2012 Mercedez Benz requiring more services than normal?
About 18months ago I bought a like-new 32K miles 2012 MB E350 Convert. I knew service and parts would be expensive, but Iwas not prepared for the frequency of these services. Oil changes are very reasonable required every 10K or year. However, did you ever hear of brake fluid being replaced in amild climate like ours every 20K? Transmission flush and change at 70K or spark plugs at 60K? These are what the owners’ manual require. “Lisa” runs beautifully and the last year and a half and 28K miles have been marvelous. Obviously, Iwant to keep enjoying her and if that’s what it takes to do so Iwill. Not at the dealership that gets $210 per hour but at a fine independent shop I’ve found. I had been most apprehensive about all the electronics and all the electric motors, but the frequent service doesn’t seem to be aimed at preventing failure of these systems. Should a modern auto as Lisa really require that much service or is it a mere revenue generator? Thanks for your advice. – Mike
This sounds like quite a love affair! I looked through the maintenance schedule for your E350 up through 150Kmiles and other than the frequent brake fluid replacement, wiper blade replacement, and convertible top inspection/lubrication recommendations, Lisa is not unusual in other maintenance needs. I’ve always been a believer in brake fluid renewing, perhaps every three or four years, to prevent corrosion of expensive ABS/Traction Control components and to insure safe braking. The 20K mile interval is strict but considering the hydraulic control unit runs close to $3000, I’d do it! At least there isn’t a timing belt to replace!
Cabin air filters are an example of additional maintenance, but they can often be replaced by the vehicle owner with a little elbow grease. Your combination dust and carbon filter is fairly easily accessed from beneath the passenger side instrument panel once the below-dashboard cover is removed. There are at least a half dozen YouTube videos showing how.
Wow! $210 per hour could hurt very quickly! I’m thinking your larger concern beyond maintenance will be the cost of certain repairs that will be inevitable on an aging vehicle with lots of bells and whistles and a component-assembly parts replacement philosophy. Electronic parts are typically pretty robust. You’re correct about the motors and mechanisms, a good reason to keep up with lubrication and attentive observations, especially on the convertible top. Whenever a mechanism runs slow, groans, or squeaks, it’s important to get right to the cause before damage is done.
What’s odd is there’s no mention of renewing engine coolant. I’d certainly do this along with hoses each 4-5 years to prevent costly corrosion damage to engine parts ($3000 cylinder heads, among other engine parts + oodles of labor!) and heater core (10 hours labor to replace) and to reduce the chances of an over-heat catastrophe. I’d also renew the fuel filter early (rather than at 150K) to help the fuel pumps (about $1200 for all three) live a happy life. And a rear differential fluid change at five years might encourage long life from the $4000+ differential assembly!