A and B Services - What do they entail - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Bayer · #1 03-17-2003, 08:01 PM

My service booklet does not specify in great detail what the A and B services entail, or when do to which one.

Also, how often should I change my oil. I used Mobil 1 synthetic.

Thanks for your help.

tabo · #2 03-17-2003, 09:30 PM

every 15,000 kilometres.. but I do it at 10,000 because I love my car =P

Gilly · #3 03-17-2003, 11:36 PM

Bayer:
I've found the service book usually does go into detail on what is done, can you look through it again?
What year is your ML430?
If it is a 2000 or newer and under 50,000 miles, you're getting the FSS services for free.
The base setting for the FSS oil change starts at 10,000 miles and can go up or down depending on several factors, including time and driving style. It's good you are using the Mobil1. On the free Maintenance Commitment (which they don't have in Canada)
the dealer can only do the services for free if they work is done on schedule (not too early). If it is out of warranty (or a 99, which didn't have maintenance commitment plan), then you are free to decide how often to change the oil. I would be happy with 7500-10,000 mile oil changes, it holds 8.5 quarts and you're using synthetic oil.
It would be good to rotate the tires every time, although MB only includes this with the B service. The climate control dust filter and front and rear wiper blades are called for at every B service also.
The A service isn't too much work, mainly an oil and filter service and check brakes, along with some other inspections, such as tire pressures, check fluid levels, lights, etc.
The brake fluid should be replaced (flushed) every 2 years (can be done on an A or B service), and the coolant replaced every 3 years (again on an A or B).
At 60,000 miles or every 4 years it needs an air filter (engine air filter, not climate control) and a fuel filter.
At 100,000 miles or 4 years (5 years on 2001 and newer) it needs spark plugs. Your V8 has 16 spark plugs, and they are platinum tipped plugs, so not real cheap to buy 16 of them no matter where you go to buy them.

Hope this answers most of your questions regarding the maintaining your 430, let me know if you have other questions.

Gilly

Bayer · #4 03-17-2003, 11:54 PM

Thanks for the info.

I have a 2000 ML 430 with 65K miles, so my warrantee is over. I bought this car at a lease return auction. I got a good deal; I just have to fix some minor issues and really appreciate your help.

I do have one more question. My CD changer likes to skip occasionally, but only on disc 1 through 3. Am I better off taking it to a Benz dealer, to a Bose authorized service center, or buy a new one? Is the quality not that good, should I get a different brand; will a different brand work with the installed system Navigation/Stereo System?

Thanks for all your help, you are great!

Gilly · #5 03-18-2003, 12:09 AM

I'm not sure if there is a system that will work better for you as far as sound quality.
What I would recommend is looking into getting an "exchange" cd changer from the dealer, this would be the cheapest way to go to get it back to a good factory unit.
They would take your old one back in exchange for a reman unit.

Gilly

ps you could pose the non-factory unit question at the audio forum. Not sure what else would work for you. Not my area of expertise.

pps With 65,000 miles, you may want to consider the air filter and fuel filter services that were due at 60,000 miles. You may also want to think about the coolant and brake fluid flushes, especially the brake fluid if it looks dark.