Mercedes B9 Service (What’s Included and Average Cost)

When Should a B9 Service Be Done?

B9 service on a Mercedes typically takes place somewhere around the 180,000 mile mark under normal conditions. This will occur about 12 months following A9 service. Your car will display a message in your instrument cluster when it’s time to schedule service.

Having a B9 Service Due message appear is a testament to the overall reliability of Mercedes cars and the fact that you and/or the previous owner has taken good care of your vehicle and followed a solid maintenance schedule.

What Does a B9 Service Include?

Automatic Transmission Fluid Replacement (B9 Specific)

Changing out the automatic transmission fluid when your Mercedes-Benz comes in for B9 service is a key part of keeping your vehicle running smoothly. With time, tiny bits of metal and dirt will mix into the transmission fluid, making it less effective at lubricating the intricate parts inside the transmission.

Replacing the old fluid flushes out any contaminants and restores clean, fresh fluid that will help the transmission operate efficiently. Skipping this important fluid change during the scheduled maintenance interval risks allowing performance-robbing debris to accumulate. Over time, contaminated fluid could lead to rough shifting, slipping between gears or even transmission failure.

Automatic Transmission Filter Replacement (B9 Specific)

As a crucial component of B9 service, replacing the transmission filter is like a small investment in your transmission’s longevity. The transmission filter acts like a protective shield, capturing tiny particles and contaminants that can accumulate in the fluid over time, much like an oil filter.

Neglecting to replace the filter can lead to clogging, which restricts the flow of transmission fluid and can cause overheating and potential failure of your transmission. 

Replace Brake Fluid (B9 Specific)

A vital part of B9 service is replacing the brake fluid to maintain optimal brake performance. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated and cause degraded braking ability or even outright brake system failure.

If you’re attempting to conduct a B9 service in your garage, don’t overlook this critical task of swapping out old brake fluid for fresh fluid. Proper brake fluid replacement helps ensure your brakes continue operating at their best.

Replace Synthetic Motor Oil (Standard B-Service)

When your Mercedes comes in for its B9 service, the technician(s) will go beyond routine. Out goes the old oil, in goes fresh synthetic oil. This specialized formula withstands up to 10,000 miles of driving without losing its slickness. Less friction, less wear, and longer lubrication means superior engine protection between changes.

While regular oil progressively fails to grease parts over time, synthetic retains its slippery properties mile after mile. This Mercedes-recommended service helps proactively preserve performance and prevent problems down the road.

Replace Oil Filter (Standard B-Service)

Don’t overlook the oil filter change that also happens during a B9 maintenance visit. This filter screens out contaminants and impurities before they can get into the engine.

Putting in a new filter allows the clean, fresh oil to operate free of debris for as long as possible after service.

Replace Cabin Air Filter (Standard B-Service)

The cabin air filter removes contaminants from air entering your car, but gets clogged over time. This affects in-cabin air quality and HVAC functionality.

Replacing this filter is part of B9 service to keep the interior environment clean for you and passengers.

Check Fluid Levels (Standard B-Service)

The technician will verify all fluid levels during the B9 service, including transmission, coolant, power steering, brake, and windshield washer fluids. Any low levels will be corrected by topping off.

Maintaining proper fluid levels is essential for peak performance and durability of your Mercedes-Benz. The service team will diligently inspect and fill the fluids.

Check Tire Pressure (Standard B-Service)

Proper tire pressure is critical for safe, comfortable, (and fun) driving, and it’s something that’s covered in a B9 service. By making sure that your tires, including the spare, are inflated to the correct pressure, you can help extend their lifespan and maintain fuel efficiency.

Failing to maintain proper tire pressure can result in issues like uneven tire wear and reduced handling capabilities so pay attention to your tire pressure even in-between service appointments.

Check Brake Components (Standard B-Service)

Mercedes B9 Service Checklist (At-a-Glance)

Mercedes B9 Service Cost

Let’s get down to the nitty gritty – what’s the damage ($$$) for a Mercedes B9 service? Dealer prices typically hit $800-$1,600 these days which is a far cry from a few years ago when it was hundreds less. Sure it’s pricey, but dealership technicians are Benz-certified and use factory parts.

If your wallet can’t handle that, independent shops are your best option to save some money. Just be picky in finding one experienced with European vehicles.

Heads up though, skipping the dealer route might nullify parts of your warranty. While not likely, give that fine print a good look first just to make sure.

Yes, proper maintenance on a Mercedes costs money. But it also pays off in the long run by keeping your ride running like you want. Whether scheduling through your local Mercedes dealer or a qualified indie shop, find someone you trust for service.

See Also: Mercedes B8 Service Cost

Why Is a B9 Service So Expensive?

You may be wondering why a B9 service appointment for your Mercedes comes with a higher price tag than basic maintenance on a non-luxury vehicle. There are several factors that contribute to the elevated cost.

• Mercedes dealers purchase company-mandated diagnostic computers and tools to accurately assess and maintain vehicles. This specialized equipment is expensive.
• Mercedes cultivates a reputation as a prestigious luxury brand. Owners pay premium prices for vehicles and maintenance based on this exclusive image.
• Mercedes techs must complete rigorous training and certification programs specific to its technically complex vehicles. This results in higher labor rates than independent shops.
• Genuine Mercedes parts and fluids are engineered to exacting specifications for optimal performance. These premium supplies cost more than aftermarket components but will often outlast the copycats.

How Long Does a B9 Service Take?

A standard Mercedes B9 service typically takes 2-4 hours to complete, but the total time extend to 5 hours or more depending on the shop, season, appointment time, and any extra work needed.

Larger and well-staffed shops can often turn around B9 services more efficiently. Smaller or understaffed locations that overbook appointments could experience delays, causing a routine B9 service to run longer even without any additional repairs.

The B9 checklist of maintenance tasks typically requires 2-4 hours for most experienced techs to complete. However, busier seasons like spring and fall may extend the time if shops have a backlog of appointments scheduled. Later in the day appointments may also take longer if earlier services ran over, pushing the whole day’s schedule back.

While the B9 service itself only calls for 2-4 labor hours, real world factors like shop delays, high seasonal demand, uncovered maintenance needs, and appointment timing during the day can result in this recommended service taking longer than 4 hours from the time you drop off to final pick up.

It’s always best to check with the service center before dropping off your vehicle to see what the current estimated service time would be.

Can I Do a B9 Service Myself?

While it may technically be possible for some skilled DIYers to complete portions of B9 maintenance on their Mercedes, it poses risks without proper preparation.

The service involves technical nuances, specialized tools, and advanced diagnostics best tackled by factory-trained technicians. Without Mercedes-approved expertise and equipment, owners could jeopardize vehicle safety, operating dependability, or warranty coverage through oversights.

Consequently, most owners sensibly pay the premium dealership or independent mechanic pricing given the intricacies involved, especially if you drive an AMG variant. But mechanics highly fluent in Mercedes systems could potentially save money by DIY servicing if fully equipped to maintain stringent factory standards independently.

How to Reset a B9 Service Notification On a Mercedes

Avoid the hassle of booking a service appointment solely to reset the B9 service maintenance reminder in your Mercedes. You can handle this straightforward reset yourself in your own garage in just minutes. Here’s the quick process to make any A or B service notification disappear on most Mercedes vehicles: