20K service, what should one ACTUALLY do?

[tivoboy]

So, 20000 mile service is sort of coming up. Car has about four years on it, but only 19,960 miles. Last service the 10K was done at 12.5K.. 1.5 years ago.

I only ask the question because.

A) the 20K service is like STUPID money around here in the Bay Area. Most dealers want nearly 400$ for the service. That is like Mercedes B service levels. Doesn't make a lot of sense.

B) there SEEMS to be a number of things that are NOT included in the 20K mile service that maybe SHOULD be included for a car that has run for four years?

Like:
New plugs? this isn't included but is an extra charge
Tranny flush or service?
Clutch adjustment?
Any rings or seals or boots that need adjusting, replacing?

The B really seems like a lot of "check this, check that" and while checking things is good sometimes I don't find it too valuable..

Since my other car was recently totalled, I am completely relying on the smart for my transportation AND I'm short money at the moment. I don't have the capacity here at home to do oil/filter changes like I used to and don't know the smart bay enough to do any other work on the engine.

I'm just trying to figure out what is really the best allocation of funds for current services in order to try and maximize the proper maintenance of the car.

Also, does anyone here have any good alternate service locations in the bay area for this type of work?

[jwight]

Check in with Larry (LittoDevil) as an alternate to the dealer service.

New plugs? this isn't included but is an extra charge Not required (due at 30K)
Tranny flush or service? Not required
Clutch adjustment? Self adjusting
Any rings or seals or boots that need adjusting, replacing? Only if they need it.

Oil change is 10K miles OR one year, whichever comes first - easy DIY.

[Padawan]

I would stick with the recommended items: smart Maintenance Schedule: 20,000 Miles/Two Year. smart Owners

All of the items can be done by a combination of you and a competent mechanic/technician for much less than "stupid money".

[smartcar111]

The bulk of the price is going towards the brake fluid change. In my opinion, it might not be worth doing. I would get a brake fluid test kit to see if it really needs it or if the stealership is just trying to get money. Also, purchase the FRAM cabin air filter and have your service provider install it. That will save you some money.

[BB Benz]

Originally Posted by smartcar111

The bulk of the price is going towards the brake fluid change. In my opinion, it might not be worth doing. I would get a brake fluid test kit to see if it really needs it or if the stealership is just trying to get money. Also, purchase the FRAM cabin air filter and have your service provider install it. That will save you some money.

smartcar 111 I am stunned at your recommendation. The cabin air filter is a DIY item for sure.
With good lighting it is easy to find the door, unlatch it and swing it out of the way so the filter slides out.
Unless one is really out of shape or barely able to get in and out of this car, the cabin filter is not that hard to do.
I hope I never get to that point that I am not able to change that on my own. Some days my back will keep me from doing that, but most of the time I can.

Now for the real question: Does the brake fluid change require a STAR machine to operate the ABS valves to properly flush and fill the ABS brake system?

[jimvw57]

Looking at the hassle of changing out the brake fluid, and at the time the limited availability of the specified fluid, I opted to have the dealer change out the brake fluid at 20K miles. No mess and only cost about $100. I did the rest myself. Plugs were swapped out at 35K, again by myself. not that hard except it is a little low to the ground...

[tivoboy]

Wow, just contacted the mercedes dealer in San Francisco, they want 425.xx for the 20K service. And, IF one say nets out the cabin filter, they don't really deduct the full value of the filter or reduce the service price accordingly, so it seems not to be worth it. What a racket!!

Looking for other options in the bay area.

[noodle9]

You can buy the filters from rockauto.com and do it yourself, or go to a mechanic that you trust and let him do it. For myself, I skipped the brake fluid flush. they sell the exact same cabin filter that my smart center installed in mine. Some people are using cabin filters that are close, but not the right fit for our cars. Do the plugs at 30000 miles and they are not hard to change. I used the Iridium plugs and did not really notice a difference.

[BB Benz]

You have to REALLY like the cool aid or the Ambiance of the service department to appreciate those prices. I just don't quite feel it, when I can do many of those things myself, and would enjoy doing it, on good days when I can.
Excessively high maintenance costs goes against the corporate goal of low cost of ownership. There is a problem here. It is a luxury tax applied at most MB Franchised Dealers, especially here in America. IMHO.

[BB Benz]

The WIX cabin filter is an OEM spec. Mann Hummel Filter with the charcoal that is missing on the orignal from the factory. It is available from O'Reilly Auto parts for a reasonable price.