Resetting ASSYST on ML320CDi (2008 Model)

[ML320CDIssues]

Hi
This is my first message so apologies if I have posted this message in the wrong section.

I have had my ML320Cdi for 6 months and things were going well until last week.
Whilst driving, a message appeared on my dash telling me that I should check the engine oil level at the next time of refuelling. Since the tank had just been filled, I waited. At this point, the service was due in 11k miles.

Anyway, 2-3 days later, the same message appeared AND a Service A due in 29 days. I checked the oil levels anyway and noticed that they were low so I topped it up with some 5W-40. However, the message for a Service A is still there and I am wondering how it could have changed from 11k miles a few days ago to 29 days remaining. The car has only done 5000 miles in the 6 months I have had it averaging 830miles so even if I did wait 29 days and did another 830 miles, the car would only have done 6000 miles before the Service A.

I can only assume it has something to do with the oil top up and the 2 oil top up messages I received.

When should a Service A normally be called upon?

Can someone please offer me with some thoughts? With the price of fuel and the credit crunch, I really cannot afford to go to the MB garage for them to get it checked over, tweak a few things, and charge me the earth!!!

Please help!!!!

 

[whitenemesis]

A 2008 model will still be under warranty, so you shouldn't be looking at any charges. Even if it's only for driver "education"

ASSYST will switch from miles to days if it calculates your mileage will not be enought to require a service within the 1yr service interval. I think I'm correct in saying all newer model cars come with a fixed service interval now?

 

[ML320CDIssues]

So does this mean that from the 11k before to 29 days now, I am not doing enough miles in the car and therfore ASSYST will want me to get the car serviced more regulary.

 

[whitenemesis]

I'm not 100% certain but I think all later cars now have a 12mth service interval or 12,000mls whichever soonest.

When was the car last serviced? Has it ever been serviced?

 

[Rory]

I think it is probably counting a year from when the car was built.

Was the car brand new when you got it? Of course, even it was, it could have still been built some time earlier, although I don't think the service indicator is supposed to start counting down until the car has done a certain (250?) mileage.

 

[ML320CDIssues]

Thanks.
The car was registered in Mar 2008 but as you say, it was built sometime before then and left in a MB compound somewhere. I need to find out when it was built.

The car has never been serviced and I was surprised that within 6 months of drinving from at the forecourt, ASSYST was counting down the days before a Service A. I have another 22 days to go but only last week, it was stating that I had some 11k before the next service. This is what has surprised me the most. The car today has only done 6000 miles and a good 75% has been motorways driving so oil quality still should be good. What would happen if I ignored pleas for a Service A and carried on driving until I hit 15k miles or the anniversary. can I still drive past the 22 days have elapsed and taken it to the garage with it being some 150 days overdue.

 

[whitenemesis]

If you ignore ASSYST you leave yourself open to the possibility of MB rejecting a warranty claim.

I'm not saying they definately would but why take the chance? If the onboard system is calling for a service take it in and discuss with the service dept.

Personally I would just get the car serviced as requested.

 

[Blobcat]

Fixed servicing at 15,500 Miles is what the new cars are on. I would take it to your dealer and ask them about it.

 

[PeterCLK]

Fixed servicing at 15,500 Miles is what the new cars are on. I would take it to your dealer and ask them about it.

Makes you wonder why mine is still on 10k fixed services - mind you I'm not complaining as I'm on service plus.

 

[RedDog]

Have you read Hawk 20s sticky about servicing problems? I think it may explain your dilemma.

 

[ML320CDIssues]

Thanks all.
I have been in contact with the dealer. The car was built in June 2007 (some German vehicle document confirms it). The dealer will reset the car-clock to the date I drove it away from the forecourt.

Just to confirm - the car should be set to 6 months old (reg 1.3.08) and if I have done 5000 miles so far, the chances are that I will get to a year before I get to the 15,500.

Next question...At my current usage levels, I think my sevicing would be governed by the time intervals rather than mileage. If so, what kind of service should I expect on 1.3.09. The website talks about Service A and Service B as well as a Service C. These are all new to me since the service book doesnt refer to any letters.