Having a Mercedes is a dream come true for many people, but maintaining one can be expensive. Whenever you see that message “Service A1 Due” on your dashboard, you probably wonder what this service entails and how much it will cost?
The purpose of this article is to provide you with all the information you need about a Mercedes A1 service, including what tasks are involved, how much it usually costs, how long it typically takes, and whether or not it’s worth doing yourself.
What Is a Mercedes A1 Service?
This Mercedes-Benz service, like others in the automaker’s comprehensive program, plays a key role in the manufacturer’s total maintenance program. Keeping your Mercedes in top condition starts with its first scheduled maintenance.
This service is available as part of the Flexible Service System, which enables maintenance to be customized based on driving and time spent on the vehicle. In other words, you can think of the A1 as a core service designed to maintain the pristine condition of your Mercedes. A1 services provide optimal performance through fluid checks, replacements, and component inspections, though they are not as robust as the B service.
When Should an A1 Service Be Done?
Mercedes-Benz vehicles go through the routine A1 service as soon as they are purchased. It should be performed at a mileage of about 10,000 miles or once every 12 months during the lifespan of the vehicle. Due dates for two vehicles may differ depending on the FSS, so it may be due at different times for each.
In case you forget the exact date of your A1 service, don’t worry. In the event that a service is due, such as “A1 Service Due,” “A1 Service Exceeded by X Days,” “Service Code: A1,” or just “Service A,” a notification will appear on your Mercedes dashboard. So there’s no need to keep track of it yourself.
What Does an A1 Service Include?
There is one A1 specific service item included in the Mercedes A1 Service in addition to standard “A” service tasks. Below you’ll find information about those service items as well as the reason why they’re needed.
Replace Brake Fluid (A1 Specific)
In the A1 service, the brake fluid is replaced as one of the key components. Brake fluid can become degraded over time by absorption of moisture and contaminants. It is possible, in extreme circumstances, for brake fluid to fail completely due to lack of regular changes, resulting in poor stopping, unpredictable pedal feel, and even complete failure of the brake system.
Mercedes A1 service schedules include fluid replacements as part of the comprehensive maintenance program.
Replace Synthetic Motor Oil (Standard A-Service)
The engine oil should always be replaced with full synthetic oil during each “A” or “B” service. The longer the lifespan of premium synthetics, the more lubrication they will provide, rather than the shorter lifespan of conventional oils.
In spite of Mercedes’ high quality oil, its lubricating properties gradually diminish with time and use, so it is essential to comply with Mercedes’ recommended oil change intervals. It is therefore important that synthetic oil be refreshed periodically as part of routine maintenance, despite the fact that it remains effective much longer than conventional oils.
Replace Oil Filter (Standard A-Service)
A new OEM oil filter will be installed by the Mercedes technician along with the engine oil change. Filters capture contaminants and debris that build up in the oil over time, preventing them from harming the engine.
Oil circulates unhindered through the engine when it is filtered regularly with a fresh oil filter. By maintaining its lubricating properties longer between changes, synthetic oil remains more effective.
Check Fluid Levels (Standard A-Service)
During an A1 service, vital fluids such as transmission, coolant, power steering, brakes, and washer fluids are checked carefully and topped off as needed. For a safe, efficient operation and to ensure that the engine is properly lubricated and cooled, it is important to maintain proper fluid levels.
Check Tire Pressure (Standard A-Service)
During the A1 service, Mercedes recommends the proper tire inflation pressures for all tires, including the spare. It is important to maintain the correct tire pressure, as underinflated tires wear out faster, result in decreased fuel efficiency, reduce handling and traction, and are more likely to fail.
It is still advisable to check tire pressure manually using an accurate tire gauge, even if a tire pressure monitoring system alerts the driver to possible issues. If possible, you should also check the pressure in your tires every month apart from the yearly service.
Check Brake Components (Standard A-Service)
The Mercedes technician will perform a thorough inspection of the brakes as part of this service. Your vehicle’s high performance brake system includes brake pads, rotors, calipers, and other components that will be carefully examined by the technicians.
This brake check entails examining the brakes to make sure that there are no abnormal wear or damage that could compromise brake performance.
Mercedes A1 Service Checklist (At-a-Glance)
| Service | Standard A Service | A1-Specific Service |
| Brake Fluid Replacement | X | |
| Synthetic Oil Change | X | |
| Oil Filter Replacement | X | |
| Check Fluids | X | |
| Check Tire Pressure | X | |
| Check Brake Components | X | |
| Maintenance Service Counter Reset | X |
Mercedes A1 Service Cost
The cost of an A1 service for your Mercedes may be a question on your mind. You may have to pay a different price depending on where you take it. If you do not know what mechanic to trust, you can go to an independent shop, the official Mercedes dealership, or you can ask a friend or family member for a recommendation.
Generally, an A1 service is priced between $300 and $650 at Mercedes dealerships. Depending on your location and Mercedes model, you will need to pay a different amount. Finding the most affordable price involves getting quotes from several shops.
There is usually a difference in price between independent mechanics and dealers.
However, you should choose a mechanic with extensive knowledge of Mercedes maintenance who has a solid reputation, especially if he or she specializes in Mercedes and German vehicles. It may be cheaper to have the vehicle repaired at a local shop, but it may void a warranty that requires service from the dealer.
Why Is an A1 Service So Expensive?
Although Mercedes “A” services are around half the cost of Mercedes “B” services, owners often find the cost of Mercedes service to be high.
Despite the complexity of these vehicles, their price reflects their value. There is a lot of engineering and high-quality components that go into Mercedes machines. A technician with specialized tools is required to perform proper maintenance on these machines.
In addition to basic inspections and services, the A1 provides comprehensive maintenance. The expertise and care provided by Mercedes ensure that your vehicle performs at its peak and lasts for a long time.
In addition to the premium pricing, Mercedes is also associated with quality. Its unmatchable quality, innovation, and prestige make Mercedes the ultimate luxury automaker. In addition to the ownership experience, service costs are also impacted by this exclusivity.
A1 services are not cheap, but they are an investment in your Mercedes and are comparable to the automotive services offered by other luxury brands, including BMW and Audi. There is always the possibility of worse things happening. If you want to know what Porsche owners believe, just talk to them.
How Long Does an A1 Service Take?
A1 services are among the fastest, taking between one hour and two hours to complete at a Mercedes dealership or independent garage. Some factors determine how long the entire process takes, however:
Despite the fact that the A1 service only requires a few hours of labor, delays in the shop, busy seasons, and emergency repairs could easily add another hour to the overall service time. Depending on the season, the staffing level, and whether there are any additional needs, the total time at the service center may vary significantly.
Can I Do an A1 Service Myself?
When you’ve performed simple car maintenance on your Mercedes in the past, an A1 service might seem like an appealing DIY project. There is no doubt that this would be the simplest scheduled service out of any we have scheduled. Take the time to carefully weigh the pros and cons before getting started.
There are some service items for A1 that need no special tools or expertise, such as oil and filters, but others like brake fluid require special tools and expertise. Be realistic about your ability to perform the job, and assess your skills and equipment accordingly.
A vehicle of this complexity could result in very costly mistakes if errors are made. Make sure you arm yourself with a good repair manual and some specific YouTube videos so that you can comprehend the tasks involved in each service.
As some warranties require that only certified mechanics service your vehicle, make sure DIY service does not void your warranty. It is possible that you will be liable for future repairs if you ignore the fine print.
It is unlikely that you will save much even if you bought genuine Mercedes parts yourself, so take potential savings into consideration. Also, keep in mind that your time is valuable.
DIY A1 services are feasible if you practice care, have confidence, and assess yourself realistically. Consider taking some time to learn the basics of maintaining a high-performance car before taking on extensive maintenance if you lack experience. Make sure you know your limitations.
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How to Reset an A1 Service Notification On a Mercedes
Does your dashboard still display the annoying message “A1 Service Exceeded by XX Days”? In either case, a few simple steps can get rid of it, regardless of whether you completed the service yourself or the shop forgot to do it.
A scan tool is likely to be necessary if that doesn’t work. However, for the majority of vehicles, this little routine resets the system to the previous service interval and eliminates the outdated A1 notice.