2003 C230 Sport SEDAN Oil Change help - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

jnajera · #1 12-29-2003, 07:52 PM

Hi eveyone -

I am new to this forum, and love it. I have a couple of questions that I was wondering if someone could help. Basically I did some searches for oil change instructions but could not find any on a c230 SEDAN. I found instructions for a coup but none for sedan. SORRY if it has been posted, if instructions have been posted please direct me to the link, thanks.

Anyway where is the oil filter located for the 2003 C230 sedan. I understand that i would have to get a topsider, I just cant find the oil filter.

thanks
james

Gilly · #2 12-29-2003, 08:51 PM

Hi James, welcome to the forums.

First I am wondering where you are located. In the US, you should have the maintenance paid for by MB, or are you just wanting to change more often?
You certainly wouldn't NEED to buy a topsider, there is a drain plug for the oil pan, but you need to remove a few screws to remove the center of the belly pan, not that hard, then a 13mm wrench to remove the drain plug.
The oil filter is under an access panel also. If you are standing in front of the car looking at the engine, the panel is on the right side (or drivers side you might say) towards the front, you just pull up on the front of it, it's near the dipstick I believe, but slightly towards the front of the car. The capacity after the draining and replacing the filter is 5.8 quarts, and you need to use Mobil1 synthetic oil.

Gilly

jnajera · #3 12-31-2003, 11:41 AM

Basically I am considering to do more oil changes myself, but I also wanted to know that the Service A should be free. I live in San Diego and keep trying to schedule a Service A but they want to charge me $250. Then when I tell them it should be free they take my name and tell me that they will call me back. I have never received a call back. I am now going to call them and just schedule the appointment, if they try to screw me I guess I will call corporate.

Thanks for the help I appreciate it.
James

blackmercedes · #4 12-31-2003, 04:14 PM

Change dealers and call MB-USA as well.

#5 12-31-2003, 05:48 PM

MB USA will definitely want to know about this. In the US EVERYTHING is free for the first 48 months or 48,000 miles except wearables. This would include tires, brake pads, windshield wipers and clutch if it is a manual.

I have had my '01 C class serviced at the dealer since new and it has cost me NOTHING. I can just drive it in with no appointment. I do additional oil changes between visits.

THESE PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO RIP YOU OFF. DON'T PUT UP WITH IT.

Happy New Year,

blackmercedes · #6 12-31-2003, 06:03 PM

Another thought...

$250US for an A service? Wassup? It's an oil change and cabin dust filter and a couple "inspections."

MB dealers in Canada charge about $200 for one, and I thought that price to be VERY high.

However, there might be ONE possible explanation...

If the FSS is not reading time to service, then the dealer has no obligation to provide the "free" (no such thing, should be "included inthe price of the car") service.

But, even if that is the case, the $250 price sounds pretty steep.

greenacres2 · #7 12-31-2003, 08:17 PM

Quote:

If the FSS is not reading time to service, then the dealer has no obligation to provide the "free" (no such thing, should be "included inthe price of the car") service

John has a good point. I have several friends who run not-for-profit agencies. We have differentiated "free" from "complimentary"--

Free, that which is given with no restriction or obligation on the part of the givee.

Complimentary, that which is given as if there is no restriction or obligation as the result of having paid extra for it in the first place. Things like beverages and snacks at a charity golf outing might be examples of complimentary. Or A service.

Hope this helps

jnajera · #8 01-02-2004, 11:26 AM

I just want to thank everyone for the replies, they are greatly appreciated.To the previous poster, the fss is telling me to get it done.

Today I have my appointment. So we will see how it goes. The thing I think is going to be the only problem is getting my tires rotated since I am past my 12000 miles. See, Before I got my service A I got two message lights telling me to add a quart of oil to the car. I took it to MB of SD and talked to them, I was concerned (where is the oil going, its not leaking), and they helped fast and with no problems. The only thing is it pushed my service A back by 3500 miles. So if they want to charge me a outrageous amount to rotate my tires then I think I will just have that done at costco.

Other things I want looked at is the db setting of my radio. I think I want it turned up so that it gets louder when I drive faster. And I want the parking brake looked at, because it does not always make the clicking sound when I push it down, but it always works. Those I would not think would cost anything.

Gilly · #9 01-02-2004, 04:19 PM

Right, I believe they only do the tire rotation on the B service, you'd need to check your maintenance guide that came with the car to be sure.
Only thing I am thinking of is since this is a Sport model, are you sure the tires are the same size front to rear? If they are different sizes they can't be rotated.

Gilly

jnajera · #10 01-05-2004, 11:59 AM

Got Service A Done. They charged me nothing for it. I had them rotate and balance the tires for 18.75. My only problem is that I am getting a reduce oil level malfunction. I just took it in to have them look at it and they said they fixed it. As I was parking the car at work the malfunction came on again.

Frustrating
James

brianc320 · #11 01-05-2004, 12:25 PM

After my first A service(10k), the "reduce oil level" message also showed. I pumped out (topsider) less than 1/4 qt. and the message was gone. I think they just dump 8.5 qts in and prob. did not get all of the old oil out.

I changed it myself at 5000 miles by draining from below, added 8 qts., and it was fine.

brian