Mercedes oil changes are expensive because Mercedes vehicles require fully synthetic oil, more quarts of oil, and service of additional engine components compared to regular vehicles. Mercedes dealerships also charge higher hourly labor rates and have shorter factory-recommended service intervals, while the Mercedes "tax" cynically pads costs further through inflated pricing. Overall, the sophisticated engineering of Mercedes cars necessitates more intricate, and therefore costlier, maintenance.
If you’ve ever taken your Mercedes in for routine maintenance like an oil change, you’ve probably walked out with a bit less “change” in your pocket than expected. Mercedes-Benz vehicles are notorious for having really expensive oil changes and service costs overall. But why exactly are Mercedes oil changes so pricey compared to other cars? There are a few key reasons why maintaining a Mercedes costs a premium.
Top 10 Reasons Mercedes Oil Changes Are So Expensive
1. They use full synthetic oil
Unlike conventional oils, the fully synthetic oil used in Mercedes engines is made from refined base oils and special additives to create premium oil that flows better when cold, retains its viscosity when hot, cleans better, and generally lasts longer.
But this specially engineered synthetic oil contains more advanced chemicals and additive packages that cost much more per quart than conventional motor oils, driving up the total cost of a Mercedes oil change.
2. More quarts of oil required
Many Mercedes engines, especially higher-performance AMG models, simply require more quarts of oil than the average car due to larger oil pans and engine capacity. The more total oil needed, the more it adds to the final bill.
Plus, labor rates still apply for the longer oil drain and refill time, as the technician has to expend more effort to replace the extra oil.
3. Low-clearance engines cost more in labor
Some Mercedes vehicles have such tightly packed and cramped engine compartments that it becomes very challenging for technicians to conveniently access critical components like oil filters, drain plugs, and fill points.
All the extra labor disassembling components just to reach these maintenance items means more hours spent per job, hiking up total labor time and service charges.
4. Extra engine components require service
Beyond just the oil itself, Mercedes techs must replace specialized oil filters and service additional components like PCV valves, automated oil cooler systems, and new sensor units that other makes do not have. All these extras add up parts and labor costs.
5. Required computer resets and updates
Resetting the Mercedes service reminder system after an oil change as well as updating the electronic service records and digital maintenance logs are just bonus charges that other makes do not require. While maybe trivial, these small added-up tasks increase costs.
6. Dealership labor rates are sky-high
Even simple jobs end up costing a bundle when done at the Mercedes dealership due to very high hourly technician labor rates, often over $200 per hour! While independent shops can trim standard service bills somewhat, dealership rates make everything drastically more pricey by default.
7. Strict factory service intervals
Mercedes-Benz does not let engines go as long between oil changes as some competitors recommend. Short 6,000-10,000-mile oil change intervals mean you’re back in the service bay more often investing in routine upkeep. More frequent maintenance means more frequent costs.
8. High part prices
Genuine Mercedes engine parts, fluids, filters and components do not come cheap! And while lower-quality aftermarket components can trim costs a little, they aren’t always ideal for these demanding and precise engines. So you’re stuck having to pay the premium or risk issues down the road.
9. Complex AWD/4MATIC systems
Mercedes models equipped with advanced all-wheel-drive systems like 4MATIC have more drivetrain components including additional gearboxes, transfer cases, driveshafts and lubricated parts to consider. This hiking up service complexity for more complete fluid changes and maintenance.
10. The Mercedes “Tax”
Some cynics complain that Mercedes dealers purposefully inflate costs on routine repairs and maintenance far above normal rates in order to fund finance incentives on new car sales and pad overall dealership profits. There may be some truth to getting stuck paying a “Mercedes Tax” on basic services like oil changes.
FAQS.
Are Mercedes oil changes good?
Yes, Mercedes oil changes are very good because they replace high quality fully synthetic oil and filter that keep the engine running cleanly while servicing many components. This comprehensive service protects the precision engine.
Are Mercedes oil changes worth the price?
The premium pricing draws criticism, but properly caring for complex Mercedes engines requires high-end fluids, factory filters, and dealer computer resets to give the best performance and reliability, so the cost is justified.
Where to buy Mercedes oil changes?
Mercedes dealerships are equipped to handle oil service using factory required parts, tools and scan equipment, though independent European specialty shops offer savings on labor rates with nearly equivalent quality, minus some computer resets.