FSS Service A or B interval
 

I have recently purchased an 2002 MB C320. I was wondering what the recommended practice is among the owners in performing the Service A or Service B interval. Do you go exclusively based on the FSS reminder.

I currently use Mobil 0W-40 and plan to continue using this oil. Do you base your service interval based on KM driven, length of time etc. If so, how long? I think the North American vehicle standard practice of 5000km or 3 months may not apply in this case as I'm using the synthetic.

If I go exclusively with the FSS, it could be in excess of 9months to 10 months before I'm due for a service as I do not drive the vehicle often nor for long durations.

Please advise.

I have MB do filter and oil when FSS calls for it! The rest of the stuff is insurance and a money maker for them. I also let them drain trans and brake fluid every few years.

I use the FSS interval on my 99. It mainly monitors coolant temp and trip length to determine oil life. Max interval is one year or 16K miles. Mileage can be significantly less pending your personal driving style. It trips for most people between 8-12k from what I've observed reading here.

My 99 E320 wagon FSS counts down at around 12K miles (19K km), which is usually around 12 months of driving for me.
However, I do an inbetween oil and filter change at 6 mo or 6K miles (usually alternate Mobil 1 0W40 and/or Q-State European Formula 5W40). Not sure if this extends the life of the engine or other components, but I can't wait 12 mo to change the oil.
Note that I'm still running with the original harmonic balancer with 100K miles (160K km).