Mercedes A2 Service (What’s Included and Average Cost)
Is your Mercedes letting you know it’s due for a service? That “Service A2 Due” message in your dash is nothing to worry about, but you also don’t want to ignore it.
In this article, I’ll walk you through what’s included in an A2 service, typical costs, and how much time your vehicle is going to be in the shop. Once you see what a Mercedes-Benz A2 service checklist actually consists of, you may even want to go the DIY route on it to save some money.
See Also: Mercedes A3 Service
What Is a Mercedes A2 Service?
The A2 service is part of Mercedes-Benz’s Flexible Service System (FSS), which staggers maintenance based on use and time. This routine follows a B1 service and includes fluid checks, inspections, and brake fluid replacement.
Mercedes schedules alternate between minor A’s and major B’s every 10,000 miles or 12 months. The FSS custom-tailors the exact plan for your driving. While less comprehensive than the upcoming B2 service, it’s nonetheless just as important to keep your Mercedes running like the day you drove it off the lot.
When Should an A2 Service Be Done?
The A2 service on Mercedes vehicles is typically performed around the 30,000 mile point (or the car’s 3rd year). This will be about 1 year following a B1 service.
Like a trusted friend (and due to the FSS system), your Mercedes will know the exact time by showing a notification on your dashboard. It might say “A2 Service Due”, “Service A2 in 20 Days”, or if you’ve disregarded the original message, something like “A2 Service Overdue by 15 Days”.
What Does an A2 Service Include?
This specific service is part of a comprehensive maintenance plan that enables your car to function like new for many years to come. A2 service includes a mix of all the regular “A” services and a couple A2-specific services.
Replace Brake Fluid (A2 Specific)
One very important component of an A2 service is replacing the brake fluid. With new brake fluid, the brakes stay responsive, providing a high level of safety while driving. Brake fluid that’s too dirty or contaminated can result in poor braking operation or even complete brake system failure.
Clean and Degrease Sunroof Guide Rails (A2 Specific)
For Mercedes owners with sunroofs, the A2 service includes this task for keeping your sunroof functioning properly. Over time, dirt, grease and debris can build up on the sunroof rails, causing sluggish or noisy operation when opening and closing.
A2 service includes a thorough cleaning and degreasing of the rails to remove this buildup. This regular maintenance prevents the rails from getting so gummed up that they hinder the sunroof’s movement or cause damage to the motor.
Taking care of this maintenance during your service appointment will help make sure your sunroof continues to open and close smoothly and avoids expensive repairs down the road.
Replace Synthetic Motor Oil (Standard A-Service)
One important task completed during ANY “A” or “B” service is a complete engine oil change. Like other luxury brands, Mercedes-Benz vehicles utilize full synthetic motor oil, which breaks down slower than conventional oil. This allows the oil change interval to be extended to every 10,000 miles in most cases.
Over time, engine oil loses its ability to properly lubricate moving parts, leading to increased friction and potential damage. By draining old oil and replacing it with fresh synthetic fluid during an A2 service, this lubrication is maintained to keep your engine running optimally.
Replace Oil Filter (Standard A-Service)
In addition to the engine oil change, the oil filter is also replaced during an A2 service. The oil filter captures damaging debris before it can circulate through the engine.
By installing a new oil filter, contaminant-free operation is accomplished, keeping the fresh oil clean. Replacing the filter is important to get the full benefits of the oil change, as it removes built-up particles for optimal engine protection.
Check Fluid Levels (Standard A-Service)
An important yet overlooked task by many owners is examining and replenishing fluid levels as required, including transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. During an A2 service, all these necessary fluids are checked both for proper level (and topped off as needed) and their condition.
Keeping fluids at optimal levels is critical for your Mercedes’ overall health and operation. The technicians will ensure everything is at their correct levels during an A2 service.
Check Tire Pressure (Standard A-Service)
Checking and adjusting tire pressure is another key task performed during an A2 service. Keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure, including the spare, helps extend their lifespan and get the most miles out of a tank of gas.
Incorrect tire pressure can lead to problems like uneven wear and compromised handling. By proactively inspecting and correcting tire pressures to recommended specs during an A2 service, issues resulting from underinflation or overinflation can be avoided.
Check Brake Components (Standard A-Service)
During an A2 service, a comprehensive brake inspection is performed to evaluate the condition and operation of all brake components. The technician will examine the brake pads, rotors, calipers and overall braking system for any indicators of wear or potential issues.
This detailed brake analysis serves to verify that your Mercedes’ brakes continue to function properly and remain in suitable working order. Regular brake inspections as part of a scheduled A2 service allows technicians to spot any areas of concern and address them promptly.
Mercedes A2 Service Checklist (At-a-Glance)
| Service | Standard A Service | A2-Specific Service |
|---|---|---|
| Brake Fluid Replacement | X | |
| Clean/Regrease Sunroof Guide Rails | X | |
| Synthetic Oil Change | X | |
| Oil Filter Replacement | X | |
| Check Fluids | X | |
| Check Tire Pressure | X | |
| Check Brake Components | X | |
| Maintenance Service Counter Reset | X |
Mercedes A2 Service Cost
You’re probably wondering what an A2 service costs. Unfortunately, there’s no single price tag, even when you compare Mercedes-Benz dealerships if different areas.
The dealership route is typically the most expensive, with bills ranging from $300 to $600 depending on your location, model, and specific dealer. Of course, you’re going to pay a bit more for factory-trained technicians and genuine Mercedes parts.
An independent shop offers potential savings, but make sure to find one truly experienced with Mercedes-Benz or other German vehicles. Vet them thoroughly by checking online reviews are asking friends or family who may also own a Mercedes.
But keep in mind that avoiding the dealer may void some warranty coverage so review those terms carefully before deciding. In the end, the price tag of an A2 service isn’t so bad considering all that’s done and the fact you’ll have peace of mind for the next year. Just make sure that whoever you choose provides quality work that justifies the investment in maintaining your Mercedes.
Read Also: Mercedes A1 Service Cost
Why Is an A2 Service So Expensive?
While the price isn’t so bad compared to other specific maintenance services, it still might be more than what you’re used to if coming from another car brand. Several factors contribute to the higher cost of service for Mercedes-Benz vehicles:
- Mercedes uses premium original parts and fluids, which are more expensive than aftermarket or generic brands, but deliver superior performance and longevity.
- Extensive training and certification is required for Mercedes technicians, resulting in higher labor rates for their specialized skills.
- Dealers invest in costly, specialized diagnostic tools and equipment needed to properly service newer Mercedes models.
- The service is quite comprehensive, involving replacement of many parts and significant labor time, increasing the overall cost.
- As a luxury, high-performance brand, Mercedes can command a premium price for maintenance services compared to non-luxury vehicles.
- Some dealers and shops may unfortunately charge inflated prices for routine maintenance to align with customer expectations of a luxury experience.
How Long Does an A2 Service Take?
An A2 service appointment typically takes about one hour of labor at a Mercedes dealership or independent shop. However, there are a few factors that can cause the total time to vary significantly.
Where you take your vehicle impacts time as dealerships may be faster due to high service volume, while independent shops charge lower rates but may be slower. The time of year also affects things, leading to longer wait times at shops. Try to avoid spring and fall as they tend to be busier.
If it’s found that additional repairs will be needed, this will naturally add more time to the service. However, since you should be around only 30k miles at this time, the odds of failure in other parts is fairly low.
Shop efficiency plays a role as well. Larger, well-staffed shops can complete jobs quicker than smaller shops so you’ll be in and out in no time.
While the A1 service itself requires approximately 1 hour of labor, delays at the shop, busy seasons, and any necessary extra repairs could easily extend the total time to 2 hours or more.
Want to save a few minutes at the dealership? Forgo the complimentary car wash.
Can I Do an A2 Service Myself?
Though some ambitious do-it-yourselfers may think they can handle parts of the Mercedes A2 service at home, I’d strongly advise against it for most owners.
You really need a decent amount of technical knowledge, the proper diagnostic tools, and the ability to precisely follow Mercedes’ complicated service procedures. If you cut corners or make mistakes without the right tools or ability, you could seriously jeopardize the safety of your car, cause problems down the road, or even void critical warranties.
With all the intricacies and risks involved, it’s smart to let a certified Mercedes technician handle the A2 service, even with the higher cost. Sometimes it’s just not worth gambling with your expensive vehicle to save a few bucks.
However, if you have enough mechanical experience and the right tools, it’s most definitely possible to complete a Mercedes A2 service on your own. The hardest would be the brake fluid exchange so take your time following instructions.
How to Reset an A2 Service Notification On a Mercedes
Good news – if you’ve completed an A2 service on your own or your shop simply forgot to reset your service notification message, you don’t need to book a service appointment at the dealership.
With a few simple steps, you can take care of this reset yourself right in your own garage. This video explains how…
He’s known for his attention to detail and problem-solving skills and enjoys coming up with out-of-the box solutions when the situation requires it.
When he's not troubleshooting customers' cars, you'll most likely find him working on his current project ('96 Bronco) or cooking Italian food for his family.
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