If you own a Mercedes-Benz, sooner or later the dashboard will flash a reminder that says “Service B Due” or something similar. This often confuses people: What is Service B? Is it a big deal? Is it just an oil change?
In simple terms, Service B is one of the main scheduled services for modern Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs. It is more complete and more thorough than Service A, and it usually comes around every 2 years or 20,000 miles (about 32,000 km), depending on your model and driving conditions.
Think of it this way:
- Service A = minor service (smaller, quicker, fewer items).
- Service B = major service (bigger, deeper check, more parts replaced).
Both are important, but Service B is the one where the technician spends more time going over the car.
When Is Service B Due on a Mercedes-Benz?
The exact timing can vary slightly by model and year, but for most recent Mercedes vehicles:
- The first Service B is due about 2 years after the car is new, or around 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- After that, Service B usually repeats every 2 years / 20,000 miles, alternating with Service A.
A common pattern for many owners looks like this:
- Year 1 / 10,000 miles: Service A
- Year 2 / 20,000 miles: Service B
- Year 3 / 30,000 miles: Service A
- Year 4 / 40,000 miles: Service B
Your car keeps track of time and mileage using the ASSYST or ASSYST PLUS service reminder. It will display a countdown or a message such as “Service B in X days” or “Service B due” to remind you.
What Does Mercedes-Benz Service B Include?
The exact checklist can vary a little by model, but there is a core set of items that almost every modern Mercedes will get during Service B. It always includes everything in Service A plus extra checks and replacements.
Typical Service B items include:
- Engine oil change: Drain the old oil and fill with fresh Mercedes-approved synthetic oil.
- Oil filter replacement: Remove the old filter and fit a new one to keep the oil clean.
- Cabin (pollen) filter replacement: Replace the interior air filter so the air inside the car stays clean.
- Brake fluid change: Flush out old brake fluid and fill with new fluid to keep braking sharp and safe.
- Fluid level checks and top-ups: Check levels of coolant, windshield washer fluid, power steering (if applicable) and other fluids, topping up where needed.
- Tire inspection and pressure check: Inspect tires for wear and damage, adjust pressures to the correct values.
- Brake system inspection: Check brake pads, discs (rotors), calipers, lines and hoses for wear or leaks.
- Multi-point inspection: Look over suspension components, steering, lights, wipers, belts, hoses, and underbody for damage or wear.
- Service reminder reset: Reset the maintenance counter in the car’s system so it knows Service B has been completed.
On some models, especially AMG, hybrid, diesel or certain SUVs, Service B can also include:
- Checks on the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system.
- Inspection of transmission for leaks or unusual behavior.
- Battery health checks (12V battery, and high-voltage battery on hybrids).
- Additional filters or special fluids where required.
Your service advisor will usually have a printed checklist based on your car’s VIN, which shows exactly what is planned for your specific vehicle at that mileage.
How Is Service B Different from Service A?
At a glance, both Service A and Service B look similar: oil change, filter, checks. The difference is in the depth and number of items.
Service A usually includes:
- Engine oil and filter change.
- Basic fluid checks and top-ups.
- Tire pressure check.
- Quick inspection of brakes and visible components.
Service B includes all of the above plus:
- Cabin filter replacement.
- Brake fluid replacement (often every 2 years).
- More detailed inspection of brakes, suspension, steering and underbody.
- Additional model-specific checks.
Because Service B covers more parts and takes more time, it is more expensive than Service A, but it is also more complete and important for long-term reliability.
How Much Does Service B Usually Cost?
Pricing for Service B depends on many factors:
- Which Mercedes model you drive (small car vs large SUV vs AMG).
- Where you live (country, city, dealer rates).
- Whether you use a main dealer or an independent specialist.
As a rough idea, at a Mercedes dealership in many regions:
- Service A often falls in a ballpark around a few hundred dollars.
- Service B is commonly in a higher band, often somewhere in the mid to high hundreds, and can climb further on large or high-performance models.
These are just general ranges. Some owners pay less with service packages or independent workshops, while others pay more at high-cost city dealers or on complex models.
If you want a precise number, the easiest way is to call your local Mercedes service department with your VIN and ask for a quote for Service B.
Why Is Service B Important for Your Mercedes?
It is tempting to think of Service B as “just another oil change”, but it does much more for your car’s health. Skipping it or pushing it far past the due date can lead to problems later.
Here’s why Service B matters:
-
Engine protection:
Fresh oil and a clean filter protect the engine from wear and sludge.
Old, dirty oil can shorten engine life and cause expensive damage. -
Safe braking:
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can reduce braking performance and cause internal corrosion.
Flushing it out on schedule keeps the brake system strong and reliable. -
Comfort and air quality:
The cabin filter keeps dust, pollen and other particles out of the air you breathe.
Changing it makes the climate system more effective and the cabin more pleasant. -
Early detection of issues:
During Service B, the technician checks various components.
Catching a leak, worn bushing, or cracked hose early can prevent a breakdown or a much larger repair later. -
Warranty and resale value:
Following the factory schedule helps protect warranty coverage and shows future buyers that the car has been properly looked after.
In short, Service B is part of giving the car the care it was engineered to receive.
How Long Does Service B Take?
The time needed can vary with workshop workload and the exact checks for your model, but typically:
- Service B usually takes a few hours from drop-off to completion.
- Some dealers offer while-you-wait slots or provide a loan car or shuttle service.
- If extra issues are found (for example, worn brakes or tyres), the visit can take longer.
When you book, you can ask the service advisor how long they expect your specific car’s Service B to take and whether they recommend waiting or leaving the car for half a day.
Do You Have to Do Service B at a Mercedes Dealer?
During the factory warranty period, many owners choose a Mercedes dealership because:
- The work follows the official schedule for your model.
- They have access to the correct software updates and technical bulletins.
- It keeps documentation neat and simple if you ever have a warranty claim.
After the warranty expires, some owners switch to a trusted independent Mercedes specialist. This can reduce costs while still keeping the car properly maintained, as long as:
- The workshop uses correct oils and parts that meet Mercedes specifications.
- They follow the correct Service B checklist for your year and model.
- They document what was done and when.
Either way, the important thing is not where you do the service, but that Service B is actually done correctly and on time.
What Happens If You Ignore or Delay Service B?
Life gets busy, and many people push services back. A small delay is usually not the end of the world, but ignoring Service B long term can lead to:
- Faster engine wear from old oil and clogged filters.
- Spongy or weak brakes if the brake fluid is never changed.
- Poor air quality inside the cabin from a very dirty cabin filter.
- Missed early warning signs like minor leaks, worn suspension components, or small cracks in hoses.
- Potential warranty problems if the car is still under coverage and services are skipped entirely.
A good rule is to aim to get Service B done close to the due date shown by the car, and if you must run late, keep the delay as short as you reasonably can.
Simple FAQ About Mercedes-Benz Service B
Is Service B just an oil change?
No. Service B includes an oil change, but also cabin filter replacement, brake fluid change, and a more detailed inspection of many systems on the car. It is a larger service overall.
Can I reset the Service B reminder myself?
Some owners find ways to reset the reminder from the steering wheel buttons, but if the service is not actually done, this just hides the warning. It is better to reset the reminder only after the proper Service B has been completed.
Does every Mercedes have the same Service B?
The core idea is the same, but the details vary by model, engine, and year. For example, an AMG or diesel model may have extra checks or different fluid requirements compared with a basic petrol model.
How do I know exactly what is in my Service B?
Your dealer or independent specialist can print the factory service sheet tied to your VIN, or you can check your owner’s manual. This will list every inspection and replacement planned at that mileage and time.
Is Service B really necessary if I don’t drive much?
Even if mileage is low, fluids age over time, and rubber parts can still wear or crack. The time interval (for example, every two years) is there to cover cars that do fewer miles as well, so it is still wise to follow the schedule.
Quick Summary
To put it in one clear sentence:
Service B on a Mercedes-Benz is a scheduled major service (usually every 2 years / 20,000 miles) that includes an oil change, filters, brake fluid, and a detailed inspection to keep your car safe, reliable, and running as it should.
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