Cannot understand how to use ESS

[K80]

I have recently purchased a used 2014 c class coupe W204 220cdi at 99,830k miles, and therefore I have been doing lots of reading among this forum about servicing, etc.

There is repeated mention to use the ESS tool to predict upcoming servicing schedule and costs but this has left me confused, because when I use the tool, it simply tells me what service would be next, seemingly purely based on whether I put service A or B in the form from last service, and repeats the same information. I get no recommendation of exact date or mileage interval, nor specifics of what recommended extras there is due. I tried it using 100k and 114k miles and it just looks the same?



I am finding this confusing because in this forum people often say that the point of this tool is to predict what extras you may need at different upcoming services. Maybe I am using it wrong or cannot read the information correctly?

My main aim is to figure out what service intervals I should be aiming for, as I will probably drive more than 12k miles a year, maybe a lot more. I also cannot understand how to figure out when gearbox intervals should be done but I think I will get that sorted first for peace of mind. And I want to go to a Mercedes specialist near me equipped with the knowledge that I understand what extras I need to consider in the future, so I can get accurate quotes and plan my budget for the next two years.

The car was serviced at main dealer until 53k ish then I have service paperwork from a generic garage that has been done yearly since, so my worry is that there have been recommended extras that have been missed but I am finding it difficult to understand what those might be...


Any help is super appreciated. Planning to keep this car as long possible as I absolutely love it and want to look after it so that I can save money in the long term.
Thank you in advance!

 

[markjay]

Your car will need at the next service:

1. Service Schedule B
(Comprehensive checks, engine oil and filter change, cabin filter change, fob battery change, AdBlue top up if your car has the AdBlue system)

2. Brake fluid change

3. Air filter change

4. Fuel filter change

5. Panoramic roof lubrication

That's quite a big service, if you are considering getting it done at a dealer (as opposed to an independent socialist), then you should look at taking out an MB Service Care Plan to reduce the cost.

Also, if you access Service Assist from the instrument cluster menu, it will show you time left to next service, as well as a code, e.g. 'Service B6 due in xxxx days'.

 

[markjay]

BTW, in the list you posted above you already have the replacement intervals for most service items. What is missing from the list are these:

- Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) and filter - every 5 years or 77,500 miles

- Engine coolant - every 15 years or 150,000 miles.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

@markjay is spot on, the elapsed time and/or distance 8/ listed on the screenshot you provided. If you’re unsure what has or hasn’t been done then you could do every additional item but would be expensive.

Your suggestion of changing the transmission fluid is a good one. It’s often missed as it’s expensive and so you may find that it has never been done - have a good look at the service history to check.

 

[K80]

Thank you ever so much for breaking it down quite literally for me. I think I thought the ESS report would be a little more personalized but now I think I understand I had to do the working out myself, d'oh! I appreciate the help very very much.

Will look into transmission fluid asap as I have no evidence of it being done, sadly.

Cheeky additional question - do you know of a good video that has the sound of the cold start rattle that I need to look out for to ensure I replace the timing chain when needed? I'm not a car expert and it would increase my confidence to have a better idea of what the sound exactly is.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Cheeky additional question - do you know of a good video that has the sound of the cold start rattle that I need to look out for to ensure I replace the timing chain when needed? I'm not a car expert and it would increase my confidence to have a better idea of what the sound exactly is.

It’s often difficult to diagnose noises based upon recordings. I’d be tempted to ask a trusted specialist or main dealer to give it a once over and ask the question then.

Main dealers often do free visual health checks with a video report. They can be helpful, just don't make any decisions there and then based upon their findings.

 

[K80]

Ah okay no wonder I am struggling to understand what sound to look out for. I want to protect myself from timing chain disaster, if I ask the specialist or main dealer (depending who I go with) to check the sound for me every service, will they tell me when I should change the timing chain? I barely understand when an engine sounds wrong from fine, so I am really worried I personally will miss anything out of the ordinary