Can a Mercedes be serviced anywhere?

                                            

This article will answer the following questions: can a Mercedes be serviced anywhere? What is the service schedule and process involved in serving Mercedes at an authorised workshop?

Can a Mercedes be serviced anywhere?

No, Mercedes cannot be serviced anywhere. Servicing of Mercedes Benz is a specialised task as the latest technology like driver assistance systems, active hydraulic suspension systems, and high-performance brake systems are installed on the vehicle. Special tools are used to replace engine oil transmission oils and oil filters. 

Mercedes Benz also releases service measures and important software updates for control units which are checked during servicing of the vehicle.

Many individual mechanics and local workshops will have you believe that dealerships are taking more money to perform service and they can do it for a cheaper price. This is far from the truth, servicing the vehicle at the dealership costs more as Mercedes Benz genuine parts and consumable products are used to carry out the service. 

Certified technicians with special training are required to handle and access ceramic brake systems, AIRMATIC and active hydraulic suspension systems. The genuine parts are designed and tested to make sure the vehicle can run without any problems even after replacing the parts. Not using genuine parts and consumables like engine oil or transmission oil can damage critical components. 

Service records are also saved in the vehicle service memory and vehicle service history can be checked to confirm if the service is performed by authorised dealerships. Mercedes Benz offers 3 year and unlimited km warranty on the vehicle, not performing service will void the warranty. The resell cost of a vehicle is also affected if the service history is not present.

Service schedule of Mercedes Benz passenger cars.

The usual service schedule is 15000 km or 1 year which comes early. The service computer in the vehicle notifies the driver of the remaining km or days. The servicing is categorised into service A and service B. Service B involves additional tasks like replacing the fuel filter, replacing the automatic transmission oil and oil filter.

After completing the servicing the technician connects star diagnosis scan to the vehicle and confirms replenishment of oil by resetting the service computer. ASSYST and ASSYST Plus are the name for the service computer in the vehicle. After confirming service, ASSYST PLUS keeps track of the number of km and days until the next service.

Star ease service packages are available which greatly reduces service times and service costs. These packages can be purchased anytime and can cover the costs of servicing for up to 10 years.

Star ease packages are of two types compact and compact plus. Compact plus covers up to 200000 km/ 10 years.

Compact Maintenance Package

Included: Replacement of Engine Oil, Engine Oil Filter, Air Cleaner Element, AC Filter, Fuel Filter, Radiator Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Oil & Transmission Oil Filter as per schedule. Topping up of Windshield Washer Fluid, as per requirement. Short Test (STAR Diagnosis), Interior & Exterior Cleaning (Vacuuming), Tyre Rotation, Visual Inspection.

Excluded: Tyres, Replacement of Brake Pads, Brake discs, Brake Wear Sensor, Wiper Blades, Spark Plugs, V-Belt, Wheel Alignment, Wheel Balancing, Accidental Repairs.

Compact Plus Maintenance Package

Included: Replacement of Engine Oil, Engine Oil Filter, Air Cleaner Element, AC Filter, Fuel Filter, Radiator Coolant, Brake Fluid, Transmission Oil & Transmission Oil Filter as per schedule, Topping up of Windshield Washer Fluid, as per requirement. Short Test (STAR Diagnosis), Interior & Exterior Cleaning (Vacuuming), Tyre Rotation, Visual Inspection, Replacement of Brake Pads, Brake Discs, Brake Wear Sensor, Wiper Blades if required, Wheel Alignment, Wheel balancing.

Excluded: Tyres, Spark Plugs, V-Belt, Accidental Repairs.

Processes involved in service of Mercedes Benz passagare cars.

  • Interactive session- when the vehicle reports for service to the workshop, visual inspection and short test is performed with the customer. Additional tasks like oil leaks, coolant leaks, damages to suspension components are identified and explained to the customer.
  • After the interactive session, the technician cover the vehicle interior with seat covers and performs checks according to the service checksheet of the vehicle
  • Additional jobs- the main goal is vehicles should report to the workshop only ones, if the brake pads, tyres are close to wearing limits additional estimate is given to the customer.
  • After replacing engine oil and oil filters, drain bolts are replaced and torqued to spec
  • Brake fluid is also replaced, wheels are removed and wheel hubs are cleaned and lubricated.
  • Lastly, star diagnosis is used to scan the vehicle fault memory.
  • If there are any applicable service measures, they are also performed after servicing.
  • The quality inspector checks the vehicle by performing a road test before the vehicle is cleaned and returned to the customer.

Other articles about Mercedes Benz you may be interested in

Can Mercedes add ambient lighting?

Can a Mercedes jump-start another car?

Can you tow a Mercedes automatic?

Conclusion.

The quality of service and use of genuine Mercedes Benz parts helps to keep the vehicle in factory condition. Service measure ensures the safety of the vehicle is not compromised and the vehicle can run fault free for a long period. Mercedes Benz cars are one of the most expensive and advanced cars on the road. Hence service should be performed by Mercedes Benz certified technicians at authorised dealerships.

FAQS: Can a Mercedes be serviced anywhere?

Are Mercedes expensive to service?

Yes, Mercedes Benz cars are expensive to service. However, service packages like the star ease compact plus hugely reduce service costs by locking the service price when the package is bought.

Do Mercedes require special oil changes?

Yes, Mercedes engine and transmission require special oil, information of the oils and service interval can be found in the owner’s manual. Additional oil is also required in the active hydraulic suspension system.

How often does a Mercedes need service?

The service interval of Mercedes is very long. On most models, it’s 15000 km or 1 year. Usually, once a year service is required for Mercedes Benz cars.

Can car service be done anywhere?

Cars service should be done at authorised dealerships for the warranty period of the vehicle. After the warranty is over cars can be serviced anywhere.

Is my car warranty void if not serviced?

Yes, the car warranty is only valid if the vehicle is serviced at a specified service schedule by authorised workshops.

References

  • https://www.mercedes-benz.co.in/passengercars/being-an-owner/ownership-programs/ownership-programs.module.html