Mercedes B8 Service (What’s Included and Average Cost)

When Should a B8 Service Be Done?

A B8 service is typically performed on Mercedes-Benz vehicles around the 160,000 mile mark or about 1 year after the previous A8 service if you’ve diligently followed the maintenance schedule. If you’ve made it that far, congratulations. You have obviously been taking good care of your vehicle.

Unless you’ve recently bought your car, you probably know by now that your car will let you know when it’s time to get scheduled for B8 service. If you’re new to the Benz family, you won’t have to worry about setting reminders on your calendar since your vehicle will already remind you.

What Does a B8 Service Include?

Clean and Degrease Sunroof Guide Rails (B8 Specific)

An often overlooked task that’s addressed in a B8 service is the cleaning and degreasing of the sunroof’s guide rails.

With time, crud and gunk can cake up on those runners, bogging down your mobile skylight’s roll. But have no fear, a Mercedes technician will clear those tracks and get your roof opening smoothly once more. Not only does this keep those rails primed and grime-free, it helps prevent pricey repairs down the road.

Replace Synthetic Motor Oil (Standard B-Service)

When a B8 service is performed on your Mercedes, the engine oil is swapped out, as is typical with any routine maintenance visit.

Mercedes-Benz exclusively uses full synthetic oil because it breaks down at a slower pace than conventional oil, allowing for 10k mile oil change intervals.

Over time, motor oil loses its ability to properly lubricate moving components, leading to increased friction and possible harm. Fresh synthetic oil assists in maintaining ideal lubricating conditions for your engine’s operation.

Replace Oil Filter (Standard B-Service)

In addition to the engine oil replacement, a B8 service includes swapping out the oil filter. This filter captures any particles or contaminants, preventing them from circulating within the lubrication system.

A new filter lets clean oil flow freely without picking up any harmful debris.

Replace Cabin Air Filter (Standard B-Service)

Your car’s A/C filter traps particulates like dust and pollen before they can circulate into the cabin. As it gets congested with use, in-cabin air quality and HVAC operation suffer.

That’s why the B8 service (or any “B” service for that matter) includes replacing this filter – for clean, filtered air inside.

Check Fluid Levels (Standard B-Service)

As part of the B8 service, the fluid levels in your Mercedes will be inspected and refilled as needed. The important fluids checked are transmission, coolant, power steering, brake, and windshield washer.

Proper fill levels help maximize your vehicle’s performance and extend its life. You can have confidence the technicians will properly check and replenish the fluids.

Check Tire Pressure (Standard B-Service)

Don’t overlook the importance of tire pressure when it comes to car maintenance. A B8 service includes a tire pressure check to make sure that your tires, including the spare, are properly inflated.

This simple step can help you save money on fuel and prevent issues like uneven tire wear and reduced handling capabilities.

Check Brake Components (Standard B-Service)

Mercedes B8 Service Checklist (At-a-Glance)

Mercedes B8 Service Cost

Curious what a B8 service runs for your Mercedes, eh? The official dealer options will normally run you anywhere from $700 to $1,400. It may sound like a lot, but you’re paying for expert techs and factory parts.

If that’s out of your budget, quality independent shops can provide savings, if you do your homework and actually have a good one in your area. Check that they specialize in European cars and have glowing reviews.

Be aware though – skipping the dealer could nullify some warranty coverage, so read those terms carefully. Cost varies, but maintenance matters. Regular service helps your Benz go the long haul.

Whether you choose the peace of mind of the dealer or the value of an indie, find someone you trust. Then you can rest assured your Benz is being cared for properly.

See Also: Mercedes B7 Service Cost

Why Is a B8 Service So Expensive?

If you’re wondering a B8 service on your Mercedes-Benz is so expensive, you’re not the first. But there are a few reasons why:

• Mercedes positions itself as a prestige luxury brand. This allows it to charge premium pricing for new vehicles and scheduled maintenance based on its esteemed reputation.
• The comprehensive B8 service covers numerous maintenance items. Some, including transmission fluid replacement are very labor intensive or include a lot of parts.
• Mercedes dealerships are required to invest in expensive diagnostic tools and shop equipment to properly identify and fix issues. These costs get passed on to consumers.
• Mercedes technicians complete extensive training and certification programs. Their specialized expertise results in higher hourly labor rates than independent repair shops.
• Mercedes utilizes high-quality supplies like genuine parts and Germany-made fluids to optimize precision vehicle performance. These premium-grade materials come at a higher cost than aftermarket alternatives.

How Long Does a B8 Service Take?

A typical Mercedes B8 service takes 2-3 hours of labor, but the total time at the shop can range from as little as 2 hours up to 4 hours (or more) depending on several factors.

The shop’s appointment load and staffing levels play a big role. Busy spring and fall seasons may extend the time needed if facilities are overloaded with appointments scheduled close together. Later in the day appointments may also take longer if earlier services ran long, pushing the whole schedule back.

Larger or well-staffed shops can often complete B8 services quicker thanks to more techs and service bays. An understaffed shop that overbooks could experience delays, even without extra repairs needed.

While the B8 service checklist itself only requires 2-3 labor hours when performed by experienced techs, real world variables like staffing issues, shop delays, seasonal demand, and unforeseen maintenance issues being uncovered can result in some B8 services running 4 hours or longer from initial check-in to final pick-up.

Can I Do a B8 Service Myself?

Though some adept home mechanics may feel capable of performing aspects of Mercedes B8 service independently, it remains an inadvisable endeavor for most owners, especially those with an AMG model.

The intricate maintenance process requires a certain level of expertise, specialized tools, and diagnostic software to accurately implement factory procedures.

Without proper training and equipment, critical oversights can lead to dangerous mechanical failures, costlier repairs down the road, or voided warranties if done improperly.

Given the complexity involved, paying authorized Mercedes technicians is the safest choice for owners despite the steeper cost. However, those with extensive experience servicing Mercedes specifically could potentially save money DIYing if fully prepared to uphold factory standards.

How to Reset a B8 Service Notification On a Mercedes

Skip the dealership visit just to reset the B8 service reminder indicator in your Mercedes-Benz. You can take care of this quick reset on your own in your garage with minimal effort. Here’s how to make any A or B service message vanish on most Mercedes models: