Does 'one' change the oil after the first 1000 miles?

[Anonymous]

I've now done 1000 miles in my new A160.

So do I either
1.  Insist the dealer does an oil change and pay him handsomly
2.  Try and do it myself (I can't even see the sump plug or oil filter)
3.  Wait for the ASSYST service light to come on?

Neil

 

[Andy]

Hi Neil

As far as I am aware, the first service on your A class, is at around 12.5k. No need to change the oil till then. Or wait till the ASSYST light comes on and tells you. Even if you don't  travel many miles. It will still tell you when to have the oil changed

Its a long time since the first service was at 1000-1500miles. Its a thing of the past these days.

Regards
Andy @www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[simon]

I am old fashioned.Whilst machining accuracy & engineering tolerances have improved dramatically in latter years, no machine is yet perfect.
If it was my car & I intended to keep it for a considerable
mileage(100k plus) I would most certainly change it.
I note that you are in London, traffic congestion there means the car is operating on a worst case scenario as far as the engine is concerned .
My car servicing is governed by ASSYST & whilst I acknowledge the sensor/computor system is pleasingly sophisticated, I am not convinced that the vital additives in any oil will effectively remain efficient until the spanners illuminate on the fascia! I change my twice as often as ASSYT tells me.Perusal of other respected Mercedes forums suggest that many other owners share my opinion.
I am not sure exactly where the oil filter is on the Aclass but most are on top of the engine these days .

Saladin

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks guys.  I had my last car for 10 years, 100k miles and I changed it's oil every 5k.  It never broke down.  And that's a tradition I'd like to keep.  So I'll become old fashoned I think.  

Now can anyone point me to a location where I can actually find out 'how' to change the oil on a new (2001) A160?  Boy have cars changed in the last 10 years....

Neil

 

[simon]

Neil,
Many garages now simply suck the oil out of the sump (with specialised vacuum equipment).I am getting old & lazy & do not enjoy crawling under the car too often.I have therefore purchased a DIY version of the above garage equipment.
They are basically a vacuum handpump, with a reservoir & a reinforced plastic tube that is inserted down into the dipstick hole.
They vary dramatically both in detail & price.Widely available both in USA & Holland & are used by the motor marine fraternity in UK (Search Chandlers).
I have  a Marina Pro but as yet have little experience with it.Should you be interested I suggest you start research on www.Mercedesshop. com  archives under Topsider.There may well be a thread here too.
Good hunting

 

[Andy]

Hi guys

I wasn't going to comment further. But I feel I must. Whilst I agee with changing the oil more often than is usually recommended. Changing the oil on a brand new car at 1000k, I am not sure if you are doing more harm than good!!!
A major sigh, I hear. Here's the reasons.

1. The engine oil are a lot better than they were 10yrs ago. They will do 10k, between changes.

2. The engine engineering, is completely different to the technology of 10yrs ago. If those of you who do your own DIY. You may or may not of noticed that the engine oil does not get as dirty or the engines do not suffer from sludge as they use to. (Even Diesels)

If you removed the rocker cover of a 190e made up to 1988 done 100k, and the rocker cover of a 190e 89 onwards. The later engine is always cleaner. Take my word for it!

If you take a look at the new range of engines. IE, 1995  onwards, the way the engines are designed, the camshaft profiles, the engine itself. Very little sludging if any occurs. This is the same right through the range. If any thing these later engines will take more abuse than the earlier vehicles.

The reason we changed the oil at 1000-1500mls, was due to the engine being filled with running in oil. This oil was effectively poorer oil, which helped the piston rings bed into the cylinder bores.
These days the engine must be filled with the best oil, and the engines run in on test beds. For them to be able to travel 10k plus before oil change.
In my view, I would NOT change your oil at 1000k, I would change it at approx 6k, by this time even if you do not travel a large amount of miles, if there is any running in additives in the oil, they will have done there job properly.

What I am trying to say, is that changing your oil too soon can cause you problems. MB will not say the oil can do 10k if it will not. Think of the warranty problems that could occur.

In this case I would Err on the side of caution. Do not look for work to do, that simply isnt there.

This advice I would give to any body, even if it means losing that job.

At the end of the day its your choice. You do have to take account things are changing. I am giving you the benifit of my hands on experience from the last 23yrs. And believe me, MB have not made so many changes and continue to do so in the vehicle and engine line up especially in the last 7yrs or so. Any of you reading this forum who have driven these vehicles for many years and have continually updated your vehicle and on occasion looked under the bonnet, you will be able to testify as to the changes going on. The first time we carried out a service on a A class, it took us a  little while to find the oil filter.

Any way enough preaching!!

Good luck
Regards
Andy@www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[simon]

Hi Andy,
I hear what you say & I sincerely respect your unquestionable experience & of course you are right, if the oil is left in until the the 1st programmed servicing-the engine is not going to fall apart!
My recommendation for changing the oil early, was perhaps premature but based on the assumption that the car is used in London, which is much harder on an engine than  elsewhere in the UK.
The subject of oil & the extended servicing intervals is, to say the least, highly contentious. I have assiduously read & listened to both sides of the argument(which includes petroleum chemists themselves) & as I have said before, I am old fashioned & change my oil twice as often as ASSYST tells me. Big smilie!
By the way you didnt tell us where the oil filter is hidden!
Regards
Ernest