[mwillems]

I am near Toronto (Oakville, ON). My old C (10 year old C240) is due for maintenance. It has 220,000km on it; the dealer now says it needs this:

Spark plugs are due…$ 485.00
Brake fluid flush..140.00
Fuel filter…360.00
Transmission flush …360.00
Engine drive belt…180.00
Injector flush/terraclean..157.00

Two questions:
a) Is this all actually needed?
b) Those prices seem high. Comments?

 

[300DFan]

B) yes, the prices seem high, but about what one expects for dealer service on a Mercedes. Premium price for premium service, supposedly. Once these cars are older a good independent can offer better value, if you can find one.

As for the maintenance obviously we don't have the full service records for your car, so it's hard to say. If you want to keep the car for a long time it's important to maintain it according to the schedule, but if you just want it to survive for another year or two none of that would be absolutely urgent. Maybe the drive abelt if it's showing cracks or deterioration.

Spark plugs should be every 5 years or 160,000 km. Your call on those.

Brake fluid every two years. Definitely recommended or you can start getting caliper or other problems.

Fuel filter - probably the least important. Modern fuel delivery is pretty clean and filters rarely clog badly outside of third world operation.

Transmission fluid - good idea every 60k for longevity.

Injectors - if your car's running fine I'd just occasionally add some Techron to clean them. I'm not convinced the $157 treatment is actually more effective than $5 of Techron in the tank.

 

[efzauner]

ok lets see all from online parts dealers in Canada.
Spark plugs are due…$ 485.00 DIY ... 12 x $7 = $84 The labour seems high but its not an easy job.
Brake fluid flush..140.00 DIY 2 liters brake fluid @ $20 = $40 max
This is very easy. maybe an hour. so its not a bad deal.
Fuel filter…360.00 DiY fuel filter $65 one hour or less
Transmission flush …360.00 Yes do it... at dealer is best. you need lots of parts and Star system. Don't skimp on this.
Engine drive belt…180.00 DIY 15 Minutes $70
Injector flush/terraclean..157.00 Shrugs.. maybe.

Two questions:
a) Is this all actually needed?

well the critical thing is the tranny flush and drivebelt. The rest wont leave you stranded, but at your mileage sure. The brake fluid should be done every 2 years. You may also want to check the coolant and change that.
b) Those prices seem high. Comments? yes. especially the fuel filter (4 clamps and some rubber hose) and the drive belt is a very quick job.

 

[autoworrks320]

c240

I have an 04 C240 & have all my work done at S&S Motors at 645 Queen St East in Toronto. A very knowledgeable indy & I'm sure that list will be half of what the Dealer wants. Like others have said some of those things on the list likely do not need to be done and i highly doubt the Dealer would actually do them.

 

[mwillems]

That's great feedback, guys - thanks.

Any chance of anyone knowing an independent mechanic in the Oakville area?

 

[Sevak24]

I sent you a PM, I can help you with these.

 

[mwillems]

Thanks! I'll check it out AM.

 

[autoworrks320]

S&S

Michael,
If you do contact S&S let Chris know that it was mentioned on this site. They like to hear that stuff.