As one of the world’s most iconic automakers, Mercedes-Benz is known for its impressive aesthetics and finely tuned engineering. Their luxury cars are sought after the world over, so if you’re in the market for a new vehicle, it’d be surprising if one hadn’t made your shortlist. For anyone considering purchasing a Mercedes-Benz, you’ll most likely be wondering about running costs — including maintenance fees.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll examine your options, including the frequency and cost of routine services, as well as common repairs and their impact on the overall cost of ownership. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Understanding Mercedes-Benz Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to keeping your Mercedes-Benz vehicle in top running condition, which ultimately keeps components at their best and extends their lifespan. By maintaining a specific component, you also protect those connected to it, as anything that isn’t running optimally will put pressure on the rest of your vehicle, too. The longer you can make a component last, the less you need to worry about potential breakdowns and costly repairs. So, it’s highly recommended that you stay on top of your manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.

The Mercedes-Benz recommended maintenance schedule is split into two parts: Service A and Service B. Each is suggested at different intervals and focuses on different areas of the vehicle:

Service A

Service A is recommended at 10,000 miles or one year (whichever comes first), then approximately every 20,000 miles or two years after that. It includes:

• Mercedes-Benz motor oil replacement
• Oil filter replacement
• Fluid level checks and corrections
• Tire inflation check and correction
• Brake component inspection
• Reset maintenance counter

Service B

Service B is recommended at 20,000 miles or one year after Service A and then approximately every 20,000 miles or two years after that. It includes:

• Mercedes-Benz motor oil replacement
• Oil filter replacement
• Fluid level checks and corrections
• Tire inflation check and correction
• Cabin dust/combination filter replacement
• Brake component inspection
• Brake fluid exchange
• Reset maintenance counter

Frequency and Cost of Routine Services

To break down this recommended service schedule in more detail, here’s what it might look like for the first 40,000 miles:

Every 10,000 Miles

• Synthetic motor oil replacement
• Oil filter replacement
• Fluid level check and replacement if needed
• Multipoint inspection
• Wiper blades replacement

Every 20,000 Miles

• Synthetic motor oil replacement
• Oil filter replacement
• Cabin dust/combination filter replacement
• Brake fluid change
• Fluid level check and replacement if needed
• Multipoint inspection
• Wiper blades replacement

Every 30,000 Miles

• Synthetic motor oil replacement
• Oil filter replacement
• Fluid level check and replacement if needed
• Multipoint inspection
• Wiper blades replacement

Every 40,000 Miles

• Synthetic motor oil replacement
• Oil filter replacement
• Cabin dust/combination filter replacement
• Brake fluid change
• Fluid level check and replacement if needed
• Multipoint inspection
• Wiper blades replacement

While each task would have an individual cost if you went to an independent mechanic, you can book in at a Mercedes-Benz dealership at a combined cost for Service A or Service B. Prices will, of course, differ depending on your vehicle model:

• Service A cost: $250 and up
• Service B cost: $595 to $933
• Synthetic motor oil replacement: $164 to $184
• Tire rotation: $99 to $125

When compared with the estimated annual ownership costs of other automakers, Mercedes-Benz is on the more expensive side — but it isn’t the most expensive:

• Lexus: $551 per year
• Chrysler: $608 per year
• INFINITI: $638 per year
• Mercedes-Benz: $908 per year
• BMW: $968 per year
• Audi: $987 per year

Of course, you can carry out some of these maintenance tasks yourself if you’d like to save a little money but only do so if you’re absolutely certain you know what you’re doing. If unauthorized work performed on your vehicle causes damage, the resulting repairs will not be covered by any warranty coverage you might have. Even worse, it could voice your warranty coverage altogether.

Common Repairs and Their Impact on Ownership Costs

Maintenance might prolong the time between repairs, but it can’t prevent them altogether. With the latest information from our friends at RepairPal, let’s take a look at the most common Mercedes-Benz repairs and how much they might cost to set right:

Parts Prices: A Major Factor in Mercedes Maintenance

Mercedes-Benz is known for its top-of-the-range build quality and performance. The parts that makeup one of these beautiful vehicles are high-grade and constructed with precision, which, of course, drives up the price considerably. Being a German automaker, parts are also manufactured overseas and only supplied to authorized Mercedes servicing facilities, adding on tax and import costs.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles also need proprietary engine oils, transmission fluid, and lubricants to maintain optimal performance. Because these fluids are specialized, you can expect them to cost more money. An oil change, in particular, can cost up to double the amount it would for other makes and models.

Extended Warranty Coverage: A Financial Safety Net

The AAA recently reported that the annual cost of car ownership has gone over the $12,000 mark, and you can expect higher maintenance costs for luxury vehicles like Mercedes-Benz. The best way to keep car-related outgoings to a minimum is with an extended warranty from a trusted provider like Endurance. With one watching out for you, you’ll never have to pay for unexpected repair bills again — saving you hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars per year.

Endurance plans can be as comprehensive as you like, from just those crucial powertrain components to almost everything between your bumpers. Each comes with a whole range of useful added benefits, work can be carried out at the certified auto shop of your choice, and we’re the direct administrator of all our plans. On top of that, plans are fully transferable to subsequent owners, potentially increasing the value of your vehicle should you come to save it. If that isn’t enough, opt for our industry-leading Advantage plan, and not only will you save on repairs, but you’ll also receive up to $3,500 in annual routine maintenance costs.

Ultimately, investing in extended warranty coverage is the only real way to get total driving peace of mind. Once you’re protected, you can hit the road knowing that whatever happens, you’ll be looked after.

The moment a breakdown occurs, roadside assistance will come to your rescue, and you’ll be taken to a mechanic who will make sure your car is repaired to the highest quality without asking for a cent. And if the work takes a little longer than expected, you don’t need to worry. Replacement vehicle reimbursement and trip interruption cost benefits will ensure there’s minimal inconvenience to your trip.

When it comes to choosing between an eye-watering bill and an affordable monthly payment, it’s really a no-brainer.

Making an Informed Decision: Is a Mercedes Right for You?

No one else can decide whether a Mercedes-Benz car is right for you. Only you can weigh up the pros and cons, compare projected repair costs with your own financial situation, and take the final plunge.

However, it’s also worth considering the reliability of these vehicles, as luxury brands tend to have poor ratings across the board. According to RepairPal, Mercedes-Benz scores a very average 3/5 for reliability, which ranks it 27th out of 32 car brands. Statistics estimate that Mercedes-Benz owners will make 0.7 visits to a repair shop per year, with a 13% probability that a repair will be severe (and, therefore, more expensive).

If budget-conscious maintenance is more of a priority for you, exploring other more economical car options could be the best choice. There are a number of reputable brands that offer reliable and wallet-friendly vehicles without compromising on comfort or quality. But if you have your heart set on a Mercedes-Benz, then regular maintenance and extended warranty coverage are absolute musts. Everything you can do to keep your car running smoothly — and more money in your pocket.

The Best Way to Save Money on the Cost of Car Ownership

No matter how well you maintain your vehicle, it’s an unfortunate fact that all components fail eventually. To make matters worse, with a high-end manufacturer like Mercedes, you can bank on any repairs being much more expensive than you’d like them to be. To protect themselves from the ever-rising cost of car ownership, drivers across America are investing in extended warranties. And Endurance is the country’s top-rated provider.

Since 2006, Endurance auto protection plans have helped thousands of U.S. drivers save serious money on unexpected repair bills. Our eligibility is unrivaled, and we offer a wide range of plans for an even wider range of drivers. Whether you’re a casual commuter, a rideshare driver, a high-mileage vehicle owner, or even a luxury car driver, we have something for you. We’re always willing to be flexible, too, so if our base plans don’t quite meet your individual needs and budget, don’t worry — our friendly team will be more than happy to customize a plan for you.

We don’t just bring you the most comprehensive coverage in the business. We also add some of the very best benefits. Every single Endurance plan comes with 24/7 roadside assistance (including towing, fuel delivery, and lockout services), rental car reimbursement, and trip interruption costs as standard. Better yet, new Endurance customers get a year’s access to our Elite Benefits,* which includes even more useful stuff like up to four tire repairs or replacements annually, key fob replacement, up to $500 in collision discounts, and up to $1,000 in total loss protection.

Consumer review websites all over the internet agree that Endurance is the best protection money can buy. But if you need a little more convincing, check out our thousands of five-star reviews from happy customers on sites like Trustpilot and Consumer Affairs.

Call an Endurance auto protection plan advisor at (800) 253-8203 to request a FREE quote, or shop online to see your price now.  If you’d like to do some more reading first, we have plenty more helpful articles, just like this one, over on our extended warranty blog, so make sure to take a look before you leave.