FSS Service A

[MikeyE430]

Can anyone tell me exactly what procedures are performed during the FSS "Service A?" Do the folks at the Mercedes-Benz toll-free number have this information? My E430 is ready for its first service and I cannot find out what they do.

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

I believe that it is just an oil change and wiper blade change.

They might change the cabin dust filter as well?

It is basically an oil and filter change. It would be good if you go in a couple of thousand miles early. They won't turn you down, and that way you will get more frequent oil changes. They now provide Mobil One, so the extended oil change intervals aren't too bad.

If you know your tech, he may do even more. My dealer and tech rotated and balanced the tires, replaced the cabin dust filter and they SCRUBBED the car inside and out. I paid not one cent for all this. Of course the car itself didn't come cheap so I guess I did pay for it.

Good luck,

[Gilly]

The main part on a "A" is the oil and filter change. As Larry stated it is supposed to be Mobil1 0W-40. Technically speaking, the wiper insert and ACC dust filter are done on the "B" service only now, they changed from A and B service last February. The wiper insert can get done under warranty on the first service is it is noted to be streaking or smearing. Tire pressures are checked, including the spare. We often do a tire rotation as well. Washer nozzles are adusted, I often find these out of adjustment. Brake condition is checked. Check the lights. Top off washer solvent. As the car gets older, there is more. At 60Kmiles it gets air and fuel filter, at 100K or 4 years it gets spark plugs (all 16 of 'em!), every 2 years it needs a brake flush, every 3 years a coolant flush.
You should be able to ask your dealer for a copy of the 210 chassis FSS maintenance sheet.
Gilly

[Gilly]

PS on brake fluid flush:
Find out your production date.Since it was a Euro delivery, you should have a good idea when it was built. If it was made in the fall of 99, you are approaching the 2 years for the brake flush. Looks can be deceiving, often times it looks OK in the reservoir, but is getting black in the calipers.
Gilly Again