"8 days until service" '01 C240 / Do I really need it? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Herr Leber · #1 01-23-2003, 12:26 PM

This car only has 4400 miles on it in 24 months of ownership and this "service needed" display keeps coming up on the dash. The car was just in to the dealer a few months back for a checkup.

Should I heed this advice or is it just the internal clock ticking on the 2 year mark? The car was bought new in Dec 2000

How is this message reset?

mbdoc · #2 01-23-2003, 12:32 PM

Did they change the oil? IF so then just follow the instructions in your OWNERS manual for the reset.

blackmercedes · #3 01-23-2003, 03:54 PM

Your problem is not mileage, but time. Your car needs regular servicing, regardless of how much it is driven. Your oil needs to be changed every three months or so, regardless of mileage.

That's why you mileage timer is not going off, but the clock timer is.

You should be aware you're not doing your car any favours by not driving it. Time is harder on cars than mileage, and many cars suffer terribly from sitting. I've seen more than a few old low mileage MB's turn into rolling junk when someone starts driving it. Seals and bushing are decayed, and oil that has gone unchanged has allowed internal engine corrosion.

Are you in the US? If so, why not take the car in? Isn't your service costs included?

joe p · #4 01-23-2003, 07:34 PM

2000 models had "service included" in most cases up to 50,000 miles.

However, even with only 4400 on the oil it needs changing. Why? Just like any other liquid contained in metal it gets hot then cold and moisture condesates in it. You'll also find it becomes rather acidic after awhile as well.

Joe

Gilly · #5 01-23-2003, 10:09 PM

If it was in for an A or B service

Quote:

a few months back

then they probably forgot to reset the service indicator.
In general you're better off letting the dealer only reset this, until you are out of warranty. That way you get the maximum amount of service work done for free. But in this case, you could reset it yourself, if you know the A or B service was actually done.
I'd call the dealer to let them know you don't appreciate the indicator nor being reset. The instructions to reset it are in the manual. Let me know if you need help doing it. Or if it's convenient, take it to the dealer and have them do it.

Gilly

Herr Leber · #6 01-24-2003, 08:07 AM

It turns out that the oil wasnt changed the last time in , so with that said its going in for a checkup. What else should the dealer be looking for or put another way 'what else is going to be on the bill'?

Thats a good point about resetting the the service clock ones self- Would that void the warranty?

Thanks again for the feedback gents.

mbdoc · #7 01-24-2003, 09:08 AM

As long as the service is performed completely WITH approved oil & filter, ANYONE can reset the service lamp. If you have the service done elsewhere make sure to keep receipts! Anyone that tells you different, had better talk with a LAWYER!!

MB doesn't require service work to be done by their dealers! BUT they do require that service work must conform to their printed recommended schedule!

You service booklet contains the recommended service required, THEY should also suggest a brake fluid flush as well! Make sure to have that done!

Gilly · #8 01-24-2003, 08:40 PM

Sure, anyone can reset the indicator, and it certainly wouldn't void a warranty (my lawyer is standing by, just in case:p )
BUT you'll just be ripping yourself off and saving MB tons of money, if enough people decide to reset it. WHY? Because the maintenance is free on this car during the warranty period. If you decide that the FSS isn't "good enough" and decide to do an oil change between services, then DO NOT reset the FSS. WHY? Because then you start over again with 10,000 miles. So if you reset it, and the FSS said you have 5000 miles to the next service, it now reads 10,000, so you will so roughly 15,000 miles before your next service, instead of the intended (roughly) 10,000 miles.
With only 4400 miles on it, there shouldn't be anything else needed. On an A service, they may try selling you a tire rotation. We usually throw it in for free, but they may recommend it and want to charge for it.
Everything in the manual for FSS is included as far as scheduled maintenance. Wear items such as brakes and tires are not included, but at 4400, shouldn't be a problem this time certainly.
On the B service the rotation IS included, also the wiper blade and climate control dust filter. The brake flush is also included, it's due every 2 years, so they should be doing that (free). The coolant is also due every 3 years on this car, so probably will wait a year for that.
BTW, the "free" maintenance work (Maintenance Commitment Plan) is ONLY done at a dealer of your choice. MB will NOT reimburse you for maintenance work done elsewhere.
If you choose not to have the dealer do the work for free, it will not void your warranty if it is done elsewhere, but yes, it would be wise to keep all receipts.

Gilly

Herr Leber · #9 01-27-2003, 08:29 AM

I was wondering what was included in "A" service versus "B" service.

Its going in for the service, but I am always wary of dealer service managers. You know, its the 'commission' aspect of their compensation package that I'm worried about.

blackmercedes · #10 01-27-2003, 08:52 AM

The details of A and B service requirements are in your Service Booklet.

Gilly · #11 01-27-2003, 08:39 PM

Roughly speaking, what is included in the B service that's not on the A service would be tire rotation, climate control dust filter, and wiper blades. But yes, to back up John S, if you look through the owners packet, you'll find the maintenance book, which tells all. It seems like you would be due for a brake fluid flush also, and this is also included, don't let them charge you for it.
Do a search on this topic "maintenamce commitment" for a thread which has my documentation to support the fact that the brake flush (as well as the coolant flush at 3 years) is covered by the plan as well.

Gilly