R350 Maintance Schedules
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
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2005 Infiniti G35 6MT Sedan 2005 Chevy Duramax Diesel 4x4 2003 Harley V-Rod
R350 Maintance Schedules
I'm getting serious about purchasing either an 06' or 07' R350 (depending on price). What worries me is the ongoing maintanence costs. I understand there are maintanence schedules A, B, C....and that oil changes costs $200 dollars. Can you all educate me on what I should expect to pay for maintanence for a car and rather I am required to go to a dealer (versus the neighborhood mechanic)? Also, would like to understand more about the A, B, C maintanence schedules. Thanks in advance for the input.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 1
From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
My wife just a bought a 2006 R350 so I can't say much about it so far. However, I put 103,000 miles on an '02 C-Class. I did all the scheduled maintenance myself (actually MB included maintenance for the first 50k).
You are not required to go to the dealer for oil changes.
3000 mile oil changes are gone. Not sure about the R, but my C-Class went 10,000 miles between changes. For me, that's only two changes per year.
You don't sound like a DIYer but, FWIW, fluids and filters for Mercedes do not cost much more than they did for my Honda when bought online. It's the dealer's labor charge that cost more.
You are not required to go to the dealer for oil changes.
3000 mile oil changes are gone. Not sure about the R, but my C-Class went 10,000 miles between changes. For me, that's only two changes per year.
You don't sound like a DIYer but, FWIW, fluids and filters for Mercedes do not cost much more than they did for my Honda when bought online. It's the dealer's labor charge that cost more.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 584
Likes: 3
From: Northern NJ
E90 N54 & W251
I'm getting serious about purchasing either an 06' or 07' R350 (depending on price). What worries me is the ongoing maintanence costs. I understand there are maintanence schedules A, B, C....and that oil changes costs $200 dollars. Can you all educate me on what I should expect to pay for maintanence for a car and rather I am required to go to a dealer (versus the neighborhood mechanic)? Also, would like to understand more about the A, B, C maintanence schedules. Thanks in advance for the input.
https://mbworld.org/forums/r-class-w...ml#post3454080
Also, you can refer to your maintenance booklet for the same info.
If you're not the DIY type, any reputable mechanic (pref w/Benz specialty) can perform these services for you. The only item I would take extra care with (maybe Dealer visit) is the transmission fluid flush. The procedure on the 7-Speed 722.9 transmission is very precise and requires special tools. It's not the "Joe's garage" type of procedure.
Here's some MB parts sites I've used in the past:
http://www.buymbparts.com/
http://www.autohausaz.com/
Good luck
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 1
From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
The MB salesman that sold us our R350 said the transmission fluid never has to be changed. I asked him about this because i read on this forum that the fluid has to be changed around 39,000 miles and the car we were buying had 40k.
BTW: I can also vouch for autohausaz.com. They have shipped my orders within hours of placing them online.
BTW: I can also vouch for autohausaz.com. They have shipped my orders within hours of placing them online.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 3
From: Southern Indiana
2006 R500 Red w/Tan interior
I think your salesman was incorrect. Everything I have read, including my maintenance book, states the fluid is to be changed at 39,000 miles. I bet if you ask the same salesman again why he told you that, he will conveniently deny ever saying it. I would call your local MB dealer and ask the service department their opinion, then when they tell you that it is overdue to be done, I would try to get the dealer you bought it from to do it for you for free. I think this little service item is quite expensive to have done and not something like a DIY person like me can do on my own. Good luck getting it done for free.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 279
Likes: 13
From: Western Canada
S320 GL350
Do it yourself...
MB's R class (R350) can go 15,000 Km between changes - if you use the proper oil (Mobil 1 - Synthetic 0-40 or 5-30)...and it's easy to change yourself if you buy a pump for the dipstick to suck out the old stuff - do it yourselfers can also remove the bolt on the pan after the plastic belly pan comes off. Lots of instructions on this forum how to do this.
Dealer Does provide valuable service from time to time - and a worthy investment when you need valuable knowledge (ie. how to replace the engine air filters). I let them do mine once including brake fluid change as specified ... but plan to change my own oil.
My Service A is showing now - after completing service A, B, and C. Seemed to revert back to A because the next time only requires an oil change. Kind of goes like Major service, minor service, Major service, Minor service... etc.
Computer keeps track of driving habits, fully warm engine during trip - and other data.
Dealer Does provide valuable service from time to time - and a worthy investment when you need valuable knowledge (ie. how to replace the engine air filters). I let them do mine once including brake fluid change as specified ... but plan to change my own oil.
My Service A is showing now - after completing service A, B, and C. Seemed to revert back to A because the next time only requires an oil change. Kind of goes like Major service, minor service, Major service, Minor service... etc.
Computer keeps track of driving habits, fully warm engine during trip - and other data.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: South Africa
My wife just a bought a 2006 R350 so I can't say much about it so far. However, I put 103,000 miles on an '02 C-Class. I did all the scheduled maintenance myself (actually MB included maintenance for the first 50k).
You are not required to go to the dealer for oil changes.
3000 mile oil changes are gone. Not sure about the R, but my C-Class went 10,000 miles between changes. For me, that's only two changes per year.
You don't sound like a DIYer but, FWIW, fluids and filters for Mercedes do not cost much more than they did for my Honda when bought online. It's the dealer's labor charge that cost more.
You are not required to go to the dealer for oil changes.
3000 mile oil changes are gone. Not sure about the R, but my C-Class went 10,000 miles between changes. For me, that's only two changes per year.
You don't sound like a DIYer but, FWIW, fluids and filters for Mercedes do not cost much more than they did for my Honda when bought online. It's the dealer's labor charge that cost more.
- Transmission Fluid & Filter: Mercedes' "lifetime fill" claim is controversial. Many independent specialists strongly recommend a drain and fill every 60,000-80,000 miles to prevent the 7G-Tronic transmission from developing shift issues later in life. This isn't always in the standard schedule, but it's arguably the most important proactive service you can do.
- Air Suspension: If equipped, listen for the compressor running excessively and be prepared for potential air strut leaks as the vehicle ages. Catching a failing compressor early can save the other components.
- Spark Plugs: Don't skip the 60,000-mile spark plug change. The M272 engine is sensitive to old plugs, which can lead to misfires and rough running.
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Junior Member
Joined: May 2024
Posts: 42
Likes: 7
R 320 cdi
The transmissions on the R class can be an issue. I just changed fluid/filter last year when I inherited the car and plan on changing fluid/filter etc every 30k miles. Its less expensive than a new transmission.
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