Mercedes A3 Service: Meaning, Price and Checklist

Mercedes A3 Service: Meaning, Price and Checklist (2025)

Are you seeing a “Service A3 Overdue” message on your Mercedes dashboard?

If so, you’re probably wondering what it means.

In this article, I will explain what the A3 service involves.

Quick Answer: Mercedes A3 Service Explained

A Mercedes A3 Service includes a motor oil and filter replacement, fluid level checks and top-ups, tire inflation checks, air filter replacement, and a spark plug service. 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 A3 service?

A Mercedes A3 Service is a minor service that is part of the Mercedes-Benz maintenance system.

During an A3 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 A3 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 A3 Service is then repeated at a 20,000-mile or 2-year interval:

Mercedes recommended Service A interval.

The “A” in A3 indicates a more basic package of maintenance tasks. This is the first tier in Mercedes’ two-tier system, with “B” being the second tier.

The “3” following the “A” ensures that on top of the regular “A” maintenance tasks, your Mercedes will get an air filter replacement and spark plug service.

What’s included in the Mercedes A3 service? (checklist)

Here is a detailed overview of what a Mercedes A3 service includes:

1. Motor oil replacement

First, the old engine oil is replaced with fresh Mercedes-Benz-approved motor oil.

Mercedes Genuine Engine 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.

Mercedes Engine Oil Filter replacement

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:

Mercedes adding coolant

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 A3 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 A3 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 A3 service includes thoroughly inspecting the brake pads, brake pad sensors, linings, rotors, and fluid to ensure everything is in working order.

Mercedes new vs. worn brake pads

6. Various visual checks

The A3 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. Air filter replacement

The air filter replacement is the special addition to the service that is indicated by the “3” after the “A.”

Over time, an air filter gets dirty and should be replaced.

Mercedes dirty air filter

Mercedes recommends replacing the air filter every 30,000 to 45,000 miles.

If an air filter is not replaced, it could cause fault codes like P0101 and, in extreme cases, can even cause your Mercedes to enter limp mode.

8. Spark plug service

Replacing the spark plugs is also unique to the Mercedes A3 service.

Spark plugs create a small electrical spark that ignites the fuel in your engine’s combustion chamber. They should be replaced every 30,000 miles.

A row of firing spark plugs - illustration

If spark plugs are not replaced, their performance can decrease, which could cause engine misfires. In extreme cases, bad spark plugs can even prevent your Mercedes from starting.

9. 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 A3 service?

The cost of a Mercedes A3 service generally costs from $350 to $500 at a Mercedes dealership, including labor and parts.

If you go to an independent garage, you can expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $300 for an A3 service.

The exact cost of a Mercedes A3 service depends on your service location and specific Mercedes model.

How do you reset the Mercedes A3 service?

After completing an A3 service, the final step is to reset the service indicator.

Here’s a guide on how to reset the Mercedes A3 service indicator:

  1. Start by sitting in the driver’s seat with the doors closed and the ignition turned off.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Use the up/down arrows to display the mileage on your dashboard.
  5. 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.
  6. Navigate to the “Assyst Plus” menu and hit “OK.”
  7. Select the service you need to reset (in this case, the A3 service) by using the arrow keys or scrolling buttons.
  8. 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.
  9. 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 A3 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!

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One Comment

  1. Time to update the the of the service. The sparkplugs alone were $300. The total was a little over $2,000, and $1,200 of that was labor. This is in Austin, TX.

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