I think I can answer that question on behalf of myself and the others who are changing oil between dealer visits.

13,000 miles is a LONG TIME between oil changes, Mobil 1 or no Mobil 1. Call me annally retentive if you like, but frequent oil changes have never proven to have an ill effect as far as I can see.

Keep in mind that MB was advocating these long FSS intervals with Dino oil and are now paying the price. They are in a competitive situation and must tout less frequent maintenance requirements in order to be competitive in that category. That doesn't mean they are always correct, or that it is the best thing to do for maximum engine life.

My $0.02,

Gilly asks:

"PS why are you changing your own oil when the car has the free "Maintenance Commitment" plan? Just curious."

I didn't feel comfortable with 14000 mile oil changes for absolutely no technical reason, I admit. I had been doing 5000 mile changes in my C280 which I though adequate with Mobil 1 and wanted to stay somewhere near that number. It looks like I might get three, perhaps four free oil changes (per FSS) before 50000 miles rolls around. But, since this is not a lease car I decided a little extra maintenance would do no harm except to my bank account.

I also changed the cabin air filter at my own expense since it was filthy and I didn't want to wait for the B service. As long as I'm talking about filters, where is the activated charcoal filter and what kind of service will it require and when?

Roger E./Seattle

If you dont want to spend $30 for Mobil1 oil every 3000 miles, then at least change the filter every 3-5k miles until FSS tells you to change the oil.

The charcoal filter is located under the dash above the passengers side footwell. I haven't seen the FSS sheet for a 203 chassis yet. On everything but the 140 chassis, it's replaced every 45,000 miles, the 140 charcoal filter is every 75,000, but the parts and labor are much higher on the 140. I believe just the C320 has the charcoal filters, not the C240 or Sportcoupe. 209 chassis CLK I believe all have the charcoal system.
I can see if you want to do additional oil changes, I assume you are still gettting the FSS service (A and B) done at the dealer for free.

Gilly

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Gilly,

Thanks for the info on the charcoal filter. Sounds like it's right where the W202 cabin air filter is. Fact is, I haven't turned it on (by the switch) more than a few times anyway. As to the A service, I don't know what this is. My car's system has never displayed anything but miles to "B" service. If it's just an oil change then I'm OK since it was done at about 4000 (replacement of oil level sensor) and again at 7200. Now 11500 with 2400 to go to "B". Oil, filter, and cabin air filter again, I guess.

Roger E./Seattle

Roger:
I don't know all the details of what has been done to your car.
IF the dealer did a service at 7200 as you state, they probably at that point reset the FSS system. A "B" service always follows an "A" service. When you reset the FSS when it has one "wrench" (A service) showing, it will automatically show a "double wrench" (B service indicator). When you reset it at a "B" service, it'll show a single wrench symbol again. It can, at a later date, show a double wrench symbol, if for example you go over I believe 14,000 miles since the last service.

On the filter, yes, the charcoal filter on the 203 C320 is roughly where the DUST filter was on all 202 chassis. On all model 203 C class cars, the DUST filter is located above the battery.

On the work that was done to repair the oil level sensor, I believe it was simply being overfilled. MB now advises us that the correct amount of oil to put in after draining the oil and replacing the oil filter is 8 quarts, previous recommendation on that chassis was 8.5 quarts. ONLY on the 203 C class cars, other chassis utilizing this engine type is still 8.5 quarts.
Oh, but wait, you didn't change the oil prior to the sensor being replaced, or did you? Hmmmmm.

Gilly

ps Just to clarify, the technician, when performing the FSS maintenance, should determine if the car needs an A or B service. On your car, it's as easy as seeing if one wrench or the double wrench is being displayed. Whatever the FSS is calling for, that's the service which should be performed.

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This is getting confusing. You said:

< Oh, but wait, you didn't change the oil prior to the sensor being replaced, or did you? Hmmmmm.
ps: Just to clarify, the technician, when performing the FSS maintenance, should determine if the car needs an A or B service. On your car, it's as easy as seeing if one wrench or the double wrench is being displayed. Whatever the FSS is calling for, that's the service which should be performed.>>

The sensor was replaced at about 4000 mi when the car was in for some repair or other. The work order said the sensor was inaccurate (error code? Who knows?) The oil was changed at that time and I don't think the FSS was reset. I changed the oil again at 7200 at home because the filter had not been changed at 4K and I wanted to start over. I the reset the FSS myself, a mistake in retrospect. It's now indicating a double wrench B service in 2400 miles which will be about 14000 miles.

Roger E./Seattle

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Roger E.

Roger:
The dealer has the capabilty to correct the resetting that was done in error. I would honestly explain the situation to them and hopefully they will get you back on the right track with the services. If they did it all right, they will do the service and you'll get the car back showing 2 wrenches symbol and 10,000 miles showing on the FSS screen. Hopefully the tech will be on top of things on this system and do it correctly to show this.
IMHO, if you want to do the extra oil changes, that's fine, but leave the FSS indicator to be reset when an actual A or B service is performed, not when just an oil change is done. I'd also like to state that I see no problem with your choice of oil grade. I would be OK with most any Mobil1 oil being used as long as the temps coincide with the viscosity being used.
I am unsure right now, looking back through the posts I can't see what the actual mileage is on the car. If you are over 10,000 I would call the dealer and explain the "accidental" reset that was done and ask if they'll schedule the first A service.

Gilly

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This is beginning to remind me of "Who's on first."

Original oil dumped at 4000 miles (no filter)
Second fill dumped at 7200 miles (new filter)
Mileage now 11540 miles
FSS says next double wrench B service with another change in 2400 miles.

Which means the present oil will be dumped at 9600 miles, less than the minimum 10000 that FSS would indicate anyway.

I think I'm fine.

ROGER E.

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Roger E.

You obviously believe that the only maintenance required on the car is an oil change. YES in that case you are A-OK, Motor On pal.

Gilly

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Roger,

I do change oil between trips to the dealer as indicated by the FSS system. I don't do anything except drain oil, change filter, refill oil. As far as the FSS service goes and what I expect them to do, nothing changes except I do some extra oil and filter changes at my expense between those visits.

As Gilly says, don't think that all the dealer is doing is changing oil and filter. My tech goes over the car pretty thoroughly on EVERY service whether it is A or B. Of course, he's my brother-in-law and friend of almost thirty years, but I expect that he does more than just an oil change on any car that rolls in his bay.

Have a great day,

Gilly posts, pissed off I guess.

"You obviously believe that the only maintenance required on the car is an oil change. YES in that case you are A-OK, Motor On pal. "

How did you ever come to that conclusion? My cars are if anything overmaintained. What exactly do you expect me to do? The dealer has refused to do an early B service. And, I doubt that the engine air filter, the brake pads or any other normal wear item needs attention at 11500 miles. If they did I'd do it even if the dealer blows me off. My car has been in a t least five times to try to correct the built-in design defects with limited success. Don't ask about the cold air leaks through the rattling front doors or the failures of the programmable features to remember anything for more than a week or the damned keys.

The shop foreman at Phil Smart Mercedes in Seattle told me that I am their most knowledgeable customer. What I don't need is someone to count the wheels and refill my washer tank.

This discussion is closed.

I suggest that Larry B post above is read.
I admire your patience Gilly.

Roger, both these posters have given tremendous help & unselfish assistance to us all over the years. I suggest you respect it.
Tigerfox