Mercedes A4 Service (What’s Included and Average Cost)
Nothing quite compares to the thrill of driving your Mercedes-Benz. But when the “Service A4 Due” message lights up your dash, your excitement shifts to apprehension. What’s involved and how much will it set you back?
This article details every item included in the A4 maintenance service, from spark plug replacement to sunroof maintenance. I’ll go over average service costs and the amount of time it will take for the shop to complete the service and reset the service notification.
See Also: Mercedes A5 Service
What Is a Mercedes A4 Service?
Keep your Mercedes running flawlessly for years with maintenance like the A4 service, part of the Flexible Service System. This custom-tailored plan spaces out care based on your driving profile.
Mercedes schedules alternate A minor and B major services every 10k miles or 12 months. The A4 comes after previous A1-A3 and B1-B3 services as the 4th minor visit. While not as complex as a B-service, A4 is still important to allow your Mercedes to stay on top of its game.
When Should an A4 Service Be Done?
Typically, Mercedes vehicles undergo an A4 service around the 70,000 mile mark, which is usually the 7th year of ownership, and approximately one year after having an B3 service completed.
If you can’t remember the exact time for your car’s maintenance, don’t worry. Your car will display a message such as “A4 Service Due”, “Service A4 in 10 Days”, “Service A4 Exceeded by 40 Days”, “Service Code: A4”, or “Service A” when it’s time.
What Does an A4 Service Include?
A4 service is an important part of a comprehensive maintenance package that includes a mix of standard A services and specific A4 services. Here are the major service tasks that are completed during an A4 service.
Replace Air Filter (A4 Specific)
When your car undergoes an A4 service, one of the key tasks performed is an air filter replacement. This is a critical step in maintaining optimal airflow and engine performance, which in turn can lead to better fuel consumption.
If the air filter is too dirty or clogged, it can cause a decrease in the engine’s efficiency and power since proper airflow is just as important as fuel and spark in the combustion process. While one of the easiest jobs to do on a vehicle, it’s also one of the most important.
Replace Spark Plugs (A4 Specific)
The ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the engine is a process that spark plugs have a key role in. Over time and mileage, spark plugs can become worn and fouled, causing all sorts of issues.
During an A4 service, your spark plugs will be checked to help identify if there are any issues causing them to become damaged and replaced to prevent misfires, rough idling, and an overall loss of power, which can result in a not-so-comfortable ride and reduced fuel economy.
Clean and Degrease Sunroof Guide Rails (A4 Specific)
If you own a Mercedes with a sunroof, it’s important to clean and degrease the guide rails regularly to ensure that the sunroof operates smoothly and quietly over time. As the rails accumulate dirt, debris, and grease, the sunroof may become sluggish or noisy when opening and closing.
As part of an A4 service, any dirt or buildup that may be hindering the sunroof’s movement is removed and your sunroof will work just as it did when you first bought the car. This regular sunroof maintenance can also help prevent damage to the motor and other components, which can be expensive to repair or replace.
Replace Synthetic Motor Oil (Standard A-Service)
As part of the A4 service, the engine oil is drained and replaced with fresh fully synthetic oil. Mercedes uses high-quality synthetic oils that resist breakdown far longer than conventional oils. This allows the oil change interval to safely extend out to 10,000 miles in the majority of cases.
Even the finest oils still deteriorate and lose lubricating effectiveness gradually over time and use. This oil change replaces old dark, dirty oil that is starting to lose its protective properties. Proper lubrication reduces friction and wear to help components last longer.
The A4 oil service is a small but vital step toward keeping that Mercedes engine running for literally hundreds of thousands of miles.
Replace Oil Filter (Standard A-Service)
Along with fresh oil, the oil filter is replaced during the A4 service. The filter plays a major role in capturing dirt, metal particles and other contaminants in the oil before they circulate through the engine.
Installing a new filter allows it to once again trap debris as the oil picks it up and allow the most amount of oil to flow through and be filtered. Periodically changing the filter is necessary to filter out impurities for optimum lubrication and protection of engine components.
Check Fluid Levels (Standard A-Service)
As part of the A4 service, Mercedes technicians will carefully inspect and top off all important fluid levels as necessary. They will look at the essentials like coolant, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid, adding more when needed to bring them up to the proper levels.
Maintaining fluids at the recommended levels is an underrated aspect of protecting components and allowing proper function. You can rely on the Mercedes service team to know exactly how to properly fill and care for each system using the correct, factory specified fluids.
Check Tire Pressure (Standard A-Service)
Easy to do and often overlooked, Checking and adjusting tire pressure is part of the comprehensive maintenance performed during an A4 service. Properly inflated tires last longer, increase gas mileage, and provide better handling and control.
Under or over-inflated tires wear unevenly, have less traction, are more prone to failure, and reduce fuel economy. While tire pressure monitoring systems are great, they’re not a replacement for periodically checking tire pressure
Check Brake Components (Standard A-Service)
The A4 service includes a complete brake inspection by the Mercedes technician. They will thoroughly examine all important components like brake pads, rotors and calipers. Catching any problems like abnormal wear or damage early on before it gets worse allows preventive action to be taken (almost always saving you money in the long run).
The brake evaluation ensures your Mercedes maintains optimal stopping power and safety between services to keep you and your family safe.
Mercedes A4 Service Checklist (At-a-Glance)
| Service | Standard A Service | A4-Specific Service |
|---|---|---|
| Air Filter Replacement | X | |
| Spark Plug 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 A4 Service Cost
A4 service costs from the dealership typically run $400 to $800 depending on your model and location. You’ll notice it’s quite a bit less from the previous B3 service you had done the year prior, which included a longer checklist of service items.
Nonetheless, it’s not cheap. While pricier, dealership technicians are factory-trained and use genuine Mercedes parts and fluids. The manufacturer also has a vested interest in your continued satisfaction and may offer you a higher trade-in value knowing they have been servicing your vehicle.
If you’re looking to save some money, research independent shops with strong Mercedes expertise and reputation. Read reviews and ask family, friends, and coworkers who drive a Mercedes for recommendations. Just be sure DIY or third-party service won’t void factory warranties before proceeding.
While dealership maintenance is generally costlier, focus on technician competency and adherence to Mercedes standards above all. Your vehicle represents a major investment and expert care using approved methods and parts is worth the peace of mind.
Read Also: Mercedes A3 Service Cost
Why Is an A4 Service So Expensive?
The higher service cost of a Mercedes vehicle compared to lesser brands reflects the sophisticated engineering of Mercedes-Benz. As a luxury brand, Mercedes utilizes premium components engineered specifically for optimal performance and longevity. Their certified technicians also command higher labor rates given the extensive training required.
A4 service isn’t simple as it covers numerous checks and part replacements which takes time. Dealerships also invest heavily in mandated diagnostic tools to properly service complex Mercedes models.
The premium pricing matches the elevated ownership experience Mercedes delivers. While expensive, factory-approved A4 service aims to keep your vehicle running flawlessly by meticulously caring for critical systems using specialized expertise and technology.
How Long Does an A4 Service Take?
The A4 service typically takes 1-2 hours of labor time. But total shop time varies based on location, how busy it is, and additional repairs. Dealers may be faster but have higher rates. Independents make take a bit longer but are usually cheaper.
Wait times are going to be longer during busy seasons like spring and fall since a lot of car owners don’t want to deal with car maintenance in the middle of winter or while they’re enjoying summertime activities.
While the A4 maintenance may only require 1-2 hours, real world shop delays, seasonal demands, and any extra repairs can easily extend the total visit to 3 hours or more.
To be without your vehicle for the shortest time possible, check with your local Mercedes dealership and ask them when would be the best time to go in for service, even if it’s slightly early or late according to your service timeframe.
Can I Do an A4 Service Myself?
While some skilled DIYers may attempt an A4 service themselves, it’s generally not advisable without proper know-how and tools. While some tasks like changing your oil and air filter are pretty simple, spark plug replacement requires a bit more knowledge and patience.
Incorrect service risks mechanical issues, voided warranties, even safety problems on such sophisticated vehicles. The complexity involved makes certified Mercedes technicians the wise, albeit costlier choice for most owners.
However, knowledgeable home mechanics who are willing to properly research procedures and accept the risks could potentially save money by doing in themselves. Just keep in mind that you still have to purchase parts, fluids, and even tools so in no way are you saving the full cost of a Mercedes A4 service.
How to Reset an A4 Service Notification On a Mercedes
No need to make an appointment with the dealer to reset the service notification in your dash. Here’s how:
- Insert key into ignition and turn to first position where lights illuminate on dash, but do not start engine.
- Using steering wheel buttons, scroll through display until mileage is shown.
- Turn key off and remove from ignition.
- Insert key again and turn to first position.
- When in first position, simultaneously press and hold both the “OK” and “Call” buttons on the steering wheel for 3-4 seconds.
- Display will change, scroll until you see “Vehicle Data” and select “OK”.
- Scroll down to “Assist Plus” and select “OK”.
- Scroll down to “Full Service” and select “OK”.
- Scroll down to “Confirm Service” and select “OK”.
- Scroll down to “Yes” to confirm service reset.
- Display will confirm “Full Service Carried Out”.
- Turn key off and restart engine to verify service notification is reset.
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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