Darkmann

My first FSS service is coming up in 2 months - "A" service (for now). Besides the oil change, what else is done? Does it depend on what the computer spits out? Waht should I look for and are there any additional recommended service items I should be thinking about doing also? Thanks for input

sosh

Look in your owner's package in the service booklet, It will tell you specifically whats done at each service. In addition the dealer should interogate the computer for any faults to correct

BrabusCClass

I had my alignment done with the FSS. It was covered.

CLK 320

I could be mistaken, but I think alignments are only covered for the first 12 months. Wiper blades too.

awiner

Yes alignments are covered only under the 1st 12 months or if something else needs to be done under warranty that would require an alignment. New wiper blades are included at every B service.

Lightman

Honestly - the A service is a 280 dollar oil change. They claim to do a lot of other things, check this and that. Well most of us already know that our seatbelts are working, our headlights and blinkers etc. Its a lot of hype and a waste of money in my opinion. Plus if you read in your owners manual, you can reset the FSS yourself easily.

The B service may actually have some value, as they do a brake inspection, replace the hepa dust filter(if your dealer includes this as part of the service - the manual says its part, but my dealer doesn't include it - cheapo!), rotate the tires, etc.

I think they both are a major rip off and they try to intimidate owners of cars that are still under warranty by hinting at a void if your service is performed elsewhere etc...

The route i'm taking on my '99 E is changing my own oil at PROPER(through oil analysis) drain intervals (not 15k), and having a B service every 30k miles, just in case they do find little things wrong, the mb tech's are the most experienced with the cars and can spot things. Aside from that, I just follow the owners manual recommendations on brake fluid replacement, etc.

The only other thing thats missing - the mb manual never(As far as I know) recommends replacing the air filter. I opened up my box , removed the filter(dirty at 30K miles) and underneath was a myriad of particles, dead bugs, dirt, etc. This all vaccums out easily(dont make my mistake of trying to use a wet cloth to wipe it up.).

Anyway hope this helps, just my two cents that will hopefully save you a few dollars.

Darkmann

Thanks Dave, that's very helpful. I didn't even know they'd charge anything for the in-warranty A service. Unfortunately, I decided not to continue changing my own oil - in my garage and disposal fees end up not making it worth it. Anyway, I will take a look at the air filter and follow your advice. have you had the oil analysis done yet? What were your results. So far, it looks like I'll be going in at just over 12K for the A service. I plan to get a sample analyzed by two labs. Hope the results come out OK.

Lightman

Darkman - no prob. Hope I could help. As for the services - you actually may be covered, i'm not sure. My E is a '99, so I was a year before they started doing the free scheduled maintenance thing. If its free go for it !

thegeneraltso

if your car is 2000 or newer, then definitely have them do it. it is free. but 12k is pretty hi regardless of what oil they used. the jury is still out on the fss maintenance. the engine may prematurely wear out after the warranty expired and you'd be the one stuck the bill. remember they only started this fss in the 2000 model year. i think it is a marketing hype: "we do free maintenance" or "no tune-up for the first 100k". it all sounds great but just think, you only get 4 free services during the 50k warranty service. i still change my oil every 5000 for synthetic. it only costs 100.00 at my local dealer and adds about 2k on the fss computer. of course if you plan to keep the car for life.

edward
'89 300e-24 (175k miles)
'00 e320 estate (21k miles)
'01 chrysler town and country (15k miles)

Ski Guru

Darkmann, what car do you have?

Darkmann

'01 E430. I had the service done today (@13,060 miles, FSS said I had 200 more to go). Funny thing is that with the new oil, the FSS now calls for a "B Service" in 10,000 miles. Is that how it works? I don't know why, but I was expecting another "A" service,

awiner

Yes, a B-Service will follow the A-Service and A-Service will follow a B-Service.

One exception however. If you go into 14+ months since your last FSS service, your FSS will call for a B-Service. Upon reset of the FSS, the next service will call for a B-Service as well.

Darkmann

Thanks all for your replies. I have about 1/4 quart of the oil they took out and plan to do the lab analysis thing on it. I will post the results as soon as it's available.