2008 E320 Bluetec new owner questions
 

We just bought a 2008 E320 Bluetec. We bought it from a Mercedes Dealer as a Certified Pre-owned car with MB CPO warranty. We found the car advertised online at a Mercedes dealership in another state. After getting it home, we brought it to our local Mercedes dealer to have them check for recalls and also check for any outstanding service that needs to be done.

They were able to pull up all the maintenance records on their computer (I guess all the dealerships are linked and are able to share records). The car has 44,000 miles on it. They are saying it should have received a transmission fluid change at 39,000 and also a power-steering fluid change every 3 years.

The problem is that in the computer service records, they have no record of these two things ever being performed. They said they can see that every thing else, oil changes, etc. were all performed on time. But no record of ever having transmission fluid or power steering fluid change. My question for the group, is does Mercedes "owe" us these services, since the car was sold as Certified Pre Owned and being "fully serviced" was one of the selling points?

FWIW our local dealer wants $680 to perform these two things. I feel like I shouldn't have to pay $680 for overdue service on a Certified Pre Owned car. Your thoughts?

You have a good case but I think it's with the selling dealer. It's wishful thinking but see if they'll compensate your local dealer for the work. If not, bring it up with the regional MB rep. Ideally they'll perform the deferred maintenance. You shouldn't have to settle for a letter from MB stating that lack of documentation will not affect your warranty.

How can the transmission need a fluid change at 39K miles? That's a heck of a 180 from lifetime fill.

Sixto
87 300D

If the OP's car has the 722.9 / 7-speed automatic, the 39K interval is a good idea. Some of the folks over at benzworld advocate even more frequent changes. There are electronic sensors in the valve body of those transmissions which are prone to failure resulting in the need to replace either the conductor plate or entire valve body, which is a $1000-$1200 job out of warranty. Supposedly, frequent fluid/filter changes can extend the life, etc., etc. I'm not sure about that, however-the 722.9 on my wife's '06 E-350 had it's fluid changed at 29,000 and 47,000....and the valve body crapped out at 52,300-"just out of warranty." Luckily the dealer here went to work on MB and got them to cover it. They wouldn't, however, cover the fluid and filter. :rolleyes:

To the OP--you were smart to get the warranty--extend it as long as they'll let you.

This thread - MB Transmission 722.6 & 722.9 oil change from MB Service - Benzworld.org - Mercedes-Benz Discussion Forum - suggests tranny fluid service is recommended/required (it's an informal translation after all) at 37,500 miles. It should have been done as part of the CPO process if not done under previous ownership. MB owes you this service. I didn't look up power steering fluid service.

Sixto
87 300D