Mercedes A0 Service: Meaning, Price and Checklist (2025)
As a Mercedes owner, you will probably encounter a “Service A0” message on your dashboard.
But what exactly does that mean?
In this article, we’ll explore what the A0 service involves and what you can expect when it’s time for your car to visit the garage.
Quick Answer: Mercedes A0 Service Explained
A Mercedes A0 Service includes a motor oil and filter replacement, fluid level checks and top-ups, tire inflation checks, sunroof cleaning and lubrication, and more. It is due after the first 10,000 miles or 1 year, after which it’s repeated at a 20,000-mile or 2-year interval.
What is a Mercedes A0 service?
A Mercedes A0 Service is a minor service that is part of the Mercedes-Benz maintenance system.
During an A0 service, technicians will replace your car’s engine oil and oil filter, check the tire pressure, and inspect the brake system, among other things.
An A0 Service is required for Mercedes models from 2009 or newer. The service is due after the first 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. The A0 Service is then repeated at a 20,000-mile or 2-year interval:
The “A” in A0 indicates a more basic package of maintenance tasks. This is the first tier in Mercedes’ two-tier system, with “B” being the next level.
The “0” following the “A” ensures that on top of the regular “A” maintenance tasks, your Mercedes will get sunroof cleaning and lubrication, as well as a spark plug change for select models.
What’s included in the Mercedes A0 service? (checklist)
Here is a detailed overview of what a Mercedes A0 service includes:
1. Motor oil replacement
First, the old engine oil is replaced with fresh Mercedes-Benz-approved motor oil.
This keeps the engine running efficiently and reduces wear and tear.
2. Oil filter replacement
Along with the oil change, the oil filter is replaced.
This keeps your engine oil clean longer, capturing dirt and debris before they can harm your engine.
3. Fluid level checks and top-ups
All the essential fluids that keep your car’s systems running smoothly are checked and topped off if necessary.
This includes:
- Windshield washer system fluid level.
- Brake system fluid level.
- The coolant level in the coolant expansion tank.
4. Tire inflation check and correction
Proper tire inflation is key to ensuring your safety on the road, as well as optimizing fuel efficiency and tire lifespan.
During the A0 service, the technician will check the pressure in all tires and adjust them to the correct levels. Generally, the tire pressure should be between 32-36 PSI.
The A0 service also includes checks for:
- The condition and tread depth of the tires.
- The tire inflation of the spare tire.
- The expiration date of the TIREFIT sealant.
- The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Damages and cracks in the tires.
5. Brake component inspection
The brakes are one of the most important safety systems in your car.
The A0 service includes thoroughly inspecting the brake pads, brake pad sensors, linings, rotors, and fluid to ensure everything is in working order.
6. Various visual checks
The A0 service also includes various visual checks. Here is a complete checklist:
- Check warning and function indicator lamps in the instrument cluster.
- Check the illumination of the instrument cluster and interior lighting for correct function.
- Check the horn for correct function.
- Check trunk/cargo compartment lighting for correct function.
- Check the vehicle’s exterior for damage in visible area.
- Check the windshield for damage.
- Check the wiper blades.
- Check the first aid kit expiration date.
- Replace the dust filter (select models).
- Clean the visible area of the water deflector (select models).
- Check all visible parts in the engine compartment for damage and leaks (select models).
- Check poly-V-belt for wear in visible areas (select models).
- Check the parking brake (select models).
- Check all visible components on the vehicle underside for leaks and damages (select models).
- Check the condition of the steering system and tie rods (select models).
- Check the condition of the front and rear axle and the front and rear axle ball joints (select models).
- Check the condition of the spring strut or shock absorber and spring (select models).
- Check the charging cable and vehicle socket for damage (select models).
7. Sunroof cleaning and lubrication & changing spark plugs
This is the special addition to the service that is indicated by the “0” after the “A.”
If your Mercedes comes with a sunroof, the A0 service includes cleaning and lubricating its mechanisms to ensure smooth operation. Additionally, for certain models, spark plug service is also performed.
8. Maintenance counter reset
Finally, after all the checks and services are complete, the maintenance counter in your vehicle’s dashboard is reset.
How much is a Mercedes A0 service?
The cost of a Mercedes A0 service generally costs from $250 to $400 at a Mercedes dealership, including labor and parts.
If you go to an independent garage, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $250 for an A0 service.
The exact cost of a Mercedes A0 service depends on your service location and specific Mercedes model.
How do you reset the Mercedes A0 service?
After completing an A0 service, the final step is to reset the service indicator.
Here’s a guide on how to reset the Mercedes A0 service indicator:
- Start by sitting in the driver’s seat with the doors closed and the ignition turned off.
- Press the start/stop button once to turn on the ignition but do not start the engine. In models with a key, turn it to position 1 (first click) to power the vehicle’s electronics.
- Locate the buttons on the steering wheel that navigate the instrument cluster menu. These are typically found on the left side of the steering wheel.
- Use the up/down arrows to display the mileage on your dashboard.
- On the steering wheel, press and hold the “Phone” button, then after 1-2 seconds, press and hold the “OK” button (still together with the “Phone” button) until you see a “Vehicle Data” menu.
- Navigate to the “Assyst Plus” menu and hit “OK.”
- Select the service you need to reset (in this case, the A0 service) by using the arrow keys or scrolling buttons.
- Press and hold the OK or reset button until you see a confirmation message indicating that the service indicator has been reset. This usually takes a few seconds.
- Turn off the ignition or press the start/stop button to turn off the vehicle.
Overview of Mercedes A & B services
Mercedes-Benz uses maintenance codes to indicate specific service needs.
The most common codes are a combination of A/B and a number from 0 to 9.
The number after the A or B indicates an additional maintenance task that should be added to the service.
Here is a complete overview:
- Mercedes A0 Service or B0 Service. Add sunroof cleaning and lubrication (if applicable) and spark plug service for select models.
- Mercedes A1 Service or B1 Service. Add brake fluid replacement.
- Mercedes A2 Service or B2 Service. Add brake fluid replacement and sunroof cleaning and lubrication.
- Mercedes A3 Service or B3 Service. Add air filter replacement and spark plug service.
- Mercedes A4 Service or B4 Service. Add air filter replacement, spark plug service, and sunroof cleaning and lubrication.
- Mercedes A5 Service or B5 Service. Add air filter replacement, spark plug service, and brake fluid replacement.
- Mercedes A6 Service or B6 Service. Add air filter replacement, spark plug service, brake fluid replacement, and sunroof cleaning and lubrication.
- Mercedes A7 Service or B7 Service. Add automatic transmission oil replacement and transmission filter replacement.
- Mercedes A8 Service or B8 Service. Add automatic transmission oil replacement, transmission filter replacement, and sunroof cleaning and lubrication.
- Mercedes A9 Service or B9 Service. Add automatic transmission oil replacement, transmission filter replacement, and brake fluid replacement.
What is the difference between Mercedes A and B services?
Mercedes-Benz’s maintenance schedule includes two primary service types: Service A and Service B.
The main difference between a Mercedes A Service and a B Service is that an A Service includes basic tasks like oil changes, oil filter replacements, and tire pressure checks, while a B Service includes extra tasks on top of the A Service tasks, including a cabin dust filter replacement and brake fluid exchange.
Service B is due for the first time at 20,000 miles or 2 years after purchase and recurs every 20,000 miles or 2 years, alternating with Service A.
Conclusion
So, next time that A0 service indicator lights up on your Mercedes dashboard, you’ll know exactly what it means and why it’s important.
Thank you for sticking with us through this guide. We hope it has been helpful!