Noticing a “B3 service” reminder come up on your Mercedes-Benz instrument cluster can be a little puzzling if you’re not aware of the scheduled maintenance requirements.
Here in this article, I hope to provide clarification on just what this service actually is and why it’s imperative that your car is serviced in time.
First, you’ll learn exactly what items this service involves, how much it will typically set you back, and finally, whether or not you can complete a B3 service on your own to save some money.
What Is a Mercedes B3 Service?
When you own the Mercedes-Benz like it is supposed to be, you want it to run properly for long to come. The B3 service is part of Mercedes-Benz’s Flexible Service System (FSS), in which it segments maintenance into distinct time and use intervals.
Mercedes’ schedule of servicing is broken up in terms of A (minor) and B (major) services, alternating every 10,000 miles (or every 12 months). The FSS actually determines the schedule material.
A B3 service denotes that this is the 3rd major service performed since the this vehicle began its life, it has had one A1, B1, A2, B2, and A3 service.
All the B services are standard service items; what the B3 service more includes that is not to be found in the other scheduled services, are a few service items.
When Should a B3 Service Be Done?
A B3 service should be performed on your Mercedes about every 60,000 miles (or the car’s 6th year). The EXACT time will depend on the Flexible Service System in the car, but it will be, roughly, 1 year (or 10,000 miles) after your last A3 service is performed.
You don’t need to remember exactly when. Your car will let you know when it’s time with something like “B3 Service Due”, “Service B3 in X Days”, “Service B3 Exceeded by X Days”, “Service Code: B3” or “Service B”.
What Does a B3 Service Include?
Mercedes B3 Service is a further level of comprehensive maintenance to keep your car running nice and in peak condition for years to come. This service contains a mixture of standard B services and B3 services.
Replace Air Filter (B3 Specific)
During a B3 service, your car’s air filter is replaced. Switching out a dirty air filter for a clean one is one of the best things you can do to improve airflow and engine performance, thus ensuring optimum fuel consumption. A clogged air filter will just hamper the engine’s efficiency and power.
Replace Spark Plugs (B3 Specific)
Spark plugs are crucial for igniting the fuel-air mixture that transpires in the engine. Checking and changing out spark plugs during B3 service reduces the risk of misfires, rough idling and general loss of power, meaning a much nicer ride and better fuel economy.
Replace Synthetic Motor Oil (Standard B-Service)
Engine oil is replaced during a B3 service (as is the case of any routine maintenance service). With Mercedes-Benz vehicles, full synthetic oil is always used, as it breaks down slower than conventional oil and allows for a 10k mile oil change interval.
Over time motor oil ceases to do its job lubricating the moving parts, creating bad friction and potentially damaging parts. Fresh synthetic oil helps make sure your engine is running under ideal lubrication.
Replace Oil Filter (Standard B-Service)
Just as with the engine oil, the oil filter is replaced during the B3 service. The oil filter catches any bits of debris and contaminants that have found their way into the engine oil. By changing the oil filter, your new, clean oil can stay free of contaminates longer.
Replace Cabin Air Filter (Standard B-Service)
Your car’s cabin air filter (A/C filter) has the job of filtering dirt, pollen, blocks out all kinds of pollutants the air before it enters the cabin.
Over time, cabin air filters can become clogged, adversely affecting the air quality in your car and the performance of the HVAC system. A B3 service includes a cabin filter replacement, so you and your passengers continue to enjoy a clean environment.
Check Fluid Levels (Standard B-Service)
All fluid levels are checked and corrected as necessary during a B3 service. This refers to transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
It’s important to keep these fluids at optimal levels for maximum health and performance out of your Mercedes.
Check Tire Pressure (Standard B-Service)
Tire pressure is another important upkeep task that’s included in a B3 service. Tire pressure is hugely important to the life of your tires and your gas mileage.
Improper tire pressure can result in all kinds of issues ranging up and down the scale from uneven tire wear to diminished handling capabilities.
Check Brake Components (Standard B-Service)
A thorough brake component inspection is part of your B3 service that verifies the condition and functionality of your brakes. Checking the brake pads, rotors, and calipers is.
Mercedes B3 Service Checklist (At-a-Glance)
| Service | Standard B Service | B3-Specific Service |
|---|---|---|
| Air Filter Replacement | X | |
| Spark Plug Replacement | X | |
| Synthetic Oil Change | X | |
| Oil Filter Replacement | X | |
| Cabin Air Filter Replacement | X | |
| Check Fluids | X | |
| Check Tire Pressure | X | |
| Check Brake Components | X | |
| Maintenance Service Counter Reset | X |
Mercedes B3 Service Cost
So, how much is a Mercedes B3 Service going to cost? Well, that depends on whether you head to a Mercedes-Benz dealership, an independent mechanic, or, you know, the guy your cousin knows.
If you take your Mercedes to the dealership, you can expect prices of around $900-$1,800 for a B3 service. Prices will vary depending on your dealer, your car model, and your location. The dealership on the other side of town might be a couple of hundred dollars cheaper than the one nearest to you, so don’t hesitate to gather a couple of quotes.
Independent mechanics will almost invariably offer a cheaper service to attract Mercedes-Benz owners, so be sure to check that the mechanic you choose is familiar with Mercedes-Benz vehicles and has a good reputation. Shops that only work on Mercedes-Benz or German cars are always going to be safest.
You might be tempted to cut costs by taking your used E-Class to your local mechanic, but doing so could put your car’s warranty in jeopardy. Some warranties stipulate that services be carried out only by an authorized dealer/technician.
For example, Mercedes-Benz’s Prepaid Maintenance covers and requires that the maintenance is performed by authorized technicians, and the same applies to the Extended Limited Warranty. Review your terms before opting for a local mechanic.
In conclusion, it is possible to take it to the dealership or an independent mechanic to avoid the costs of a Mercedes B3 Service, depending on how helpful your warranty is going to be!
Why Is a B3 Service So Expensive?
You might be wondering just what makes B3 service so expensive for your Mercedes-Benz. What’s it all about?
As we’ve mentioned before, B-services (ie: B1, B2, B3, etc.) are generally more extensive than the smaller A-services (A1, A2, A3, etc.). So, if you recall paying a whole lot less for A3 service last year, that’s the reason.
Mercedes-Benz puts a lot of expensive technology, parts, and systems into its vehicles that require diagnostic tools and properly trained people to deal with them. When you pay for a B3 service, part of that cost is for their expertise and for keeping your ride in shape.
Finally, the exclusivity of Mercedes-Benz ownership affects the B service costs. As a luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz has a reputation for excellence in performance, handling, and comfort. The high “exclusivity” that comes with Mercedes-Benz ownership (along with other luxury brands like Audi, BMW, etc.), costs extra. So does the service.
Overall, a B3 service for your Merc may seem expensive, but that’s the price of admission to a luxury brand. Your best bet would be to track down a good mechanic in your area who knows Mercs. You’ll probably end up saving money, and you’ll likely end up with a little less impersonal service.
How Long Does a B3 Service Take?
While the service itself usually takes only 2-3 labor hours, the total time at the shop for a Mercedes B3 service really varies quite a bit by location, time of year, and what you discover and address in the service.
Dealership shops with trained techs and fast-moving systems may actually offer a more rapid experience than independent specialists. On the other hand, independents may price and bill at lower labor rates. A busy spring and fall season may mean longer waits if the shops are overbooked.
How well-staffed a shop also makes a difference – i.e., some garages can simply crunch through work faster with more people handling it. Extra work discovered beyond the basic B3 checklist will also add time.
The B3 service may actually average only 2-3 hours of work, but total time can be well over 3 hours, counting shop delays, busy times of year, and other maintenance discovered and performed.
Can I Do a B3 Service Myself?
Yes, you are able to do a B3 service to your Mercedes. However, there are things to think about before attempting this.
First, be sure that you have the right tools, knowledge, and skills to do the needed tasks. Some parts of this service are novice-friendly (ie, oil change, air filter replacement) and others not so friendly (ie, spark plug replacement, brake fluid change).
To successfully perform all of these tasks, it would help if you understand your car and what each of the parts does. You can do this by checking out model-specific service manuals, learning about the various components from content submitted by users of an automotive forum, or even on YouTube. You can likely find some of this information, even in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Secondly, be aware of the risk you are taking by doing a B3 service yourself. You may easily make a mistake and actually damage your car if you aren’t careful, or if you don’t know what you’re doing.
Finally, understand how this might affect the warranty on your vehicle. Read the terms and conditions in your car’s warranty carefully so you know for sure what will happen if you do the service yourself. In some instances, they may void this warranty if the service is not being done by a professional authorized to do so.
So, while B3 service is certainly possible for the do-it-yourselfer, you’ll need to think about your skills, tools available, and any terms of use that may be affected prior to proceeding. You need to know that you must purchase the parts, so while you WILL save some money, it’s still a Mercedes-Benz, and parts are not exactly cheap.
How to Reset a B3 Service Notification On a Mercedes
If you’ve managed to do all the service items of a B3 service yourself, you’re still going to be left with that pesky B3 service notification on your dash. But it’s easy to reset in most situations.
- Before you commence, ensure that you’re parked up in a safe area and that the engine is turned off.
- Place the ignition in the ON position (one position before you turn the engine on) and ensure your vehicle’s gear is “Park” for auto, or Neutral for manual.
- Hit the left arrow button on the left side of your steering wheel a few times until you see the B3 service message showing on the instrument cluster.
- Once the B3 service message is showing on the dash, press the phone button which looks like a telephone receiver along with the OK button and hold for around 5 seconds and the message will disappear – your service indicator is reset!
The reset procedure above may not work on your particular vehicle and in that situation you’re likely going to need to get a diagnostic tool to reset.