Mercedes A1 Service [Cost & What’s Included]

Many people dream of owning a Mercedes, but maintaining one can be a costly endeavor. If you see a message like “Service A1 Due” on your dashboard, you might be wondering what exactly the service entails and how much it will cost.

Mercedes A1 Service [Cost & What’s Included]

The following article will show you everything you need to know about this specific maintenance routine, including which tasks are included, how much it will cost, when it should be done, and whether or not you should do it yourself.


What Is a Mercedes A1 Service?

Mercedes-Benz’s A1 service is one of the key components of the company’s comprehensive maintenance program. Keep your new Mercedes running like new with the very first scheduled service.

What Is a Mercedes A1 Service

As part of the Flexible Service System, you can customize maintenance based on the number of miles you drive and the length of the drive. As you may have guessed, the A1 is a core service designed to maintain the pristine condition of your Mercedes. In comparison to B-services, the A1 offers fluid checks, component inspections, and replacements that optimize performance.


When Should an A1 Service Be Done?

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are scheduled for their first routine maintenance service, the A1 service. An inspection is recommended approximately every 10,000 miles or 12 months of the vehicle’s life. FSS determines the actual timing, so two different vehicles may have different due dates.

When Should an A1 Service Be Done?

You don’t need to worry if you don’t remember exactly when your next A1 service is due. In your Mercedes, you will see notifications like “A1 Service Due,” “A1 Service in X Days,” “A1 Service Exceeded by X Days,” and “Service Code: A1” when it is time for your service. You don’t need to keep track of it yourself.


What Does an A1 Service Include?

In addition to standard “A” service tasks, the Mercedes A1 Service also includes a Mercedes A1 specific service item. Listed below are those items along with their reasons for being needed.

What Does an A1 Service Include?

Replace Brake Fluid (A1 Specific)

A1 service includes replacing the brake fluid as a key component. As brake fluid ages, it becomes contaminated and absorbs moisture, which can decrease its performance. In extreme cases, poor braking, inconsistent pedal feel, and complete brake failure can result from not changing the brake fluid on a regular basis.

Keeping your Mercedes running smoothly is the reason why fluid replacement is part of the comprehensive A1 maintenance schedule.

Replace Synthetic Motor Oil (Standard A-Service)

A full synthetic engine oil replacement is a standard feature of any “A” or “B” service. Without compromising lubrication or performance, premium synthetic oils resist breakdown for far longer than conventional oils and can be used until B1 service is due, or for 10,000 miles.

Over time and usage, even high quality oils gradually lose their lubricating properties, so keeping to Mercedes’ specified oil change intervals is important. It is still necessary to check synthetic oil periodically as part of routine maintenance even though it remains effective for a much longer period of time than conventional oils.

Replace Oil Filter (Standard A-Service)

Mercedes technicians will replace the OEM oil filter during the A1 service along with the engine oil change. It is essential to keep the oil filter clean in order to prevent contaminants and debris from building up in it over time.

It is important to maintain a fresh oil filter in order to allow clean oil to circulate through the engine without being impeded. Keeping the synthetic oil lubricated longer between changes helps maintain its properties.

Check Fluid Levels (Standard A-Service)

It is important that vital fluids such as transmission, coolant, power steering, brake, and washer fluid be checked and topped up as part of the A1 service. It is essential to maintain proper fluid levels under the hood in order to maintain safe, efficient operation and to maintain proper cooling and lubrication of critical components.

Check Tire Pressure (Standard A-Service)

During the A1 service, Mercedes recommends proper tire inflation pressures for all tires, including the spare. A properly inflated tire improves fuel efficiency, increases handling and traction, and reduces the chance of tire failure. Underinflated or overinflated tires wear out quicker, lose fuel efficiency, reduce handling and traction, and are more likely to fail.

It is still important to perform manual inspections with an accurate tire gauge even when tire pressure monitoring systems are used to alert drivers to issues. As well as having your tires serviced annually, it is important to check the pressure of your tires every month.

Check Brake Components (Standard A-Service)

Mercedes technicians carry out a thorough inspection of the brakes as part of this service. During this inspection, your vehicle’s brake pads, rotors, calipers, and other components will be thoroughly examined.

As part of the brake check, the technician will look for abnormal wear, damage, or any braking issues that may affect brake performance.


Mercedes A1 Service Checklist (At-a-Glance)

ServiceStandard A ServiceA1-Specific Service
Brake Fluid ReplacementX
Synthetic Oil ChangeX
Oil Filter ReplacementX
Check FluidsX
Check Tire PressureX
Check Brake ComponentsX
Maintenance Service Counter ResetX

Mercedes A1 Service Cost

There might be a question in your mind as to how much it costs to get an A1 service on your Mercedes. You may have to pay different prices depending on where you take it. In addition to Mercedes dealerships, independent mechanics and friends/family recommendations are also options.

What Is a Mercedes A1 Service?

On average, an A1 service at a Mercedes dealership will cost between $300 and 600 dollars. You will have to check your local area and the specific Mercedes model to find out the exact cost. The best way to find the best price is to get quotes from multiple shops.

The rates charged by independent mechanics are usually lower than those charged by dealers. Be sure to pick a shop that specializes in Mercedes or German cars, ideally one that has a good reputation and knows Mercedes maintenance. You may save money by taking the car to a local shop, but your warranty may be voided if you do not go to a dealer.


Why Is an A1 Service So Expensive?

In spite of “A” Mercedes services costing around half as much as “B” Mercedes services, owners have often been surprised at the cost of Mercedes services.

In spite of this, the cost of these vehicles reflects their sophistication. There is a lot of technology and high-end parts in Mercedes machines, making them complex machines. In order for them to be properly maintained, experts with specialized tools are needed.

Why Is an A1 Service So Expensive?

By performing a comprehensive inspection and service on critical systems, the A1 goes beyond the basics. The expertise and care that your Mercedes receives ensures that it runs efficiently and lasts for a long time.

As well as reflecting the Mercedes brand, the premium pricing is also reflective of the product. It is the hallmark of Mercedes to provide unbeatable quality, innovation, and prestige as a luxury automaker. The cost of service is a reflection of this exclusive ownership experience.

The A1 service is not cheap, but it’s necessary to protect your investment and maintain the Mercedes driving experience, as it’s the same for brands like Audi and BMW. You should always remember that it could be worse. If you want to know what Porsche owners think, just ask them.


How Long Does an A1 Service Take?

Mercedes dealerships or independent shops typically offer A1 service within one hour of an appointment. However, several factors can influence the total amount of time needed:

  • Location – Dealerships may offer faster service due to high volumes, while independent shops are generally less expensive.
  • Season – During the spring and fall months, there will be a longer wait time.
  • Additional repairs needed – Each additional task takes time. It is unlikely that you will have to do any additional maintenance at this point since you should only have about 10k miles on your car.
  • Shop efficiency – Large shops with well-trained employees can complete jobs more efficiently.

In spite of the fact that the A1 service alone takes about one hour to complete, delays at the shop, busy seasons, and any additional repairs that may need to be performed can easily cause the total time to increase to two hours or more. A variety of factors can influence total time spent at a service center, including the time of year, the staffing level, and your luck with no additional needs.


Can I Do an A1 Service Myself?

If you have performed simple car maintenance yourself before, an A1 service on your Mercedes-Benz may seem appealing. There is no doubt that this is the easiest scheduled service out of all the ones. You should carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages before you begin.

In addition to oil and filters, some A1 service items like brake fluid require special tools and expertise. To determine whether you are capable of carrying out the full job, conduct thorough research.

Such a complex vehicle could cost you dearly if you make a mistake. To ensure that you thoroughly understand every step of the service process, arm yourself with a good repair manual and some specific YouTube videos.

Can I Do an A1 Service Myself?

You should also verify that DIY servicing will not void your warranty, as some need to be done by a mechanic who is an authorized service provider. Keeping your eyes open for the fine print can save you money in the long run.

It won’t significantly reduce costs to purchase genuine Mercedes parts on your own, so keep the potential savings in perspective. It is also important to remember that your time is valuable.

If you are careful, confident, and realistic about your abilities, it is feasible to undertake an A1 service yourself. In any case, you should be cautious about performing extensive maintenance on a high-performance vehicle if you don’t have experience since botching the basics is an expensive rookie mistake. Don’t exceed your limits.


How to Reset an A1 Service Notification On a Mercedes

Do you still have that annoying message “A1 Service Exceeded by XX Days” on your dashboard? No matter if you performed the service yourself or the shop forgot to reset it, you can resolve the issue with a few simple steps.

  • In order to begin, park your car securely, turn off the engine, and put it into park (automatic) or neutral (manual).
  • Find the left arrow button by the steering wheel while the ignition is on but the engine is off. You need to tap on it until you see the A1 notice.
  • In the alert window, hold down the phone button for about five seconds while hitting OK.
  • Once the A1 message has disappeared, the system will be reset to factory settings.

It is likely that you will need a scan tool if that does not work. The system is reset with this little routine, and the old A1 notice is no longer displayed until after the next service.

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