Service C, Radiator flush, fuel injector flush
 

My 2008 S550 has 58,000 miles. I am due for the service. My dealer quoted me $375 for the service and also said I am due for a fuel injector flush for $190 and a radiator flush for $190.

According to the maintenance schedule the flushes are not listed. Does anyone have any input on these?

Thanks.

The only "flush" listed in the maintenance schedule is for brake fluid every two years. $190 for a radiator flush seems way too expensive. There has to be a lot of profit in this. That alone is more than I have been paying for "A" service. I would seriously consider using a different dealer, assuming one is available in your area.

Think about this one.


I'm facing a similar situation. My 2010, with about 19,000 miles on the odometer, is calling for a "C" service in 1,000 miles. The corresponding items in the Maintenance Manual for the 20,000 mile service include:

1. Oil / Filter Change
2. Hood Inspection
3. Check V Belt
4. Reset maintenance reminder
5. Replace Brake Fluid
6. Replace combination or dust filter
7. Check brake pads, all corners
8. Check all tire pressures
9. Check for leaks
10. Inspect front suspension
11. Inspect Driveshaft
12. Inspect Steering System

For your car, at 60,000 miles, the list is a little bit longer. In addition to the items above, the maintenance book calls for:

1. Replace the coolant for the main circuit (I assume this is why they want to flush the radiator)
2. Replace the air filter
3. Replace the spark plugs
4. CHECK levels for: coolant, brakes, power steering, windshield washer, ABC if equipped
5. Check the parking brake
6. Replace the wiper blades
7. Check the battery levels
8. Check the electronics (this goes into several sub-items).

So, I'm not sure where the "fuel injector flush" comes in, perhaps that is related to the replacing of the spark plugs, I don't know. But, the radiator flush appears to be related to the replacement of the coolant for the main circuit. You can PROBABLY get away without either of these extra services. Just make sure they're including the items I've said above, in addition to those few extras in the maintenance book I haven't mentioned.

$375 doesn't seem too bad for the basic work. My primary dealer in Ohio actually told me they look at it as a "B" service with some extras, including the brake fluid change and the cabin filter change. They told me it will be about $550! Yikes. :eek:

EDIT: My Indie Mechanic who does a few Mercedes cars each day wants $350-$400 for the 20,000 mile service.

Good luck! :)