this car.


This will be my last post in this thread. I use the dealer most of the time. I have my reasons and obviously many of the people in this thread do as well. That said, keeping the warranty in tact is not a reason to do so. The OP asked about and Indy shop resetting the maintenance notice and he was told by multiple posters who referenced keeping the warranty that he should use the dealer. That is not a valid reason to go to the dealer and is backed up by law.

Your full statement that YOU quoted above is absolutely not true. Not using an "MB branded OEM filter" does not void the warranty at all, unless the filter specifically failed and that failure was the reason for the engine failure (in which case using a major filter brand you will be covered anyway). You also wrote (quoting an entire sentence to not put words in anyone's mouth) "Is it worth voiding the warranty on your $35k+ engine?" , which of course using and independent shop as the OP asked does not do (providing done on time with the right specific fluids which are plentiful).

I apologize if my words of "scare tactic" got too many people up in arms. When I read an answer to a question about and Indy shop (and not a question if I should use it) with replies that say don't go there, you'll risk a warranty on a 35k engine, etc. It definitely reads to me like scare tactics. It is not fair that I interpreted YOUR intentions so I probably should not have done so but should have said it appears to me like that. That said, what you wrote has inaccuracies that should be noted.

 

I'm glad it's your last post so nobody will have to read the ignorant disinformation you keep spewing along with incorrectly paraphrasing what others have written. You don't know what you're talking about. I've been working on MB vehicles exclusively for over 20 years and have 27 years experience as a professional technician. I have PERSONALLY witnessed the process that dealers follow when engine damage is discovered and the service history of the vehicle is in question. EVERY dealer has access to EVERY car's service history from any MB dealer. Any gaps in the service history can be seen, and in some cases MB requests pictures of the used oil filter and HAS DENIED WARRANTY COVERAGE due to NON OEM filters and/or unapproved oils. I'm typing in CAPS because you are thick headed and just AREN'T GETTING IT! Why are franchised dealers so careful in these cases? Because if, for example, they replace an engine under warranty that had damage caused by NON-APPROVED service parts or fluids, MB has the right to DEBIT or perform a CHARGEBACK to the dealership for the entire amount of the warranty claim when they inspect the returned engine and find what is called "OUTSIDE INFLUENCE."

Oh, and good luck getting FRAM to pay a $50,000+ invoice for a new engine with installation.

Further evidence of your ignorance....taken directly from MB's warranty booklet:

ITEMS WHICH ARE NOT COVERED:

 

You just can’t help yourself…try to win an argument by insulting others and exaggerating facts doesn’t do much for your credibility.
A few posts earlier you said the engine was $35k+…now it’s $50k+…Mr exaggerator🥱

The language in Mercedes warranty disclaimer is pretty standard in the industry. In the US the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act is the final determining legal standard for warranty claims. There are a lot of good points made in this thread and as always some misinformation that can be corrected without insults..

There is a similar thread on the Porsche Forum (Rennlist), there are actual people with even more expensive cars changing their own oil. A post questioning why DIY, but no arguing, Pontificating, name calling, etc.

The Specs for the materials were discussed with helpful information on what to use and why: Extractor vs oil pan drain; Porsche approved Oil Specs and how they vary; YouTube Video posted showing the process including removing a brace. The members are much more courteous towards each other and the results more meaningful.

 

You just can't help yourself, always trying to get a word in. You're another one with reading comprehension issues. The engine previously mentioned was $35k. Put your glasses on and you'll see I added the word "installation" which brought it to $50k. Anyone with a small amount of common sense would realize these are just ballpark figures. Now go change your own oil, make sure to use a Fram filter and some generic bulk oil. IF you have an engine failure you can then tell us exactly how much the replacement will cost when MB denies your warranty... Mr. Superior In addition, your constant cheerleading of the troubled one-sixty-lemon platform diminishes your credibility every time you force yourself to post a response.
​​​​​Porsche's are for weiners and nerds with overdriven egos. They've looked the same for 40+ years and nobody can tell the difference (or cares to) between a $200k or a $50k 911, because after all, they're just cars. Rennlist is the internet version of a circle jerk.

 

 

 

Thanks. Now I don't have to go to a dermatologist.

BTW A Kawasaki motor costs $10k.

 

Funny you say that, I just bought an OEM Kawasaki filter and their oil for my zero turn mower, because I don't want to have any warranty trouble if ever needed. Imagine that!