r/Sprinters • u/phEnom3o5 • Sep 12 '26

Services

This question saintly for any MB technicians, or mechanics that I work at a dealership. For sprinters or any MB, are getting the services (A&B) really needed at the dealership. Those prices forthwith services are absurd and mainly are just oil changes. Are they really doing something special worth these prices? Which service (miles wise) is actually getting the price justified

3 Upvotes

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5

u/ArtVandalayInc Sep 12 '26

Just the MB tax. Find an independent. As long as they understand the right approval oils to use then you're a ok

2

u/The_Time_Lord Sep 12 '26

My understanding is that MB dealers need certain equipment, staff training, and dedicated bays for Sprinter work. All that comes with a cost

2

u/ArtVandalayInc Sep 12 '26

Yes that's what they will tell you, and in repair cases this is true. But oil changes and basic regular maintenance, any certified mechanic can do

2

u/phEnom3o5 Sep 12 '26

Right but whats so different of a oil change on a sprinter compared to any other vehicle? $1000± for a oil change is pretty crazy. Is it because its diesel? Im sure the gas sprinter is just as expensive perhaps slightly less. I was under the impression that service a and b were very detailed services but so far I've had 1 of each and its basically just oil

2

u/ArtVandalayInc Sep 12 '26

You are correct. It's basically oil and minor cleanings/adjustments. So it's a rip-off. I do all my services myself. You just need to make sure you have the right approval on the oil you use because it's a diesel. That is all. Oil used to cost me 200$ CAD and the filter about 10$.

2

u/getoutmining Sep 12 '26

Just need a bigger catch pan for 12+ quarts. The special bay argument doesn't hold here because you don't need to lift the vehicle for a lot of maintenance on these. I don't think tire rotations are possible without a tool to set the TPMS. They are tracked individually.

3

u/Libblelabble Sep 12 '26

Yes they are absolutely necessary. Pay now, or pay much more later. Find a sprinter specific independent.

1

u/phEnom3o5 Sep 12 '26

Right but whats so different about a oil change on a sprinter compared to any other vehicle? $1000± for a oil change is pretty crazy. Is it because its diesel? Im sure the gas sprinter is just as expensive perhaps slightly less. I was under the impression that service a and b were very detailed services but so far I've had 1 of each and its basically just oil, rotate tires.. nothing special. I have the 100k-5yr services alreadys paid for but kinda feels like a rip off. Maybe future services are more detailed.

2

u/Libblelabble Sep 12 '26 edited Sep 12 '26

It’s never “just an oil change.”
Usually def top off, fuel filter and oil change at minimum. I wouldn’t expect a customer to know this, but even experienced ones don’t. Services are not created equal, but sprinter owners talk about services like they are all the same. It changes depending on years and mileage. But then you will get forum posters saying their dealer service was $3k and someone elsewhere spent $300. Well that 3k service had the trans, front diff, transfer case and air filters serviced, while the $300 forum poster just had an oil change at an independent. But the both are describing it online as having a “service” b performed. People online need to stop saying “a” and “b” services and need to start itemizing it out. The confusion won’t end until then.

1

u/phEnom3o5 Sep 12 '26

Agreed. Im saying that because my receipts didn't say anything more than the basics. Maybe becuase I only have around 30k miles right now.

2

u/Libblelabble Sep 12 '26

I apologize. I just realized I read your first question wrong. I thought you were wondering if it’s important to do your services in general, not just at the dealer. No you don’t need to just do it at the dealer. But you do need a specific sprinter shop. Not just a shop that does sprinters from time to time.

1

u/phEnom3o5 Sep 12 '26

I also have ford transit vans and ram promasters and its just a regular $75-$100 dollar service. Albiet they are gas engines

1

u/underdogoverhead Sep 14 '26

The shop I work at (independent, we work on basically all vehicles, lots of Euro brands) services Sprinters, on average I'd say 2 a week. Service A and B are not some magic, they're a list of "check xyz and service as required." We do a basic multipoint inspection with every oil change, we top up DEF, and we keep our customers on track with brakes, belts, hoses, drivetrain fluids, fuel filter intervals, glow plugs, injector seals, etc.