Forum Discussion

CASERTA's avatar
CASERTA
Explorer
Jul 04, 2014

Sprinter Service B Maintenance

I have a 2012 MB ERA Sprinter RV. Have close to 25,000 miles and am about to get a Service B as per schedule. I am a bit shocked that the local MB dealer would want a minimum $800, and perhaps more than $1000, if the fuel filter and water separator needs to be replaced. I spoke to a non-MB mechanic and he said that he could do the Service B for $250, other than replacing the fuel filter and separator. He didn't think the vehicle, at 25000 miles, would require the fuel filter and water separator be replaced.

Could anyone comment as to whether or not they believe the fuel filter and water separator should be replaced? Does anyone have any comments as to the the MB Service B maintenance schedule ?

Thanks!


Paul
Class B
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2014
    when I had my 1998 dodge dakota every 30,000 miles cost me about $600 or so. since then I always check the service schedule/price of any vehicle I am thinking of buying.
    bumpy
  • RayUSMC's avatar
    RayUSMC
    Explorer
    Jul 04, 2014
    Another reason we like gas - their upkeep is easier with our own mechanics. Dealers almost always overcharge for regular maintenance.

    Had a a dealer's shop once claim we had a leak when we took the vehicle in for a recall. Told them we'll have our own mechanic check it out. Sure enough the guy at the dealer was lying. He just wanted to be able to charge us to recover some of the cost for the free recall fix.
  • midnightsadie's avatar
    midnightsadie
    Explorer II
    Jul 04, 2014
    I have a MB and at 20k you change the water filter here in ohio it cost 118.dollars, me thinks the MB dealers are rip off,s find a local good mech and have him do the work, keep records of all service. and we love our MB just did a 1800 mile run avg 19.8 mpg . no more gassers for me.
  • Fastpaddler's avatar
    Fastpaddler
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2014
    Hi Paul,
    You certainly get around in your rv! Did the Ottawa MB dealer give you a breakdown of charges for the B Service which usually costs a lot more than an A anyway. The cost of doing a synthetic oil / filter change is one costly part and maybe they replace a filter or two as well. The fuel filter usually costs around 80 to 100 or so if not cleanable. Costs add up fast. They can give you a cost breakdown. I would guess their labour charges for checking hoses, brakes and the usual stuff adds a fair amount additional to material costs. I owned 2 MB cars and the B service was never less than 600$.

    Regards,
    Al
  • CASERTA's avatar
    CASERTA
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2014
    Unless I can find a mechanic who is comfortable working on Sprinters, I may just have to bite the bullet and pay the big bucks to Mercedes. Thanks.
  • gerrym51's avatar
    gerrym51
    Explorer II
    Jul 05, 2014
    CASERTA wrote:
    Unless I can find a mechanic who is comfortable working on Sprinters, I may just have to bite the bullet and pay the big bucks to Mercedes. Thanks.


    things like this get posted all the time. there is no doubt modern sprinter vans are the most technological advanced van.

    they also cost a ton to service-relativley speaking.

    midnightsadie never seems to stress ownership of pre-2007 sprinter van.

    other than the name it has no releation to post 2007 sprinter
  • Oilman's avatar
    Oilman
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2014
    According to what I have read on this and other forums The Mercedes dealer is the only one who can flush the brake fluid properly. The dealer level software is used to activate the valving on the ABS unit to get the proper flush.

    A flush done by a non dealer will not be able to flush the ABS unit.
    I don't really know if this matters or not but this is what I have read.

    I will be ready for my "B" service soon and if it weren't for that requirement I think I would just do the service myself.
  • avanti's avatar
    avanti
    Explorer
    Jul 05, 2014
    Oilman wrote:
    According to what I have read on this and other forums The Mercedes dealer is the only one who can flush the brake fluid properly. The dealer level software is used to activate the valving on the ABS unit to get the proper flush.

    A flush done by a non dealer will not be able to flush the ABS unit.
    I don't really know if this matters or not but this is what I have read.

    I will be ready for my "B" service soon and if it weren't for that requirement I think I would just do the service myself.


    There is much controversy as to how important the ABS activation thing is during a brake flush. Here is one discussion:

    http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20218

    A couple of things to note:
    1) The brake flush is NOT part of the "B" service. It is to be done every two years.
    2) Some third-party scan tools can activate the ABS system, so you may have alternatives to the dealer.
    3) Many people believe that you can do a DIY purge by exercising the ABS system on a gravel road.
  • gerrym51's avatar
    gerrym51
    Explorer II
    Jul 05, 2014
    admittedly i don't own a sprinter based anything. But every time I read about them there seems to be 'one more' complicating factor.

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