I have a 2021 GLS-450 with 30,247 miles. The A2 Service is due. The local dealer says the A2 cost is $550, but that I am also due for transmission fluid change at $1100.
Am I really due for the transmission flush? Do these prices make sense??

Thanks,

 

Can't answer your question but I've learned to call all MB dealers around me (not everyone has that many nearby) and shop prices. I've also learned that they will price match each other and sometimes their service webpage will have a coupon.

 

No prices from any MB dealership makes sense. None. Never really have, but I won't get into all of that for your question.

Mine is at around 65k and I recently did a tip-tail service for all fluids, gear oils, spark plugs at my trusted Indi mechanic who've I've been going to for many years now, and unless a warranty repair, has been handling our GLS since day 1. Believe I spent around $2,600 for everything.

The transmission was the most single item expense for me at $700. Two reasons why - one, they have to actually replace the transmission pan itself, it's a one-use item as the filter itself is part of the pan. So, to change the fluid means to change the filter which means to change the pan. I know, it's ridiculous, but so is installing a drain plug in a differential without a fill plug too, requiring you to remove the driveshaft itself to fill it back up, which is the setup for the front differential on my 2014 E350. Stupid is as stupid does..

The second reason is time. They have to warm it up just right to get the fluid level correct. Not a big deal, most transmissions want you to do this anyway, but being a Mercedes, there is an exacting procedure to get to that temperature range.

BUT - at 30k miles, you are a long way from needing a transmission fluid change in general, unless if your towing something heavy all the time. So, NO you do not need a transmission fluid change. I believe it's around 60k, maybe even longer. I have never heard of a car needing trans fluid changed at 30k unless there is a problem with the transmission itself, which in your case would be a warranty claim. Even the older MB's on a previous trans fluid they used was at 40k. Our GLS at 30k shifted and behaved just like new. Look in your manual. It should tell you when it's due.

Sounds like to me that you have a service advisor looking for a little extra commission on a sale of something totally not needed by the manufacturer...

 

Nope. Your transmission fluid & filter are due at 60k miles, along with the transfer case oil (4MATICs).

Hope that helps!

 

They’re not “service advisors”, they get paid commission. They’re “service salesmen”, trust nothing they say.

Every interaction with them needs to be: “Book the service I requested and nothing more, thank you.”