I might have posted this before but when you reach my age, who remembers anymore:
Mercedes-Benz Recommended Service
You've made a great investment in a great automobile, and when it comes to keeping that investment in a like-new condition, it's important to follow the recommended service levels of Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz uses a Flex Schedule for maintenance, prompted by indicators on the control panel of your vehicle. Your first service should occur between 5,000 and 6,000 miles. This is when we perform an Inspection and Tire Rotation Service.
Following that interval, your next service will occur when a single wrench icon illuminates on your control panel. The single wrench indicates it is time for an A-Service.
At about 5,000 to 6,000 miles after an A-Service, we recommend another Inspection and Tire Rotation. To learn more about the importance of your tires to your Mercedes-Benz automobile, please see our Tire Information Page.
When two wrenches appear on your Mercedes-Benz control panel, it is time for a B-Service. After you've provided a B-Service for your Mercedes-Benz automobile, it is time to repeat the cycle. That is, come in for an Inspection and Tire Rotation about 5,000 to 6,000 miles after the B-Service; we'll then see you when it's time for the A-Service; followed by another Inspection and Tire Rotation; then another B-service, and so on.
Following the Mercedes-Benz recommended service schedule for your automobile is the best method for keeping your Mercedes-Benz in top running condition and preventing unexpected repairs. All three services are detailed below:
Inspection and Tire Rotation Service
Inspect battery and check electrolyte level
Inspect windshield wiper inserts and service windshield washer system (replacement of wiper inserts additional)
Inspect belts, hoses and undercarriage
Inspect lights
Inspect brakes
Inspect and top off fluid levels
Rotate tires and adjust tire pressure (excludes AMG, Sports Models, SLK and vehicles with staggered wheels)
A-Service
Here is what we do:
Inspect and record tread depth, and correct tire pressure
Rotate tires Excludes AMG, Sports Models, SLK and vehicles with staggered wheels
Engine oil change and oil filter replacement Includes Mobile 1 synthetic oil
Lubrication service Includes hood hinges, lock cylinders, striker plates, sun roof tracks and a top-off of all fluids
Cooling system inspection Includes antifreeze protection level, hoses and clamps
Brake inspection Includes checking pad thickness and condition of discs, fluids and lines
Inspect heating and ventilation dust filter, replace if needed (replacement additional. Dust filter prices vary by model, check with your Team Service Manager)
Function check Includes warning lamps, headlights, exterior lights, seat belts, windshield wiper and washer
Inspect and lubricate throttle linkage
Check and clean air filter
Reset flexible service system counter
Here is why we do it:
Keeping your Mercedes-Benz automobile in top condition and maintained according to factory requirements involves more than a quick lube and an oil change. At this service, we inspect and clean the air filter, which protects your engine from harmful foreign particles. As gasoline and air is used in your engine, it passes through a filter and a series of injectors. If these components became dirty and clogged, this would lead to poor performance and decreased fuel economy.
We also recommend replacing the dust filter, which prevents harmful contaminants from entering the interior of your vehicle when functioning properly. Next, we inspect your fuel lines and connectors for any damage or wear, and we check your fuel tank vapor vent system, hoses and fuel tank supports. It's important that you trust only a Mercedes-Benz Factory Trained and Certified Technician to perform these functions.
Exhaust pipes, mufflers and hangers are inspected for cracks, deterioration or damage. Additionally, your brake lines and hoses need to be checked for cracks or damage, and your tires checked for uneven wear. These are all preventative checks designed to keep your Mercedes-Benz on the road and trouble-free.
B-Service
Here is what we do:
Replace windshield wiper inserts and service windshield washer system
Inspect and rotate tires, record tread depth, and correct tire pressure (wheel balance additional) Excludes AMG, Sports Models, SLK and vehicles with staggered wheels
Engine oil change and oil filter replacement Includes Mobile 1 synthetic oil
Lubrication service Includes hood hinges, lock cylinders, striker plates, sun roof tracks and a top-off of all fluids
Cooling system inspection Includes antifreeze protection level, hoses and clamps
Brake inspection Includes checking pad thickness and condition of discs, fluids and lines
Replace heating and ventilation dust filter ? Dust filter prices vary by model, please check with your Team Service Manager
Function check Includes warning lamps, headlights, exterior lights, seat belts, windshield wiper and washer
Inspect and lubricate throttle linkage
Replace air filter
Reset flexible service system counter
Inspect front axle ball joints; check steering play and power steering clutch; and rear differential levels
Inspect Poly V-Belt for condition
Inspect starting and charging system, and service battery
Inspect climate control refrigerant
Here is why we do it:
During the B-Service, Certified Mercedes-Benz Technicians closely examine your automobile's engine components, using specialized equipment to be sure that all the mechanical, electronic, and computerized devices are functioning properly.
At this time, we also need to address your automobile's heating and cooling system. Over time, your engine coolant becomes contaminated, losing its ability to protect your engine from freezing in cold weather conditions and overheating in hot conditions. Very expensive repairs could result from avoiding this required maintenance.
Next, we inspect your fuel lines and connectors for any damage or wear, and we check your fuel tank vapor vent system, hoses and fuel tank supports. As we said above on the A-Service, it's important that you trust only a Mercedes-Benz Factory Trained and Certified Technician to perform these functions.
From Gordon, gdb069:
I searched a bit more and it looks like ASSYST was rebranded as FSS in the US and Canada. There is some confusion because ASSYST/FSS changed how it worked during certain model years. I found this:
"Service ASSYST 1997-2003
Many Mercedes-Benz Passenger cars are equipped with Service ASSYST. This is a variable service schedule alternating from A to B service - A being a small, routine service and B being a larger routine service. A service indicator will appear on your display approximately one month or 600 miles before a service is due. Services are normally due between 9,000 and 18,500 miles or between 12 to 24 months, depending on driving style.
Service ASSYST PLUS, 2003-2007
The majority of models produced between 2003 and 2007 were equipped with Service ASSYST PLUS. This is also a variable service schedule alternating from A to H service, with the letters indicating how much time and work will be expected to be conducted. A indicates a routine service and H would indicate a more in-depth service. Mileage was at every 13000 miles for service
Service ASSYST Fixed Intervals, 2007-Onwards
Many models produced from 2007 have fixed service intervals. Services alternate from A to B and occur every 10,000 miles or after one year, whichever comes sooner. These fixed service intervals make it easier for you to plan your servicing around your schedule, making it less likely for you to miss a service. "
So my 2005 has FSS (ASSYST) Plus and therefore the ABCDEFGH
Gordon
Mercedes-Benz Recommended Service
You've made a great investment in a great automobile, and when it comes to keeping that investment in a like-new condition, it's important to follow the recommended service levels of Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz uses a Flex Schedule for maintenance, prompted by indicators on the control panel of your vehicle. Your first service should occur between 5,000 and 6,000 miles. This is when we perform an Inspection and Tire Rotation Service.
Following that interval, your next service will occur when a single wrench icon illuminates on your control panel. The single wrench indicates it is time for an A-Service.
At about 5,000 to 6,000 miles after an A-Service, we recommend another Inspection and Tire Rotation. To learn more about the importance of your tires to your Mercedes-Benz automobile, please see our Tire Information Page.
When two wrenches appear on your Mercedes-Benz control panel, it is time for a B-Service. After you've provided a B-Service for your Mercedes-Benz automobile, it is time to repeat the cycle. That is, come in for an Inspection and Tire Rotation about 5,000 to 6,000 miles after the B-Service; we'll then see you when it's time for the A-Service; followed by another Inspection and Tire Rotation; then another B-service, and so on.
Following the Mercedes-Benz recommended service schedule for your automobile is the best method for keeping your Mercedes-Benz in top running condition and preventing unexpected repairs. All three services are detailed below:
Inspection and Tire Rotation Service
Inspect battery and check electrolyte level
Inspect windshield wiper inserts and service windshield washer system (replacement of wiper inserts additional)
Inspect belts, hoses and undercarriage
Inspect lights
Inspect brakes
Inspect and top off fluid levels
Rotate tires and adjust tire pressure (excludes AMG, Sports Models, SLK and vehicles with staggered wheels)
A-Service
Here is what we do:
Inspect and record tread depth, and correct tire pressure
Rotate tires Excludes AMG, Sports Models, SLK and vehicles with staggered wheels
Engine oil change and oil filter replacement Includes Mobile 1 synthetic oil
Lubrication service Includes hood hinges, lock cylinders, striker plates, sun roof tracks and a top-off of all fluids
Cooling system inspection Includes antifreeze protection level, hoses and clamps
Brake inspection Includes checking pad thickness and condition of discs, fluids and lines
Inspect heating and ventilation dust filter, replace if needed (replacement additional. Dust filter prices vary by model, check with your Team Service Manager)
Function check Includes warning lamps, headlights, exterior lights, seat belts, windshield wiper and washer
Inspect and lubricate throttle linkage
Check and clean air filter
Reset flexible service system counter
Here is why we do it:
Keeping your Mercedes-Benz automobile in top condition and maintained according to factory requirements involves more than a quick lube and an oil change. At this service, we inspect and clean the air filter, which protects your engine from harmful foreign particles. As gasoline and air is used in your engine, it passes through a filter and a series of injectors. If these components became dirty and clogged, this would lead to poor performance and decreased fuel economy.
We also recommend replacing the dust filter, which prevents harmful contaminants from entering the interior of your vehicle when functioning properly. Next, we inspect your fuel lines and connectors for any damage or wear, and we check your fuel tank vapor vent system, hoses and fuel tank supports. It's important that you trust only a Mercedes-Benz Factory Trained and Certified Technician to perform these functions.
Exhaust pipes, mufflers and hangers are inspected for cracks, deterioration or damage. Additionally, your brake lines and hoses need to be checked for cracks or damage, and your tires checked for uneven wear. These are all preventative checks designed to keep your Mercedes-Benz on the road and trouble-free.
B-Service
Here is what we do:
Replace windshield wiper inserts and service windshield washer system
Inspect and rotate tires, record tread depth, and correct tire pressure (wheel balance additional) Excludes AMG, Sports Models, SLK and vehicles with staggered wheels
Engine oil change and oil filter replacement Includes Mobile 1 synthetic oil
Lubrication service Includes hood hinges, lock cylinders, striker plates, sun roof tracks and a top-off of all fluids
Cooling system inspection Includes antifreeze protection level, hoses and clamps
Brake inspection Includes checking pad thickness and condition of discs, fluids and lines
Replace heating and ventilation dust filter ? Dust filter prices vary by model, please check with your Team Service Manager
Function check Includes warning lamps, headlights, exterior lights, seat belts, windshield wiper and washer
Inspect and lubricate throttle linkage
Replace air filter
Reset flexible service system counter
Inspect front axle ball joints; check steering play and power steering clutch; and rear differential levels
Inspect Poly V-Belt for condition
Inspect starting and charging system, and service battery
Inspect climate control refrigerant
Here is why we do it:
During the B-Service, Certified Mercedes-Benz Technicians closely examine your automobile's engine components, using specialized equipment to be sure that all the mechanical, electronic, and computerized devices are functioning properly.
At this time, we also need to address your automobile's heating and cooling system. Over time, your engine coolant becomes contaminated, losing its ability to protect your engine from freezing in cold weather conditions and overheating in hot conditions. Very expensive repairs could result from avoiding this required maintenance.
Next, we inspect your fuel lines and connectors for any damage or wear, and we check your fuel tank vapor vent system, hoses and fuel tank supports. As we said above on the A-Service, it's important that you trust only a Mercedes-Benz Factory Trained and Certified Technician to perform these functions.
From Gordon, gdb069:
I searched a bit more and it looks like ASSYST was rebranded as FSS in the US and Canada. There is some confusion because ASSYST/FSS changed how it worked during certain model years. I found this:
"Service ASSYST 1997-2003
Many Mercedes-Benz Passenger cars are equipped with Service ASSYST. This is a variable service schedule alternating from A to B service - A being a small, routine service and B being a larger routine service. A service indicator will appear on your display approximately one month or 600 miles before a service is due. Services are normally due between 9,000 and 18,500 miles or between 12 to 24 months, depending on driving style.
Service ASSYST PLUS, 2003-2007
The majority of models produced between 2003 and 2007 were equipped with Service ASSYST PLUS. This is also a variable service schedule alternating from A to H service, with the letters indicating how much time and work will be expected to be conducted. A indicates a routine service and H would indicate a more in-depth service. Mileage was at every 13000 miles for service
Service ASSYST Fixed Intervals, 2007-Onwards
Many models produced from 2007 have fixed service intervals. Services alternate from A to B and occur every 10,000 miles or after one year, whichever comes sooner. These fixed service intervals make it easier for you to plan your servicing around your schedule, making it less likely for you to miss a service. "
So my 2005 has FSS (ASSYST) Plus and therefore the ABCDEFGH
Gordon