Mercedes B4 Service: Cost, Checklist & What’s Included?

When the “Service B4 Due” message appears on the dashboard of your Mercedes-Benz, few things provoke more uncertainty.

Are there any specific requirements for your German machine? Do we really need this maintenance service?

Mercedes B4 Service Cost, Checklist & What’s Included

It is important to understand what the Mercedes B4 service is, what it includes, and why you should consider it.

Here we go! Without further ado, let’s get started!

Mercedes B4 Service Quick Answer

The “B4” consists of the following information if you’re looking for a quick answer:

Service	Summary
Oil and Filter Change	Change the oil filter to remove impurities and replenish essential additives following the replacement of old synthetic oil with fresh synthetic oil.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement	To ensure a clean, fresh interior air environment and prevent unpleasant odors, cabin air filters should be replaced regularly.
Brake Fluid Flush and Fill	Preventing corrosion and maintaining proper brake fluid levels by refreshing the fluid.
Fluid Level Top-Off	Maintaining the required levels of all vital fluids, including coolant, transmission, and power steering.
Tire Inflation Check and Correction	A tire pressure adjustment promotes fuel economy, enhances vehicle handling, and prevents uneven wear on tires.
Brake Inspection	Identifying and addressing issues proactively at the point of brake component inspection.
Maintenance Counter Reset	It is necessary to reset the vehicle’s maintenance counter so that future service intervals can be kept track of and the vehicle remains on schedule.
Spark Plug Replacement	For optimal engine performance and combustion, spark plugs should be examined and potentially replaced.
Sunroof Inspection, Cleaning & Regreasing	To prevent leaks and ensure smooth operation, sunroof drains and channels need to be cleaned and lubricated.
Tire Pressure Adjustment	To improve fuel efficiency and vehicle handling, tire pressure should be checked and adjusted according to manufacturer specifications.

What is B4 Service on a Mercedes?

Approximately every 10,000 miles or one year of ownership, Mercedes-Benz’s Flexible Service System (FSS) alternates between “A” and “B” type services.

Mercedes B4 services occur around 80,000 miles or 8 years into your car’s lifespan, marking the 4th major service interval. An A4 service visit takes place approximately one year after the previous one.

Besides the standard maintenance items included in the B4 service, Mercedes adds a few additional tasks that are specifically relevant to the B4 service. By maintaining performance and reliability at this interval, key components are kept in optimal working order.

When is Mercedes B4 Service Due?

If you haven’t figured out when your Mercedes needs B4 service, don’t worry. FSS simplifies maintenance scheduling by eliminating guesswork.

Mercedes intelligently monitors your driving conditions and lets you know when your car needs service once you have crossed the milestone of 70,000-80,000 miles or 7-8 years.

What Does Mercedes B4 Service Include?

Your Mercedes will benefit from the B4 service, which is one of the most comprehensive maintenance services available. A summary of what was accomplished is as follows:

1. Air Filter Replacement

In order to achieve optimal performance and fuel economy, an air filter needs to be clean. In order to replace your old clogged Mercedes-Benz air filter, your technician will remove the old one and install a new Mercedes-Benz air filter.

2. Spark Plug Replacement

An ignition source is absolutely necessary for igniting fuel-air mixtures inside combustion chambers. There is a good chance that your spark plugs have experienced some deterioration and wear after 80k miles of service.

New Mercedes factory spark plugs and fresh electrodes will be installed by the technician to ensure optimal engine performance.

3. Sunroof Inspection, Cleaning & Regreasing

As part of the B4 service, our technicians will thoroughly clean and re-grease the rails and guides on any Mercedes equipped with a sunroof.

If the sunroof is not lubricated, dirt, debris, and lack of lubrication can lead to the sunroof sticking or grinding over time.

A Mercedes-approved lubricant will be applied to keep the sunroof gliding smoothly for years to come after the technician cleans off all old grease and grime. As a result, motor strains and noises may be reduced as well.

4. Oil and Filter Change

Mercedes-approved full synthetic oil and a Mercedes oil filter are used in place of the old oil and oil filter. As a result, the engine remains properly lubricated and contaminants are excluded from circulation.

5. Tire Pressure Check

Fuel economy is harmed by underinflated tires because they wear unevenly. In order to ensure safety and longevity of your tires, your technician will check and adjust their pressure as necessary.

6. Brake Inspection

A full brake system inspection is carried out to identify any potential problems before they become major. This includes the pads, rotors, calipers and brake system operation as a whole. Saving money in the long run is possible when problems are caught early on a B4 visit.

7. Fluid Level Checks

We check the coolant, transmission, power steering, and windshield washer fluid levels and top them off if necessary. Keeping levels at an appropriate level is crucial to the smooth operation of a system.

8. Service Light Reset

You will see a full mileage warning light until your next service when you reset the B4 service reminder light. Upon completion of this maintenance, you will receive this notification.

Mercedes Service B4 Checklist

A printable checklist with the tasks you need to complete if you are doing this service yourself is available here.

Task

Synthetic Oil Change

Oil Filter Replacement

Air Filter Replacement

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

Spark Plug Replacement

Clean Sunroof Rails

Check Fluids

Check Tire Pressure

Check Brake Components

Reset Service Counter

Why is Mercedes B4 Service So Expensive?

The Mercedes-Benz dealership will charge upwards of $700 or more for B4 service. In order to provide an exceptional ownership experience, Mercedes goes the extra mile, which carries a premium. We charge a premium for B4 service because of the following reasons:

Factory-Trained Technicians – Service technicians at Mercedes complete extensive training to handle these complex vehicles. They use proprietary tools and methods to ensure the vehicles are repaired effectively. Labor rates are higher in this specialty.
Specialized Equipment – There is a substantial investment by Mercedes dealers in diagnostic scanners and tools that are only available to certified service centers. There is a cost associated with this equipment.
Genuine Parts – To achieve optimal performance, Mercedes-branded filters and spark plugs are designed to strict specifications.
Brand Reputation – It is reasonable to expect Mercedes to charge more for both its vehicles and its certified service because it is a prestige brand. There is a white-glove expectation on the part of customers.

While a dealership may give you peace of mind, you can save hundreds if you seek the services of an independent Mercedes technician who is properly vetted,

A qualified garage typically charges $450 for B4 service based on my experience as a mechanic and owner of a car repair shop.

How to Save on B4 without Sacrificing Quality

The following tips will help you save money while maintaining the quality of your Mercedes B4 service:

Ask Around – Consult fellow Mercedes owners about independent shops where they get their service done. There is no better recommendation than a word of mouth recommendation.
Review Check – It is important to check if the shop has strong reviews for servicing Mercedes-Benz vehicles. It is not uncommon for general repair shops to fall short.
Confirm Expertise – A Mercedes-trained ASE-certified technician with years of experience should make up the shop’s staff.
Ask About Parts – The components should be Mercedes-branded or OEM-equivalent quality – cheap aftermarket parts should be avoided.
Get a Written Estimate – Be aware of exactly what is being charged for labor and parts by reviewing a detailed estimate. It’s all straightforward.
Check Warranty Impact – If you obtain service from someone other than a Mercedes dealership, does that void your factory warranty? Get an answer to this right away.
Reset Verification – When the repair is completed, make sure the independent shop has the capability to reset the Mercedes B4 service reminder light properly.

It’s safer to buy your B4 service from a dealership, but you can actually save a lot without cutting corners if you consult with an independent specialist with proven Mercedes expertise.

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Conclusion

It is crucial to maintain your Mercedes-Benz regularly like B4 service in order to ensure it keeps running well for years and thousands of miles.

Although you’re less likely to compromise on quality by using an independent shop properly vetted, you can potentially save money by avoiding the hassles of a dealership. Keep genuine Mercedes fluids and parts in your vehicle no matter where you are.

It is important to follow your Mercedes’ manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance intervals in order to keep it running smoothly and reliably for many years to come. Your Mercedes will deliver smooth, powerful, and luxurious performance for many more miles if you take care of it properly.