Mercedes C43 AMG W205 Maintenance Guide

The Mercedes C-Class C43 W205, introduced in 2016, offers a blend of performance and luxury, powered by the 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine. Maintaining this vehicle correctly is essential for ensuring its longevity, performance, and reliability. In this guide, we’ll cover key maintenance tasks, service intervals, and tips for owners of the 2016+ C43 W205, helping you keep your car in optimal condition.

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Understanding the Mercedes-Benz Service Schedule

Mercedes-Benz vehicles follow a structured service schedule that is divided into two types: A Services and B Services. These services are performed at regular intervals based on either time or mileage, whichever comes first.

• A Service: This is the basic service, typically consisting of an oil change, a check of fluid levels, brakes, and general inspection of the car's condition.
• B Service: This service is more comprehensive and includes everything from the A Service, along with additional checks, such as air filter replacements and tyre inspections.

Service Intervals

Mercedes-Benz recommends that the C43 W205 undergoes an A Service and a B Service at the following intervals:

• A Service: Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 1 year, whichever comes first.
• B Service: Every 20,000 miles (32,000 km) or 2 years, whichever comes first.

This service schedule is crucial for maintaining the car’s engine health, performance, and overall functionality. Let’s break down the individual services in more detail.

A Service (10,000 miles / 16,000 km or 1 year)

The A Service is a relatively basic maintenance check designed to ensure that the engine and other essential components are in good condition. Typical tasks involved in the A Service include:

1. Oil and Oil Filter Change: Fresh oil is essential for maintaining engine health. The oil filter will also be replaced to ensure that impurities do not enter the engine.
2. Fluid Levels Check: This includes checking and topping up engine coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and power steering fluid as necessary.
3. Brake Inspection: The brake pads and discs are checked for wear. If necessary, they will be replaced.
4. Tire Inspection: The condition of the tires, including tread depth and pressure, is checked.
5. General Inspection: A full vehicle inspection is carried out to check the condition of belts, hoses, and overall vehicle performance.

B Service (20,000 miles / 32,000 km or 2 years)

The B Service is a more thorough checkup, typically performed every second A Service. In addition to the tasks performed during the A Service, the B Service includes:

1. Air Filter Replacement: The engine air filter is checked and replaced if necessary, to ensure clean air is supplied to the engine.
2. Cabin Air Filter Replacement: This filter is important for maintaining air quality within the cabin and ensuring the air conditioning system operates efficiently. Check out the K&N Lifetime Washable Cabin Air Filter here!
3. Brake Fluid Change: Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can lead to decreased braking performance. Replacing the brake fluid at regular intervals ensures the braking system performs at its best.
4. Spark Plug Check: The condition of the spark plugs is assessed. If they are worn or damaged, they are replaced to maintain optimal engine performance.
5. Comprehensive Vehicle Check: This includes checking the suspension, steering, and exhaust system, ensuring everything is functioning correctly.

Common Maintenance Concerns for the C43 W205

While the Mercedes C-Class C43 W205 is a reliable car, there are a few common issues that owners should be aware of:

1. Turbocharger Issues: As with any turbocharged engine, the turbo can be subject to wear over time. Regular oil changes and ensuring the correct oil grade is used will help maintain the health of the turbo.
2. Brakes: The performance-oriented nature of the C43 means that brake components can wear faster, especially if the car is driven aggressively. Regular brake checks and early replacement of pads and discs are crucial.
3. Electrical Systems: The C43 W205 is equipped with advanced electronics, and occasional issues with sensors or the infotainment system can arise. These are often software-related and can be resolved during service visits.
4. Suspension: While generally durable, the suspension components may experience wear, especially if the vehicle is driven on rough roads. Ensuring the suspension is regularly inspected can prevent larger issues down the line.

Fluid Checks and Replacements

Regular fluid checks and replacements are vital to keep your C43 running smoothly. Besides oil changes, make sure to keep track of the following fluids:

• Coolant: Mercedes recommends checking the coolant level regularly and replacing it every 2 years (approximately 20,000 miles or 32,000 km).
• Transmission Fluid: While the C43 features a sealed transmission, it's essential to check the transmission fluid at service intervals to ensure it remains at the correct level.
• Brake Fluid: Replace brake fluid every 2 years to maintain braking efficiency.

Tires and Alignment

Tire maintenance is important for both performance and safety. The C43 is a performance car, so ensuring that the tires are in good condition and have the correct pressure is essential. Regularly check for uneven wear, as this can indicate an alignment issue. It's also a good idea to rotate the tires during service intervals to ensure even wear.

Conclusion

Owning a Mercedes-Benz C-Class C43 W205 means that regular maintenance is key to ensuring the vehicle's longevity and performance. Following the prescribed A and B service schedule, along with addressing common issues like turbocharger health, brake maintenance, and fluid replacements, will help keep your car running smoothly. Stay on top of these tasks, and your C43 will continue to provide the performance and luxury it was designed for.

By adhering to the recommended service intervals of 10,000 miles (16,000 km) for A Services and 20,000 miles (32,000 km) for B Services, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your C43 in top condition for years to come.