Revice

I have a 2001 S-500 and a 2002 C230. Can anyone here tell me the REAL value of performing the Service B? From what I can tell, its simply a matter of "checking" everything. I paid $400.00 for a service B yesterday on my C-class. I feel like I was raped. From what I can tell, all the mechanic really "DID" was change the oil and replace the air filter. EVERYTHING else, was "checked". I am not sure the service B is necessary....Thoughts?

GDawgC220

It is a "glorified" oil change. You can do everything yourself for under $100. Oil change with synthetic, $60. Buy an oil extractor and change your own oil in about 20 minutes without ever putting a knee to the ground.

Check this and that from the dealer for these services are ridiculous for what they charge.

Since warranty went out on both my parent's ML430 and S500, I've done their services for them.

Chucky300

How do you reset the service indicator then?

Is that all they do for Service B?

I was under the assumption that they change quite a bit of fluid - and check all the critical parts (brakes, suspension, axles, ball joints, hoses, tubes, etc)

I am sure I could learn to change my own oil, and i can check my tires, and maybe learn how to check to see if new brakes are needed, but - Im not going to become that much of an expert on this stuff to trust my judgement on critical components.

Let me see if i can find you the Service B compilation.

GDawgC220

There is no fluid that I know of they'll change without you asking them to do so. The transmission is "sealed" and "lifetime fluid"...BS. But, they won't change the fluid unless you specifically ask them to since MB says no service required.

Coolant I believe MB says is a lifetime fill as well so they won't change that.

Brake fluid is once every two years but I don't think it is specified in the service schedule, you'll have to ask for it.

You can honestly check everything yourself. See if anything is wet, torn, worn out, cracked, etc. Then bring it to the attention of an independent mechanic or the dealer. It is really simple and saves hundreds.

I always mix up A and B, one is major and one is minor. The minor one, oil and filter, check the rest. Major is oil change and check brakes, cabin filter, air filter, etc.

The reset indicator instructions are in the owners manual, pretty simple. I don't remember off the top of my head but its there and what I follow to reset it.

kenstudios

There's a difference between the word "check" and "change." Most for the time the dealer checks with service B and if they find something needs changing, they will add that cost to the bill. Yes they do check all the key components like brake pads, rotors and the list goes. You are really just paying them to check.
The big advantage comes if you decide to sell or trade, then you have proof that your car was serviced by the MB dealer or if you have warranty or extended and something goes wrong, you can proove that the dealer serviced your car.

ebolick

If you dont have a warrenty then just do it yourself. Most of the stuff is pretty simple to do. They just over charge you for everything when you can do this yourself. brakes and oil are very easy

rayk

All they do in a B service is check over the car and change the oil and filters and charge a lot of money. When they check over the car, they look for things which can generate more service money for them. If you can do the required maintenance your self, you can save the money.I do the maintenance on my own car and when I bring it to the dealer for a needed repair, they always find something else that needs repair.Some times I just did the repair that they it needs. When I tell them, they say the mechanic must of confused my car with another one.

Ray

whoover

It's your choice, of course. If you have a good dealership, they will check a lot of stuff and possibly find something that would cost you a lot more later. An example is a cracked Airmatic strut seal. Catch it early and it's the cost of a seal kit with installation. A year later, add the cost of a burned-out Airmatic pump.

My feeling is it's cheap insurance. As the car ages, they'll find more things and you get to decide which ones to have them fix and which to defer. If the dealer is corrupt and doesn't really spend the time inspecting that you paid for, that's another story. It happens, but it's not the rule in my experience.

platt-deutsch

My S600 only has Service B.. I have tryed to get to Service A and it does not apear. My manual says Service A enters the area where the tire pressure monitor reading should be. My car has TPM but it is a 2002 and they must have bad batterys by now. Can they be replaced ? or do you have to buy new TPM senders ?

my06clk

They must be replaced... if yours are not causing you any problems, thank God and move on. They are $150.00+ each at the dealer. and a real PIA.

estrain_ny

Fellas, how can I reset the service warning if I perform the service myself.

GDawgC220

In your owners manual, look up service reminder or FSS and it will tell you how to reset it.

estrain_ny

I neglected to state that i can't find my owner's manual

Big "H"

estrain ny

Last week one was on eBay. If that don't work, go to the dealer and look at one on the used car lot.

Big "H"

estrain_ny

Thx much appreciated

fusion2007

the real reason of service B is so that you can give your money to the dealership so they dont go out of business and in return they look at your nice car.. and do a little work

Chucky300

A SERVICE (~ $205.95 + tax) :

- Inspect and record tread depth, and correct tire pressure
- Rotate tires (excludes AMG, Sports Models, SLK, and vehicles with staggered wheels)
- Engine oil change and oil filter replacement
-Includes Mobil 1 synthetic oil
- Lubrication service
- Includes hood hinges, lock cylinders, striker
plates, sun roof tracks and top off all fluids
- Cooling system inspection
- Includes antifreeze protection level, hoses and
clamps
- Brake inspection
- Includes check of pad thickness and condition of
discs, fluids and lines
- Inspect heating and ventilation dust filter, replace if needed. (Replacement additional. Dust filter prices vary by model)
- Function check
- Includes warning lamps, headlights, exterior
lights, seat belts, windshield wiper and washer
- Inspect and lubricate throttle linkage
- Check and clean air filter
- Reset flexible service system counter


B SERVICE (~ $379.95 + tax) :

- Inspect windshield wiper inserts and service windshield washer system (Replacement of wiper inserts additional*).
- Inspect and rotate tires, record tread depth, and correct tire pressure. (Wheel balance additional*).
-excludes AMG, Sports Models, SLK, and vehicles
with staggered wheels
- Engine oil change and oil filter replacement
-Includes Mobil 1 synthetic oil
- Lubrication service
- Includes hood hinges, lock cylinders, striker
plates, sun roof tracks and top off all fluids
- Cooling system inspection
- Includes antifreeze protection level, hoses and
clamps
- Brake inspection
- Includes check of pad thickness and condition of
discs, fluids and lines
- Inspect heating and ventilation dust filter, replace if needed. (Replacement additional*. Dust filter prices vary by model)
- Function check
- Includes warning lamps, headlights, exterior
lights, seat belts, windshield wiper and washer
- Inspect and lubricate throttle linkage
- Check and clean air filter
- Reset flexible service system counter
- Inspect front axle ball joints; check steering play and power steering clutch; and rear differential levels
- Inspect Poly V-Belt for condition
- Inspect starting and charging system and service battery
- Inspect climate control refrigerant


* Not included in total