Servicing Low Mileage Car

[1st amg]

I believe John, If you do not follow the service regime outlined by MB, you will and can have a warranty claim denied even under warranty because you simply missed a mandatory service. I think this is not a risk I would be willing to take to save a few bucks.
I mean, really, in the grand scheme of things, you are driving a nice hard top convertible and there is a cost of ownership associated with that. Don’t play with fire. Bring the car for the scheduled service a or b that MB has.


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[ArtNouveau]

The last new cars I've had in the past decade from Audi, Porsche, VW, BMW, and MINI all suggested yearly oil service regardless of mileage. All used synthetic oil.

[andyxxx]

In the UK if you miss a service while under warranty they would wriggle out of any warranty work.
The car would also be worth a lot less than the cost of the service if you plan on selling it soon.
Many people would not look at a car without full main dealer service history.

[SwedishPar]

Buy a $50K car and ask about a $75 oilchange.

I have a few cars I put maybe 250miles/year on and still take to dealer for oilchange yearly.
Cheap insurance knowing I have fresh fluids.

Nessecary? Maybe not...

[Mr Perfect]

Don't be tight, get the car serviced, it'll be worth it in the long run.

[TheVTCGuy]

My 95 Vette has 48,000 miles on it, gets driven (maybe) a couple thousand miles a year, but I still change the oil every 12 months and other fluids every 36, it’s best for the long term life of the engine.

[Dyim]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

The last new cars I've had in the past decade from Audi, Porsche, VW, BMW, and MINI all suggested yearly oil service regardless of mileage. All used synthetic oil.

I am pretty sure Porsche is 10,000 miles or one year, whichever comes first.

Just that most owners don’t hit the distance limit.

[locutus49]

Yes, we will do it for that reason. It is a scam, but you either play or pay.

Originally Posted by 1st amg

I believe John, If you do not follow the service regime outlined by MB, you will and can have a warranty claim denied even under warranty because you simply missed a mandatory service. I think this is not a risk I would be willing to take to save a few bucks.
I mean, really, in the grand scheme of things, you are driving a nice hard top convertible and there is a cost of ownership associated with that. Don’t play with fire. Bring the car for the scheduled service a or b that MB has.


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[locutus49]

50K??? In pesos? You can't even find used models for that price. In fact, in my area there are no used models available.

Originally Posted by SwedishPar

Buy a $50K car and ask about a $75 oilchange.

I have a few cars I put maybe 250miles/year on and still take to dealer for oilchange yearly.
Cheap insurance knowing I have fresh fluids.

Nessecary? Maybe not...

[RichM]

Another Corvette owner here. Low yearly mileage. Oil is changed once a year, as per the owner’s manual. I always bought an extended warranty and did not want to risk a denied claim.

It’s just good insurance.

[nda]

As others have said, there are several good reasons for this first service - and subsequent services.

1. First oil change is important - there will be 'stuff' flushed out in the first few thousand miles.

2. To maintain your warranty, you must comply with the service schedule.

3. If you want to protect the residual value - were you to sell in the future - a fully stamped service book is important to most buyers.

I have cars I don't drive much - but always have them serviced annually, whatever the mileage.

[DLRIDES]

Originally Posted by antbkny

A first oil change isn’t a bad idea. Especially if you own the car.

This

[enjoythemusic]

First FLUIDS change....

One of my 'tricks' is that if i plan to keep a vehicle for a very long time then change ALL fluids after a few thou miles. This includes, oil, coolant, and yes even the transmission fluid (and sure, brake fluid too only if you insist). While some people might not like the added expense, my feelings are that it is good to 'flush out' whatever bits may be lingering during initial mating of the moving parts.

And yes i know there are filters... yet fluids are your vehicle's lifeblood. This full fluid change is more important (in my crazy mind) if it is a 'hard service' vehicle used for towing (truck) or tracking (exotic).

Please, at a minimum change the oil and filter to help get out the initial mating of metals.

JMHO YMMV

[locutus49]

Thanks. Good tip.

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

First FLUIDS change....

One of my 'tricks' is that if i plan to keep a vehicle for a very long time then change ALL fluids after a few thou miles. This includes, oil, coolant, and yes even the transmission fluid (and sure, brake fluid too only if you insist). While some people might not like the added expense, my feelings are that it is good to 'flush out' whatever bits may be lingering during initial mating of the moving parts.

And yes i know there are filters... yet fluids are your vehicle's lifeblood. This full fluid change is more important (in my crazy mind) if it is a 'hard service' vehicle used for towing (truck) or tracking (exotic).

Please, at a minimum change the oil and filter to help get out the initial mating of metals.

JMHO YMMV

[GoingPlaces]

Take the car for service, not a dealer scam but MB guidelines.

[The Libertine]

Yes, at least an oil change, especially considering short trips are generally not good for an engine. Should try to put some highway miles on your car to ensure engine heats up to operating temperature, and burn off any residual moisture.

[SwedishPar]

Originally Posted by locutus49

50K??? In pesos? You can't even find used models for that price. In fact, in my area there are no used models available.

Sound like you didnt do your homework before buying as the model you're refering to starts out at 49950. Add some options and you have a 60K car that you can haggle down towards the low 50's if you're a cash buyer.

As it is the base model and not the AMG ist not very high in demand nor does it hold its value very well.
But theres an ass for every seat I guess.

Now we got off topic,but to answer your question. Yes I would cange the oil every year ( I do it when I have my state inspection done as I bring my cars to the dealer for that complimentary service)

Change my brake fluid every 3yrs and coolant every 5.
I might in those 5 years have put 2000miles on my garage queens,Overkill maybe,but the $500 or so I spend for fluid maintenance is irrelevant compared to insurance,taxes and depreciation

[RW16610]

A lot of sound advice in this thread. Nothing to add really but it's certainly worth doing, even for the warranty alone.

[AzPaul]

You're supposed to 'change' the oil?
Thought you just added more when the light came on.

[mschafer]

Read up in your manual, MB service is usual 10k miles or 12 month. I feel it’s essential to keep this up especially while the car is under warranty. Greasing some items like the sunroof, etc. Compile a list of squeaks and rattles and drop it of and get a loaner. Also, MB offers prepaid care packages that should reduce the cost of the individual services.

[zengineer]

My BMW is a 6 cylinder turbo. I believe that MB is a 2.0l 4 cyl turbo. That's a pretty hard working engine. Mine's a convertible I drive maybe 3000mi per year. 3 years (or 36,000 miles) of annual oil changes and even semi annual brake fluid and cabin air filter changes are still included ( this is included Maintenance, not warranty as some mistakenly interchange the terms) at no cost to me...so I have it done. Once I'm outside that "included maintenance" period I'll just do it myself but will at the most stretch it to 2 years no matter how few miles. I would have thought a 2019 MB would include free maintenance but a quick search suggests it is not standard but many negotiate 2 years into the purchase. In general it's a use it or lose it deal ( it's for so much time or miles, not a certain number of services). Could it impact warranty if ignored ...yes, but it still has to be proven it's a cause and effect. They can't deny warranty on a power window motor because you were late on an oil change.

I assume you know if it is or isn't included. If it is the answer is simple. If not, I wouldn't go beyond 2 years and maybe do the brake fluid every 4.

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by locutus49

50K??? In pesos? You can't even find used models for that price. In fact, in my area there are no used models available.

Actually there are quite a few pre-owned 2019’s in the low 40’s on MBUSA. One in Calabasas with 3k miles for 42K.


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[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by AzPaul

You're supposed to 'change' the oil?
Thought you just added more when the light came on.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by AzPaul

You're supposed to 'change' the oil?
Thought you just added more when the light came on.

By the time you see that light it's party over for that engine!

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by GoingPlaces

Actually there are quite a few pre-owned 2019’s in the low 40’s on MBUSA. One in Calabasas with 3k miles for 42K.


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I suspect the OP did not search outside of the La Jolla area. California is a large state!

[Jabbo84]

I have an M5C and don’t drive it as much as I should. I change the oil every 6 months, but I’m OCD . Servicing a German car is a must

[77T]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

First FLUIDS change....

One of my 'tricks' is that if i plan to keep a vehicle for a very long time then change ALL fluids after a few thou miles. This includes, oil, coolant, and yes even the transmission fluid (and sure, brake fluid too only if you insist). While some people might not like the added expense, my feelings are that it is good to 'flush out' whatever bits may be lingering during initial mating of the moving parts.

And yes i know there are filters... yet fluids are your vehicle's lifeblood. This full fluid change is more important (in my crazy mind) if it is a 'hard service' vehicle used for towing (truck) or tracking (exotic).

Please, at a minimum change the oil and filter to help get out the initial mating of metals.

JMHO YMMV

I agree and can’t believe some of the “advice” that came from fairly ignorant opinions posing as fact.

The OP said the car was 18 months old and hadn’t been serviced yet. So time is a factor - even an air filter might need looking into.

In addition to your points, there is another factor: hygroscopicity.

It is true that synthetic lubricants have greater effectiveness over mineral based ones. But the additives can have water-holding affinity and this will depend on the application of the oil. Hydraulic fluid, engine oil, or gearbox oil all react differently.

Even if you don’t change the brake fluid, at least bleed the brakes.

Last thing, the oil filters can get clogged if any journal bearings have shed some metal in the break-in period. Even if the oil is fine, filter clogs can cause pressure imbalance and some starvation. That would be especially troublesome in the cylinder head.




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[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by AzPaul

You're supposed to 'change' the oil?
Thought you just added more when the light came on.

It’s a mb not a vw

[Andad]

Originally Posted by 77T

I agree and can’t believe some of the “advice” that came from fairly ignorant opinions posing as fact.

The OP said the car was 18 months old and hadn’t been serviced yet. So time is a factor - even an air filter might need looking into.

In addition to your points, there is another factor: hygroscopicity.

It is true that synthetic lubricants have greater effectiveness over mineral based ones. But the additives can have water-holding affinity and this will depend on the application of the oil. Hydraulic fluid, engine oil, or gearbox oil all react differently.

Even if you don’t change the brake fluid, at least bleed the brakes.

Last thing, the oil filters can get clogged if any journal bearings have shed some metal in the break-in period. Even if the oil is fine, filter clogs can cause pressure imbalance and some starvation. That would be especially troublesome in the cylinder head.




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[zama]

Another vote for oil change this should be free on a car that new.