Why Is a Mercedes-Benz Oil Change So Expensive?
Oil changes. Every driver must do them as part of basic car maintenance. If you've always gone to a quick-lube store for your oil changes, but just purchased a Mercedes-Benz, you may be in for a shock. The reason? A Mercedes-Benz oil change is always expensive!
Often costing close to $300 or $400, a basic oil change on a Mercedes is probably one of the most pricy types of car maintenance you could pay for, compared to the "default" cost. So what's the reason?
Here's a look at a few reasons why Mercedes owners pay a premium for this basic maintenance task.
Expensive Motor Fluids
Mercedes-Benz cars are tight-tolerance, precision-engineered cars made in Germany. German and European engineering is some of the best in the world, which you must know if you are buying a Mercedes. If you buy your own oil for a Mercedes, you have to make sure it's labeled as "Mercedes-Benz approved".
Most European cars don't use the varieties of engine oils that people use in the United States or elsewhere. High-precision vehicles need special engine oil to keep all the parts running efficiently. It's synthetic and better suited to this type of high-tech engineering. As with most things in life, you pay for quality!
Extra Steps Used in a Mercedes-Benz Oil Change
Changing the oil in a Mercedes takes longer than it would in a more common car. There are extra steps and components you have to remove in order to get the oil out.
For other types of cars, the oil can drip and drain out, thanks to gravity. But some Mercedes owners have to take their vehicles to a dealership and have the oil suctioned out with special vacuum cleaners. It's a time-consuming process and has to happen carefully.
Additionally, most Mercedes cars have special parts in their engines that need extra careful handling. The oil filters work specifically for a Mercedes and have to go into the engine the right way. You wouldn't want to take a Mercedes through a drive-through oil change center because not all of them know the right steps in the process.
Mercedes Cars Use More Oil
Another important distinction of a Mercedes that drives up the oil maintenance expenses is that they use way more oil than most other cars. The big engines need plenty of oil so they can work the way they're designed.
If you use the wrong type or quantity of oil for your Mercedes, expect to have some major engine problems. It's really not worth trying to skimp on the oil, and you'll likely be sorry if you try to take shortcuts.
Change Your Own Mercedes Oil
Some Mercedes don't need special servicing at a dealer for an oil change. If you own one and want to do your own work, follow the same steps you use with other types of cars. The main difference is to be SURE you use the right kind of oil and allow enough time to check and recheck that you have added enough new oil to fill the engine.
Get Your Mercedes Oil and Other Car Parts Online
Mercedes vehicles are special cars that need special care and handling. Now that you know some of the reasons why a Mercedes-Benz oil change costs so much, you'll have no problem spending time and money to do it the right way.
To order your own Mercedes parts online, check out our website. You can also check out our blog for articles about all the latest news about European cars.
