The service interval gizmo on my 99-E300TD
says I will not need my FIRST service for another 9,000 miles! I currently have 600 miles on the car. I must assume that MB knows what they are doing, but that is a lot longer than I would normally go. Is this a New World that I should adapt to?


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1999 E-300TD

Richard,
There has been a good deal of debate about this flexible service program. YOu may want to search the Shop Forum archives to read the previous discussions. My take on the flex-service system is as follows: You should be okay in the short term (while under warranty) but I would doubt that after 120K miles the engine would be in as good a shape as one with 3K-5K oil changes. Oil and filters are cheap, engines are too damned expensive. If it were my car I'd stick to the old fashioned thinking of regular oil changes.


Hope this helps...Lee

My 98 300E DT went in today for its new oil pump, what I was thinking of doing, is seeing if I can find a lab to test the oil in 1,000 km;s intervals, and see what is is like.

One must remember these new diesels hold double what most cars do, 8 litres.

Not to mention the quality of oil has jumped.

But I agree, it is hard to get used to these recommendations, I cringe at the thought actually.

Ask any technician the reason that almost all cars need major engine work is lack of service(oil changes). Now do you really believe that the oil has improved so much in the last 2 years that engines can really go twice as many miles?? I guess that 5-6 years from now we will know what the results of the extended oil service intervals will be.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS M.B. TECH

Same as above

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS M.B. TECH




[This message has been edited by M.B.DOC (edited 06-24-99).]

Being a tech, I have to agree with MB DOC, If you just do one oil change between the recommended service interval, you will help to prevent major engine work in the future. The reason for the FSS is that Mercedes had a survey done and the highest complaint among owners was cost of service. So what did they do? Spent millions to come up with a mechanism that reminds you to do it at about 10,000 mile intervals.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

And Mercedes-Benz will be in Court for years well with me anyways if this is all but a scam, and my engine falls apart due to the service intervals they recommend.


I hope to all heaven that they are not simply playing follow the leader here, and they have actual proof that their cars can last this long, the last bunch of owners they want to mess with is Benz owners.

If this backfires, it will be the biggest setback and darkest day for the Company.

I hope and pray for there survival that they are telling the truth with this one.

As I theorized earlier, they build such a quality product that even with stretched oil changes it can last through warranty. The new engines' use of alloys, twin-plug ignition, low friction cylynder liners, etc should make them cleaner than ever. Once your engine is through the warranty period it becomes YOUR problem not theirs. If you need a new motor shortly after your out of warranty they make more money. I"m not saying this IS what they were thinking, but their motives could be suspect. Also, as Benzmac said, the cost of maintenance can intimidate 1st time benz owners. In this era of lease programs, lux car cross-shopping, and owners who don't keep their cars forever the flexi-service makes more marketing sense. Not to be too pessimistic or paranoid, but MB is smart enough to figure out just how often you have to change the oil to keep the engine healthy just through warranty.

If you added up all the expenses of doing normal services (every 7500 miles) + "in between" oil changes (every 3750 or so) + the 15K services + the 30K mile services for 150K miles you would still have less out-of-pocket than your first major engine problem. Oil changes are the cheapest insurance towards engine longevity you can buy. If the cost of service is too steep then learn how to do your own "in-between" changes in your driveway. Most Auto parts stores take used oil free of charge. If there is sufficient demand we might even feature a DIY oil change article...

my pair of cents...Lee

Being a technician myself and seeing the cost associated with extended service intervals such as engine rebuilds and such, I have to say the extra cost of oil changes and tune-ups is still a heck of a lot cheaper than the cheapest of rebuilt engines. Just say NO to extended service intervals!

There is another advantage to chaning the oil
frequently. It gives you the opportunity to put the car up on a lift and inspect it. You'd be surprised at what you will find. I found a leaking steering box (which I am monitoring - not fixing yes) and a leaking shock (I replaced all 4).

I have found that this 'check' gives you the opportunity to anticipate your maintenance and repair costs, consider alternative courses of action, etc. Example: I was originally quoted $182.00 for EACH of my fron t shocks. After a couple of weeks of investigation, part verification, etc. I got front Bilsteins for about $86.00 each.



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Ralph Burnette
1993 300SD