Brian Ma

Hello all, this is my first post.
I have a 2013 GLK350 with about 56,000 miles. The MB dealer has just performed the Schedule A service and just called to tell me that [1] the brake fluid needs to be flushed (about $170), and that the [2] rear differential fluid (about $170) needs to be replaced at 50k miles. I just wanted to confirm if these things are really necessary? I own two 20 yr old Volvo S70s and I never had the need to replace the brake fluid, but I have the transmission flushed every 2-3 years.

The MB dealer also said that the spark plugs are also due ($660) at 50k miles, which I postponed since I think it was way overpriced.

andreigbs

OK, I'm better now...

I'd let them do the brake flush (AND DO IT EVERY OTHER YEAR AFTER THAT!) but I wouldn't pay $660 for stinkin' spark plugs. Buy them yourself and swap them out, save yourself $500.

One less worry for oil burners like me. Why spark when you can glow?

Brian Ma

Okay, just got the car back. Service advisor said the reason replacing the plugs is expensive is because it is labor intensive -- need to remove intake manifold, etc.

formerjeepguy

You can download the maintenance booklet from the mercedes website. Google it.

Rear axle oil change is not a regularly scheduled service for the GLK at any mileage listed in the booklet.

The two year brake fluid change is a bit aggressive but not unreasonable. For brake fluid go by time instead of mileage because the main consideration is that water absorption over time that can corrode internal surfaces or even boil under high heat. Two to three years is good. Most people never change it while they own their cars. You should probably have it changed on your volvos too.

The spark plugs are a tedious enough job that it may be worth having the dealer or an independent shop handle it. The top of the intake manifold has to come off to get to the plugs.

formerjeepguy

Hmmmn, no DPF to clog up. No NOX sensors to go bad. No DEF heaters to fail. No EGR buildup to worry about. No torn intercooler hoses. No soot sensor recall. Unfortunately the gassers are also missing all the low end torque.

andreigbs

Oh i bet, at $120+/hour labor fees, they're making a killing. Plugs are about $15 each, that's $90 for the set. You're paying them $570 for JUST wrench turning.

To many, that's almost a week's worth of pay.

My advice: invest in a quality repair manual (Bentley, Haynes even) or look up the "How To's" here and do it yourself next time. It's not rocket science.

andreigbs

Yeah, there are trade-offs. But it's not my first modern diesel or Benz, so I'm comfortable working on it if need be or paying a trusted Indy.

Mostly a non-issue with ULSD, excellent synthetic oils, and the way I drive.

Not yet, but perhaps a warranty extension as our Canuck brethren have begun receiving.

Yep, and without a fuel economy penalty. And when I do fill up, D2 is always the cheapest by about $0.50/gal.

RDM3

on the 2015 plugs are due at 60k miles, was quoted like $475 my my MB dealer, the brake flush is every 2 years, one of the local MB dealers has a special $75, normally $120.

B737

I wouldnt pay for the brake flush if you can DIY, that is crazy. Just hook up motive bleeder and run a liter of fresh ATE200 through the system, it takes 30 minutes. I removed all the wheels but the bleeder is so easy to get to, i bet you could do it with the wheels on. Just a 7/16th line wrench is all you need. I just did this last weekend.

About the plugs... is the 276 engine that much different from 272? The plugs on 2012 GLK (272) take 30 minutes, you take off the plastic cover and everything is right there, it was super easy. Are they buried on the 2013 GLK? The plugs that came out of my friends 2012 at 60,000 miles looked like they were brand new. Ive also never heard of service for rear axle. For my own GLK I dont plan on looking at that till 100k

RDM3

From what I understand the plugs are buried in the 276 engine

Van Ha Nguyen