Mercedes A8 Service (What’s Included and Average Cost)
Don’t let a “Service A8 Due” message spark panic – proper maintenance keeps your Mercedes purring for years. This article details everything included in an A8 service, from fluid replacements to inspections.
You’ll learn typical costs at the dealer and independent shops, total service time, and whether DIY is realistic to maximize savings. Stay informed and breathe easy as a Mercedes A8 service is considered one of the more minor routine services.
See Also: Mercedes A9 Service
What Is a Mercedes A8 Service?
The A8 service is a comprehensive maintenance routine recommended by Mercedes-Benz to keep your vehicle running smoothly and reliably. Part of the Flexible Service System program, A8 service helps ensure peak condition through various checks, replacements, inspections, and any additional items needed.
While simpler than a major B-service, A8 service is just as important for the ultimate goals of preventing costly repairs and giving you an enjoyable, reliable ride for many years.
When Should an A8 Service Be Done?
Your Mercedes usually needs a A8 service around 150,000 miles or about 15 years after the vehicle came off the assembly line.
You’ll get a message 10,000 miles or 1 year after the previous maintenance appointment (B7 service) if you’ve been keeping up on all the maintenance. Nice job taking such good care of your car if you’ve made it this far!
You probably already know that your Mercedes will remind you when it’s time for the A8 service unless you’ve recently new Mercedes owner. But your Benz will let you know when to bring it in so you don’t have to remember the mileage or schedule. Your car’s got you covered.
What Does an A8 Service Include?
When your Mercedes needs an A8 service, it’s time for another maintenance visit to keep everything in top shape. At the dealership, factory-trained techs will perform the extensive A8 tasks by the book, following official Mercedes-Benz service guidelines.
In addition to the specific A6 tasks below, the techs will also do a multi-point inspection of other components. This includes testing all the lights, checking wiper blades, inspecting tire tread, battery voltage, door hinges, and a bunch of other little things to make sure everything is working as it should.
Automatic Transmission Fluid Replacement (A8 Specific)
One of the most important parts of an A8 service for your Mercedes is flushing out the old automatic transmission fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid.
The transmission fluid is absolutely vital for proper functioning of the complex transmission system. But throughout miles of driving, the fluid gradually gets contaminated by particles, moisture, and gunk. This contamination degrades the fluid’s lubricating properties and friction control abilities.
Dirty transmission fluid can ultimately lead to transmission slippage, rough shifting, or even total failure in severe cases. That’s why a complete flush and fill with clean fluid is so important around the A8 service interval. It restores the smooth gear changes and protects the transmission from premature wear and tear.
Automatic Transmission Filter Replacement (A8 Specific)
When you get an A8 service, it’s not just the transmission fluid that gets refreshed. Mercedes techs will swap out the transmission filter too. This replacement is good preventative maintenance for your Mercedes’ transmission system.
The transmission filter works like an oil filter, trapping tiny contaminants and particles that inevitably accumulate in the fluid after thousands of miles. If the transmission filter gets clogged, it can block proper fluid flow. That lack of fresh transmission fluid circulating can cause your transmission to overheat or even fail prematurely.
So replacing that filter along with the fluid change during your A8 service provides cheap insurance for your transmission’s health. It’s a simple but very important task that mechanics perform to help add years of life to your Mercedes’ transmission.
Clean and Degrease Sunroof Guide Rails (A8 Specific)
One maintenance task you may not think about (but Mercedes techs will) is cleaning the sunroof guide rails and this happens during an A8 service visit.
Over thousands of miles, grease, dirt, and general gunk can build up on the rails that your sunroof slides back and forth on. All that crud bogging down the tracks can make your sunroof sluggish and slow to open.
The technicians will thoroughly degrease and clean those roof rails to get them clean again so your sunroof can open and close smoothly. More importantly, it prevents more serious problems like worn rails or motor from developing.
Replace Synthetic Motor Oil (Standard A-Service)
One of the common tasks of any “A” or “B” Mercedes service is an oil change. Mercedes only uses full synthetic motor oils in their vehicles. Compared to conventional oils, synthetics hold up better over time and don’t break down as quickly. This allows an oil change interval of around 10,000 miles.
The reason that engine oil changes are so important is that oil deteriorates with accumulated mileage. As the miles add up, the oil becomes less effective at protecting critical engine components from friction and wear. You’ll notice that instead of a nice golden color, old oil is dark brown or black and thicker.
Replacing degraded oil with new, premium synthetic oil helps ensure optimal lubrication and protection for your Mercedes’ engine. It keeps all those precisely engineered internal parts operating smoothly together.
Replace Oil Filter (Standard A-Service)
During an A8 service visit, technicians don’t just drain the old oil and refill it. They will always replace your oil filter too, which is the 2nd part of a successful oil change.
Instead of cheap, low-end filters that some shops use, Mercedes techs will install a genuine OEM Mercedes filter, typically made by the reputable Mann brand. This ensures a precise fit and optimal filtration for your engine.
High mileage engines need clean oil, free of contaminants, so a new, high quality filter is crucial. The small detail of using a premium filter prevents much larger expenses down the road from engine wear or damage. It’s hard to beat OEM quality.
Check Fluid Levels (Standard A-Service)
During an A8 service, technicians verify all the essential fluid levels in your Mercedes. They’ll pop the hood and meticulously check coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
If any are low, they’ll top them off with the factory-approved fluids to the proper levels. You don’t have to worry about checking them yourself or accidentally having the wrong type of fluid added. Consider it peace of mind that your vehicle’s fluids are always topped off by the professionals.
Check Tire Pressure (Standard A-Service)
One of the final tasks performed during an A8 service is ensuring your tires are inflated to the proper pressure. The service technicians will check and adjust the air pressure in all your tires, including the spare if your Mercedes has one.
Having your tires inflated to the recommended PSI provides more benefits than most people think. Correct inflation allows for better handling, lower noise level, higher fuel economy, and helps your tires last longer, saving you money down the road.
Since a brand new set of tires can cost over $1000 for a Mercedes-Benz, every extra mile you can get out of your existing tires saves you money. The service team will dial in the optimal inflation for your tires’ health and your wallet.
Check Brake Components (Standard A-Service)
During an A8 service, Mercedes technicians thoroughly examine all brake components. Attention is given to the brake rotors, verifying proper thickness and looking for uneven wear patterns or warping.
Brake pads are also carefully checked as tech measure pad thickness with gauges and look for any glazing, cracking or irregular wear.
They inspect brake lines, hoses and fittings for any visual signs of leakage, cracks or damage. The brake calipers are then opened up to check piston condition – looking for any leaks, cracks or damage.
The comprehensive brake examination performed during a Mercedes A8 service ensures your brakes remain in optimal condition for performance, safety, and reliability. Any problems are identified and rectified if simple to fix or recommended for additional work in some cases.
A8 Service Checklist (At-a-Glance)
| Service | Standard A Service | A8-Specific Service |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Transmission Fluid Replacement | X | |
| Transmission Filter 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 A8 Service Cost
Like a few other “A’ service visits, plan on paying around $300-$600 for an A8 appointment at the Mercedes-Benz dealership. Their factory-trained techs and genuine parts come at a premium price, but can be worthwhile for higher-end vehicles.
You may be able to find some savings with independent shops that have lower labor rates. The challenge is locating a quality shop that has expertise working on Mercedes (or other German vehicles) specifically, and uses original manufacturer parts. Do your research thoroughly and try to get personal recommendations from other Mercedes owners if possible.
Also, confirm that any aftermarket warranties won’t be voided if you go to a third-party mechanic. While dealer service is generally more expensive, you know you’ll get OEM parts and techs following strict Mercedes guidelines.
Read Also: Mercedes A7 Service Cost
Why Is an A8 Service So Expensive?
If you’re wondering why Mercedes service seems a bit more expensive than other car brands, it’s for a few reasons:
- Mercedes uses premium, high-grade parts engineered to their specifications for top performance.
- As a prestige luxury brand, Mercedes can demand premium pricing fitting their elevated brand status.
- Extensive technician training is required to properly service complex Mercedes vehicles, resulting in higher labor rates.
- Dealerships invest in expensive, specialized diagnostic tools mandated by Mercedes.
In short, the higher cost comes from premium parts, expert technicians, cutting-edge tools, and providing an exceptional service experience overall. While pricier, many Mercedes owners feel the peace of mind is worth the investment to properly maintain their prized vehicle.
How Long Does an A8 Service Take?
The actual hands-on service time for an A8 appointment is usually around 1 to 2 hours. However, the total time your car is in the shop can vary quite a bit depending on:
- Location – Larger, well-staffed dealers and shops often work more efficiently than smaller, understaffed ones. Dedicated techs focused only on routine services helps too.
- Season – Spring and times right before winter are extremely busy times for auto service, leading to longer turnaround times.
- Extra repairs needed – Any maintenance issues beyond the standard A8 tasks add more time. Since your vehicles going in for A8 service are going to have high miles, there’s increased likelihood of uncovering additional repairs needed.
So while actual labor time may only be a couple hours, the actual time you may be without your vehicle can be greater.
Can I Do an A8 Service Myself?
While some skilled DIYers may consider servicing their own Mercedes to save money, the A8 maintenance is generally complex enough that most owners are better off using a professional shop.
However, knowledgeable home mechanics who fully understand the required processes and procedures and accept the risks, can potentially save some money doing their own service. Though the savings may not be as much as expected after parts, supplies, and any specialty tools required.
But the more often you service your Mercedes yourself, the lower your costs may become over time as you build up your tool set, find better deals on parts/fluids, and get repeated use from large containers of various fluids.
But for most owners, the potential risks and complexity outweigh the savings.
How to Reset an A8 Service Notification On a Mercedes
Clearing your Mercedes service reminder is easier than you think. If you just finished an A8 service yourself or the shop neglected to reset the notification message, no need to haul it back to the dealer or shop.
This video demonstrates how to clear that pesky maintenance message right from your driver’s seat. While the exact steps may differ by model year, the general process remains the same across most Mercedes vehicles.
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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