When you drive your Mercedes, you enjoy its performance and luxury, but when you see a message saying “A6 Service Due,” you may feel anxious.
During this maintenance visit, what tasks will be completed? Are parts going to need to be replaced, and how much will it cost?
A detailed explanation of what goes into a Mercedes A6 service, how long it takes the dealer or independent shop to complete the checklist, and how much time it will take each step.
What Is a Mercedes A6 Service?
In order to keep your car running smoothly, the Mercedes A6 service is recommended every 10k miles (or 12 months) after the B5 service. You can space out your service according to your driving habits thanks to the Flexible Service System.
It’s one of the more complex “A” services as it’s the sixth “minor” service, but less involved than any “major” B service.
When Should an A6 Service Be Done?
When Mercedes vehicles reach 110,000 miles, or about the 11th year after they are purchased, they are scheduled for an A6 service. Following the last maintenance visit for B5, this “minor” service is scheduled approximately 1 year in the future.
Keep track of when this service is due if you are worried about forgetting. When it’s time for your Mercedes to be serviced, a helpful reminder will appear such as “A6 Service Due,” “Service A6 in 20 Days,” or “Service Code: A6.” Whether you schedule the appointment before or after the recommended service date is perfectly fine.
What Does an A6 Service Include?
In order to maintain the performance of your Mercedes A6, it is necessary to inspect, replace, and service various components thoroughly.
As part of this comprehensive service appointment, factory-trained technicians follow strict Mercedes-Benz guidelines while performing several important tasks.
As well as the items below, a multi-point inspection is included in all Mercedes services, which includes things such as checking all exterior lighting, windshield wiper blades, tire tread depth, battery voltage, and door hinges, among other things.
Replace Air Filter (A6 Specific)
It is important to change the air filter in an A6 service because it is a simple but essential step. The power and efficiency of the engine are reduced when the airflow to the engine is restricted by a clogged filter.
It’s important to replace your air filter regularly to increase airflow and engine performance, while also getting the most gas mileage possible.
Replace Spark Plugs (A6 Specific)
An engine runs on a mixture of air and fuel, which sparks the plugs to ignite the fuel mixture. But spark plugs don’t last forever. Spark plugs are replaced with new, properly gapped OEM plugs during the A6 service, preventing misfires, rough idles, power loss, and fuel conservation issues.
Your car will FEEL peppier, smoother, and more fun to drive after undergoing engine-specific component replacements during an A6 service.
Replace Brake Fluid (A6 Specific)
An underrated maintenance task during an A6 service is changing the brake fluid. Moisture and contaminants build up in brake fluid over time, which affects braking performance.
In spite of what you might think, you may not realize that brake pedal feel and stopping power gradually decreases over time. It is common for drivers to notice an immediate difference after getting brake fluid changed with fresh, clean brake fluid.
Clean and Degrease Sunroof Guide Rails (A6 Specific)
Among the A6 services, owners of models with a sunroof will also find a cleaning of their sunroof guide rails to ensure a smooth and quiet operation.
As time passes, the rails accumulate dirt, debris, and grease, which slow down the opening and closing process and create strange sounds. The sunroof should be cleaned regularly in order to maintain proper operation and prevent damage to the components.
Replace Synthetic Motor Oil (Standard A-Service)
Whenever routine maintenance is performed on an A6, the engine oil is changed. The Mercedes engines are lubricated with synthetic oils that meet factory specifications. These oils have a better resistance to breakdown than conventional oils.
As a result, you won’t need to schedule oil changes as often since you can have extended 10,000 mile oil change intervals.
Replace Oil Filter (Standard A-Service)
Oil filters are also replaced with fresh, high quality ones along with a routine oil change. It is preferred to use an OEM Mercedes-Benz oil filter made by Mann (a brand of top quality), as opposed to the low-quality, cheaper brands used by quick-lube oil change places and some repair shops.
This is just one example of why you deserve the best for your Mercedes.
Check Fluid Levels (Standard A-Service)
In the course of the A6 service, technicians will check the status of essential fluids, including coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid, adding more if needed.
For components to perform properly and to be protected, fluid levels must be maintained properly. Using the correct type of fluid will ensure that you do not have to worry about the fluids and that you do not have to worry about the inspection and filling.
Check Tire Pressure (Standard A-Service)
In addition to checking and adjusting tire pressures (and the spare, if you have one), the A6 service should also include adjusting the brakes (if applicable). The proper inflation of tires increases their longevity, improves the handling of the vehicle, and reduces the resistance of the tire against the road surface, saving you money on fuel.
If you maintain tire pressure at the correct PSI, your tires will last longer, meaning you won’t need to replace them as often, which will save you time and money.
Check Brake Components (Standard A-Service)
A Mercedes A6 service appointment involves a thorough examination of the brake system. In order to confirm the condition and performance of the major brake components, technicians will thoroughly examine them.
To ensure that brake pads are of uniform thickness and free of cracks or tears, the pads are carefully gauged to measure the pad thickness. In the case of pads that are not meeting minimum requirements, they will need to be replaced.
A warping or grooved rotor is then examined, as well as a wear pattern that is inconsistent. It is also verified that the rotor is of the proper thickness.
In addition to visually inspecting brake lines, hoses, and fittings, there is a visual inspection for signs of chafing, leaks, and for proper lubrication and movement.
As part of the inspection process, brake lines, hoses, and fittings are visually examined for evidence of chafing, leaks, or damage. The sooner a leak is detected, the less likely it is to cause a big problem later on.
To maintain safe and reliable braking function, all brake issues can be promptly addressed during a comprehensive brake inspection.
Mercedes A6 Service Checklist (At-a-Glance)
| Service | Standard A Service | A6-Specific Service |
| Air Filter Replacement | X | |
| Spark Plug Replacement | X | |
| Brake Fluid Replacement | X | |
| Clean/Regrease Sunroof Guide Rails | 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 A6 Service Cost
At the dealership, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400 to $800 for service on an A6. Higher end vehicles typically require factory technicians and parts, which can be costly.
In the event that you can locate an independent repair shop that is experienced in Mercedes maintenance, you can save money by being able to get lower labor rates. Choosing the right shop with quality technicians and OEM parts can be a challenge.
It is important to conduct thorough research and to get personal recommendations if at all possible. If you use a third party, make sure any aftermarket warranties will not be affected.
Despite dealership maintenance generally being more expensive, you’ll usually be assured of what you’re getting since Mercedes standards are followed.
Although it can be costly to properly maintain your Mercedes, keeping your Mercedes’ service needs up-to-date is generally a good idea.
Why Is an A6 Service So Expensive?
In order for Mercedes service to be so expensive, there are a few reasons for it. In order to ensure optimal performance and longevity, Mercedes utilizes only the highest-grade parts, fluids, and filters. It costs a lot to purchase these high-quality supplies.
A Mercedes technician must undergo extensive and ongoing training in order to properly service the complex, technologically integrated vehicles. The labor rates they command are higher due to their specialized expertise.
Aside from investing heavily in diagnostic scanners and tools mandated by Mercedes, Mercedes dealerships maintain and assess these meticulously engineered vehicles with extreme precision. It is not inexpensive to purchase these tools.
Additionally, Mercedes, as an upscale luxury brand, can charge premium maintenance fees, as do other premium brands. In return for this, Mercedes owners expect a level of service that reflects the prestige of the marque.
How Long Does an A6 Service Take?
Typically, A6 dealerships and independent shops require 1-2 hours for a basic service. The total amount of time a service takes can, however, vary significantly depending on a range of factors:
In spite of the fact that the A6 may require only two or three hours of hands-on time, delays in the real world, seasonal demands, and uncovered maintenance issues can easily increase the duration of the total visit by three, four, or even five hours. Before you go to the shop, check to see what the current turnaround time is if you are in a hurry.
Can I Do an A6 Service Myself?
Despite the fact that some skilled DIYers may be tempted to service their own Mercedes, a Mercedes dealer or independent repair shop is usually the most cost-effective, though more time-consuming, option.
It requires specialized Mercedes tools and diagnostics as well as technical proficiency to meet factory service specifications due to the complexity of the service.
If incorrectly serviced, these sophisticated vehicles can suffer safety issues, mechanical problems, or even lose their warranties.
Nevertheless, knowledgeable home mechanics who understand service procedures and are willing to assume risk may be able to save money by servicing their Mercedes themselves. In spite of this, you won’t save much money since parts, fluids, and even tools will still need to be purchased.
If you have frequent opportunities to work on your vehicle, you’ll save more money each time by building up a tool collection, finding good deals on parts, and using large containers of fluids.
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How to Reset an A6 Service Notification On a Mercedes
The following steps will help you reset and clear the service reminder message, no matter what the reason. Depending on the year and model, the actual procedure may differ slightly.
Simple enough! It only takes a few steps to successfully reset the service notification light on your own computer. You can take a look at this video if you prefer to view things visually.