Mercedes Maintenance: The Difference Between A and B Services

Learn about Mercedes-Benz Service A and Service B. Discover when to get each, what they include, and how they maintain your vehicle’s health and performance.

To help maintain the performance, luxury, and reliability of your Mercedes-Benz, it’s essential to follow Mercedes-Benz’s factory-recommended service intervals, which alternate between Service A and Service B. But when does each service need to be completed, and how can you be sure you’re scheduling the right one? 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about Mercedes-Benz maintenance schedules. We’ll compare Mercedes-Benz A Service vs. B Service, break down their key components, and give guidelines on when to schedule each. 

What Is Mercedes-Benz Service A?

Service A is the first service Mercedes-Benz vehicles undergo, and it includes these crucial annual preventative maintenance procedures: 

• Synthetic motor oil replacement
• Engine oil filter replacement
• Comprehensive fluid level checks and corrections
• Tire pressure check and correction
• Brake component inspection
• Reset maintenance counter

You should bring your Mercedes in for its first Service A at about 10,000 miles or one year — whichever comes first. After that, you should schedule Service A every 20,000 miles or 2 years. 

How Does Service A Help Keep Your Mercedes in Top Condition? 

Service A covers your major annual necessities. Each procedure in Service A is crucial to your Mercedes’ long-term performance and longevity. Here’s why: 

• Engine oil and filter replacement keep your engine lubricated and clean, which extends its life. 
• Fluid level checks and corrections help maintain optimal brake, cooling, and transmission system performance. 
• Tire pressure checks and corrections help improve fuel efficiency, extend tire life, and ensure a luxurious ride. 
• Brake component inspections are vital for safety, helping catch wear before it can affect braking performance. 
• Maintenance counter resets help track factory-recommended service intervals. 

What Is B Service on a Mercedes-Benz? 

Service B includes everything Service A does, but adds a few procedures that don’t need to be done as often as those included in Service A, like brake fluid exchanges and cabin air filter replacements, as you can see below:  

• Synthetic motor oil replacement
• Engine oil filter replacement
• Comprehensive fluid level checks and corrections
• Tire pressure check and correction
• Brake component inspection
• Brake fluid exchange
• Cabin dust/combination filter replacement
• Engine air filter replacement for certain models
• Maintenance counter reset

Your Mercedes’ first B Service should be completed around 20,000 miles, or 1 year after your last A Service — whichever comes first. After that, it should be done every subsequent 20,000 miles.

How Does Service B Help Keep Your Mercedes in Peak Condition? 

In addition to the procedures from Service A that help keep your Mercedes healthy, Service B throws in a brake fluid exchange and cabin air filter replacement. Here’s why they’re important: 

• Brake fluid exchanges are crucial to your Mercedes’ performance, as old or contaminated fluid can reduce braking efficiency and place you in potentially dangerous situations. 
• Cabin air filter replacements help improve the air quality inside your vehicle by trapping dust, pollen, and other airborne particles. Filter replacement is also critical to ensuring that debris doesn’t affect your HVAC system’s performance or longevity. 

Service A/Service B Mercedes Recommended Maintenance Intervals

Decoding manufacturer lingo like “20,000 miles or 2 years — whichever comes first” can be daunting — especially when you have two different types of service to juggle. For a more intuitive breakdown of when to schedule which service, see the chart below. 

In Need of Mercedes A or B Service? 

Keeping up with your Mercedes-Benz Service A and Service B is key to its longevity and performance. These scheduled services help ensure that every component of your vehicle is maintained to the highest standard. At Ed Hicks Imports, our certified technicians are ready to provide the care your car needs, from routine maintenance to more comprehensive checks. Schedule your Service A or B today, and let us help you keep your Mercedes-Benz in peak condition.