Darkmann

Just in case you haven't visited the other forums, here's some infor that may be useful to you.

Just finished B service yesterday and my SA told me about two W163 recalls that were performed (I didn't even know about these)

1) #2005070017 for the voltage regulator - mine was replaced
2) #2006020008 for the tranny electrical connector - mine was replaced.

I have had the tranny leak thing before and I know some have complained about the voltage regulator thing. I don't know what years are affected, but I'd guess MY03+, maybe even MY02. Check with your SA.

All in all, they did good for $380 - warranty repair: replaced EGR valve which was giving me a Check Engine Light, replaced the ashtray because my cigarette lighter was comming loose, ordered a new brake sensor harness for the one that was broken. Truck is a very happy truck!!

pointman

Darkmann, you had to pay 380 for something?? what?

Darkmann

$380 was for the B service. Surprise! Surprise!!. Remember, MB changed their maintenance policy beginning MY05 - You now pay for all maintenance work!!! (that's why you see all those Bimmer advertisements touting their free maintenance thing!!!!!). First visit is called for at 1000 miles - basic check-up and to make sure the owner understands what they're driving. They maintained the A and B service system, but instead of allowing only the FSS to dictate, you can do these services at every 13K or use the FSS. I did my first oil change at 3K (I just don't trust the FSS on a new engine!!!) but have stayed with the FSS since. One HUGE surprise is that coolant change is not until 143K or 15yrs!!!!! The coolant still looks the same as in pre 05 models, so I don't quite understand why the hugely revised service interval. They either changed the chemical composition (and kept the color) or vastly improved the cooling system to require that drastic change interval (or maybe they were being conservative for pre 05 models). Prior to MY05, I believe the coolant change was called for every 3yrs!!!

Anyway, the $380 was for basic B service.