Are Mercedes Expensive to Maintain?

Average Maintenance Cost for a Mercedes

Different sources give slightly different numbers, but they all point in the same direction: higher than average.

• RepairPal puts the average annual repair and maintenance cost for Mercedes-Benz at about
  $908 per year. That’s clearly higher than the overall car average (around $652 per year).
• Over the first 10 years of ownership, one analysis estimates that a Mercedes owner pays around
  $12,000–$13,000 in maintenance and repairs, which is several thousand dollars more than many mainstream brands.
• Mercedes is often ranked among the more expensive brands to maintain, on a similar level to BMW and Audi.

So even if your car does not break all the time, keeping it serviced and fixing issues is not cheap.

Why Are Mercedes Maintenance Costs So High?

There are a few simple reasons Mercedes maintenance is more costly than a normal car.

1. Complex Technology

Modern Mercedes models are full of:

• Advanced infotainment systems and big screens.
• Dozens of sensors and control units.
• Driver assistance features (radar, cameras, etc.).
• Air suspension on some trims.

All this is great for comfort and safety, but more tech means more things that can go wrong, and
fixing electronic faults often takes time and expensive parts.

2. Premium Parts and Fluids

Mercedes uses:

• High-spec brakes and suspension components.
• Special engine oils and transmission fluids that meet strict specs.
• Genuine parts that often cost more than generic equivalents.

Even simple jobs like an oil change or brake pad replacement can cost far more than on a small economy car,
just because of the parts price and the way the car is built.

3. Labor Rates and Specialist Work

Many owners use:

• Official Mercedes dealers, where hourly labor rates are high.
• Independent Mercedes specialists, who still charge more than a basic general workshop.

Modern Mercedes cars require special tools, software, and training, so cheap “corner garage” work is often not an option for complex repairs and diagnostics.

Typical Service Prices (Rough Guide)

Exact prices vary by country, dealer, and model, but public dealer info and owner reports give a rough pattern:

• Basic scheduled service (sometimes called Service A): commonly in the range of
  $250–$400 at a dealer for many models.
• Larger service (often Service B, with more checks and replacements): can be around
  $600–$1,000+, depending on model and local labor prices.
• Items like brakes, suspension components, and coolers are noticeably more expensive than on
  small, mass-market cars.

Many owners reduce costs by using a good independent Mercedes specialist once the warranty ends.
This can bring the price down, but it still stays higher than simple economy cars.

Big-Ticket Repairs to Watch Out For

Not every Mercedes will have these problems, but they are known areas where costs can climb if something fails.

Electronics and Control Modules

Common headaches include:

• Infotainment system faults.
• Parking sensor or camera issues.
• Random warning lights that require diagnostics.

Diagnosing and replacing control modules can cost hundreds or even thousands when parts and labor are added up.

Air Suspension (on Some Models)

On certain E-Class, S-Class, and SUVs (GLE, GLS, etc.) with air suspension, problems like:

• Air leaks in struts or bags.
• Failing compressors.
• Height sensor faults.

can lead to big bills. A single air strut can cost a lot more than a conventional spring and shock.

High-Performance and AMG Models

AMG versions have:

• More powerful engines.
• Larger brakes.
• Extra cooling and performance parts.

These can be very expensive to maintain and repair. Tyres, brakes, and even routine services all cost more
than on the regular trim because they are built for higher performance.

How Mercedes Compares to Other Brands

In broad terms:

• Compared to Toyota / Honda / Hyundai: Mercedes is much more expensive to maintain
  and repair on average.
• Compared to BMW / Audi: Costs are similar, sometimes slightly higher or lower
  depending on the exact model and region.
• Compared to Lexus: Lexus often has lower repair rates and costs, since it mixes luxury
  with strong reliability and cheaper long-term ownership.

So if you are moving from a basic Japanese or Korean brand into a Mercedes, be ready for a jump in yearly costs.

How to Keep Mercedes Maintenance Costs Under Control

You cannot make a Mercedes as cheap to run as a small economy car, but you can avoid wasting money.

1. Choose the Right Model

• Avoid very complex suspensions and experimental features if you want fewer headaches.
• Think twice before choosing older high-end or AMG models if you are on a tight budget.
• Simpler trims with smaller engines usually cost less to keep running.

2. Use a Good Independent Specialist

• After the warranty period, a respected independent Mercedes workshop can save a lot of money.
• They often use the same diagnostic tools but charge lower hourly labor rates.

3. Stick to Regular Maintenance

• Do not delay oil changes or skip services.
• Fix small issues early before they damage other parts.
• Use the correct fluids and parts specified for your engine and gearbox.

4. Budget Honestly

• Set aside money yearly for scheduled services and unexpected repairs.
• Think of it as part of the “luxury” cost, just like the purchase price and insurance.

So, Are Mercedes Expensive to Maintain?

Yes. Compared with most everyday brands, Mercedes-Benz is expensive to maintain.
The cars often have average or slightly below-average reliability overall, and when you mix that with
premium parts and high labor rates, the bills add up.

If you love the comfort, safety, and image of a Mercedes and you plan for the higher running costs,
owning one can still be very enjoyable. If your main goal is simply low-cost motoring, a simpler non-luxury brand will almost always be cheaper and easier to live with.