Service A/B/C - Unlock the Mystery
 

OK, can someone give me a no-BS assessment of if the A/B & C services are really all tehy are cracked up to be? I am a bit confused by it all, and my shop has a 'just trust me' attitude about it. This is my first MB and I am really used to changing the oil every 3k miles and not doing anything else until it breaks on my previous Jap or US cars. Plugs/wires around 60/100k. tranny fluid, etc...

But I just don't understand why an oil change (aka "A service") on this MB is $180, and then B Services are in the 300-400 range. Not to mention this C service which seems to be the 'plugs and wires' service is 700-900. As near as I can tell the only thing different in an A and B service is a visual inspection... is that correct? That deosnt seem like it's worth a couple hundred bucks.

Can someone that's owned MB for a long time chime in with a realistic, real-world advice on what I should do with my car adn at what intervals? I am not looking for the 'official MB company answer here', and I can accept - "just follow the book dummy" for an answer - I just don't want to pay for stuff that I really dont need! Thanks much!

Oh -PS the car is a W202 C280.

A & B services for 1998 & later cars are simply lubrication services.
at various mileages OR time periods other maintenance items are required.

here is a link to a mercedes service sheet for all models 1998 and newer, that may shed some light on the service for you. i would have posted them on this forum, but the file size for pdf attachments here is too small.

http://mbca.cartama.net/showthread.php?p=111491#post111491

I agree with that. The exception would be that your resale value would be diminished if your maintenance booklet was not stamped every time and kept up to date.

My cars are old so it doesn't matter...they are aout worthless to anyone but me anyway.

Well oil change with the same fullsynthetic oil elsewhere costs 50-60 bucks, the additional $120 are because it is a Mercedes :D.

Do it yourselfer?
 

What about stamps for the DIY'er? What if I change the oil and write all the info down in teh service manual? Do y'all think that lowers the value?

In that case you need to keep at least the receipts of the oil purchase to make it plausible.

visioncasting,
Take a look at www.mbusa.com , under the Owners Online tab. If you 'register' your car, you get access to a record keeping/Service History section where you can input all you do to the car. Data is stored free, report access simple, and it looks every bit as good as MB's own VMI system.

Bob

Bob,

Is that the right link? I use www.mbusa.com

Dave

Hey Dave,
It is now! Good catch on my typo. I just edited the earlier post to correct it.

Bob