A Class Service.

[A160DSB]

My A160 W168 keeps flashing to tell me its 200miles past a service.

Problem is it's got no service history, and as an uneducated young lad, I dont know what to you.

Its 13 years young, with no service history. should I take it to a normal garage and just get it done there?

or

should I take it to an MB indy or MB garage and get it done there? If so, anyone recommend one in the Canvey/Southend/Basildon kind of area?

 

[EDZ649]

A reputable 'normal' garage will be able to service it in accordance with manufacturers spec.

As you have no idea what has been done previously I would get a full service done and get all the fluids changed i.e. brake fluid (should be done every 2 years), coolant etc. If it's an auto you may want to consider changing the ATF too.

Maybe get the fuel filters changed aswell. At least that way you have a good starting point for future servicing....

 

[A160DSB]

It's one of those Semi - auto's, manual box, no clutch.

I've heard theres different services, a & b? i dont know! haha

 

[EDZ649]

From memory the 'A' service is the smaller of the two.

 

[markjay]

As EDZ649 said.

'A service' is a 'small' service, essentially just an engine oil and filter change. 'B service' is a 'major' service, however in reality it only means more checks and the odd cabin filter.

Generally the service should be carried out once a year, alternating between 'A' and 'B'. If the car does not tell you which service you need, and has no service history, I would start with a B service and then carry-out an A service next year. But ideally you'll get a service book and confirm the manufacturer's instruction.

But as EDZ649 said, there are also other 'additional items' which are included as standard in neither A nor B service. If in doubt when these were last done, you should them all done really - brake fluid change, coolant change, gear oil change, spark plug change (if petrol), fuel filter change...

Unless you know you will only keep the car for a short period, in which case you could get just a basic service done and ask the garage to change only what actually looks as if it badly overdue (coolant and brake fluid can be tested for freezing point and water contents / boiling point respectively, ATF can be checked to see if it is black or smells burnt). Not something I would recommend, as sloppy maintenance is never a good thing - my own view is if it is not worth doing right, it is not worth doing at all - but I do accept in the real world there are financial constraints involved in keeping a car going, especially for younger drivers.

A good indie will be your best bet in my opinion.

 

[A160DSB]

Many Thanks markjay.

When money allows, in the next month or so hopefully, i'll take it for a full service, get everything changed, and its almost a start from scratch job.
I intend to keep the car a good few years, and when eventually I do move it on, service history will only add to its value in the long run.

The MOT is due in July, so can be done in June, is it worth waiting until then and getting the garage to do both at the same time?

 

[A210AMG]

You could get the MOT done earlier as you will get an indication as to what may be needed?

 

[markjay]

The oil and filter change will be the most crucial bit, unless the oil is honey-coloured i.e. clearly has been only very recently changed. Unfortunately the oil does turn black quite quickly, which is normal, but it does mean that you can't really tell how old it is - so if in doubt, change.

 

[A160DSB]

Might be worth getting the MOT done next pay day, at least then it'll have a year on it, as long as it passes (it should do)
and i checked the oil the other day, its black! LOL ...

Ahhh all this costs moneyyyy!

 

[dokalj]

You could do the service yourself.

If there is no service history and you are keeping the car for another couple of years, I don't think a couple of service stamps now will make that much of a difference to the future value.

By all means get the advice and save some money imo

 

[A160DSB]

Would a Haynes manual 'teach' me how to perform my own service?

 

[markjay]

Would a Haynes manual 'teach' me how to perform my own service?

Probably not, but it will be a very good start... best way to learn is from someone who has been doing it for a while, this is how I learnt... if you have a mate, or perhaps an older family member, who does DIY, offer them to help out when they next look after their car.

 

[A160DSB]

Thats half the problem.
All of my mates have chavvy Fiestas/Clios and don't look after them because they know they're gonna hold on to them for a couple of years and get something else. And race around like idiots. (not doing engine or g'box any good)

And my family arn't petrol heads by any stretch of the imagination. My ol' man see's cars as things to get him from A to B. Any work that needs doing goes to his mate at work. (he's said mine can go, but never seems to be able to 'fit it in')

I'm the eldest of 3 brothers. Uncles dont do DIY on their cars.

 

[markjay]

... Any work that needs doing goes to his mate at work...

Can you tag along...? This mate at work sounds like a promising start to a great DIY career...

Mine actually started when I was 20 and noticed a neighbour taking-off the carb on his Alfasud and cleaning it. We got chatty and he suggested that if I did the same to my car he will show me how to clean it. I went on from there and at the 'peak' on my DIY career - mid 30' - I rebuilt engines and done all sorts of things....

 

[A160DSB]

No harm in asking... I'll insist mine needs to be done asap. and ask to go along and watch.
you did alright for yourself....... you can come do my car if your only in london

 

[EDZ649]

Carrying out servicing yourself on an A class won't be that easy without access to a ramp due to the design of the floor pan. Virtually the entire underside of the car is fitted with an undertray.

 

[A140driver]

I wouldn't tackle anything particularly difficult on an A-class, given the complicated nature of the beast. I don't have any direct experience of the ACS in terms of servicing, but certainly, the auto 'box fluid change is a specialist/MB dealer job. The auto 'box is actually a sealed unit so not really essential to change. If it's working ok, leave the 'box alone.

 

[219]

Carrying out servicing yourself on an A class won't be that easy without access to a ramp due to the design of the floor pan. Virtually the entire underside of the car is fitted with an undertray.

There's a self service garage in London ( called something like Pit Stop ) where you hire a bay for so long as you require , you can use your own tools or hire them , similarly bring your own fluids or buy them there .

For beginners , there are mechanics on site in case you get stuck .

 

[219]

I was close with the name

Pit Start - Self Service Garage - 020 8827 1919