Mercedes A3 Service: Checklist, Maintenance Cost & Code Info

Is your vehicle’s dashboard illuminating the message “Mercedes A3 Service”? Are you concerned about what this notification means and why it appears?

The Mercedes is undoubtedly one of the world’s leading automobiles, providing luxury, durability, and performance in a packet. Their vehicles are famous for their outstanding manufacturing and advanced technology features. But keep maintaining that brilliance; regular maintenance is the key.

A3 Service is essential to maintaining vehicle longevity, efficiency, and safety among all other maintenance schedules. In this article, I’ll explain everything you need about Service A3, including items in the checklist, costs, and benefits.

What Is Mercedes A3 Service?

Service A3 on Mercedes-Benz is a maintenance schedule designed to ensure your car’s efficiency and performance as it ages. It is a more advanced version of essential Service A, which measures your car’s specific needs for maintaining its health.

In the A3 maintenance code, the letter “A” refers to the oil and filter change, tire inspection and rotation, and fluid checks, while the letter “3” stands for the spark plug and cabin air filter replacement.

What Is Included In Service A3 Mercedes-Benz?

The items that are included in the A3 service are as follows:

Oil And Filter Replacement

Oil and filter changes are the foundation of most service packages and A3 Service. Oil reduces the friction between the moving parts and helps to dissipate heat generated by the engine. At the same time, the filter removes contaminants from the engine oil, trapping dirt, metal particles, and other impurities. Replacement of oil and filter ensures the vehicle’s optimal performance.

Brake Examination

Brake safety is paramount, especially from a driving perspective. The Mercedes A3 Service includes a brake examination, during which the technician thoroughly inspects the brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid levels. He then performs repairs and replacements according to the vehicle’s needs to ensure the braking system works in its best condition. 

Fluid Level Checkup

The fluid in vehicles plays a crucial role and serves various purposes. The lubrication, cooling, and power transmission are critical functions of fluid. During Service A3, the checking and refilling of the transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid ensures the vehicle’s longevity.

Tire Rotation And Inspection

Over time, the tire wears or damages unevenly, leading to less effective handling, low fuel efficiency, and decreased safety. During the A3 maintenance, the expert will rotate the tire to ensure even wear and inspect for alignment issues, tread depth, or punctures. 

Electrical System Check

Modern Mercedes vehicles are fully equipped with electrical systems. During maintenance of A3, the main electronic systems, such as the infotainment system, driver-assistance technologies, and lights, are inspected to ensure they are up-to-date with necessary software updates and function correctly. 

Spark Plug Replacement

The spark plug is an essential component that ignites the air-fuel mixture within the combustion chamber, initiating the power-producing process. Replacement of the spark plugs ensures they perform their roles precisely, such as maintaining current flow, spark formation, ignition, and power generation.

AlSO READ: Service A1 Mercedes-Benz: Cost, Checklist & Detailed Guide
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Why Is A3 Service Important For Mercedes?

The A3 maintenance is vital for your vehicle due to several reasons that are listed below: 

• Maintains your vehicle’s performance: By maintaining key elements like the engine, brakes, and fluids, you can ensure that it continues to perform at its peak.
• Prevents expensive repairs: If minor issues like worn brake pads or low oil levels are not addressed and fixed early, they can lead to more costly repairs. Regular A3 service will prevent your car from such problems from escalating.
• Preserve safety: Some service items like brake function and tire condition directly impact safety. This service ensures that you and your car are safe on the road.
• Enhances resale value: Properly and regularly serviced vehicles hold their value better than neglected ones. Buyers appreciate a vehicle in good physical condition, and having a maintenance history also boosts its resale price.

Cost Of A3 Service

$300-$550

The cost of A3 service maintenance can vary depending on the vehicle model, location, and specific needs. However, it typically ranges between $300 and $550 at an independent garage, while you can expect to pay around $500 to $780 at a dealership.

However, additional repairs could increase this cost, and to get accurate estimates, it’s always best to discuss this with your local Mercedes dealership or a certified mechanic.

Mercedes A3 Service Checklist [Detailed]

Here is the a checklist for the A3 service:

How Do I Know When A3 Service Is Due?

A feature system known as Flexible Service System (FSS) is designed in Mercedes-Benz vehicles to track usage and condition of your car. It uses a dashboard message to alert you when a service is due. Moreover, you can also contact your dealership or visit a mechanic shop for the recommended service intervals.

Furthermore, all the services are triggered on the dashbaord after a specific time interval according to your maintenance history. The next services you will performed after A3 will be B3, A4, B4, A5, B5, A6, B6 and so on upto A9 and B9. Here is an expert review on the A series services.

Service A3 Mercedes Vs Other Car Brands

Other luxury automakers like Audi and BMW offer similar maintenance packages, but Mercedes-Benz’s A3 service stands out due to its focus on detail.

• Audi uses a fixed-interval maintenance schedule, typically less customizable to individual vehicle needs than Mercedes’s flexible schedule.
• BMW follows its Condition Based Service (CBS), which is more mileage-based

However, the Mercedes-Benz has more significance because it uses a bespoke service approach that will ensure your vehicle’s exact needs, no more, no less.

How To Reset The Notification Of Service A3 Mercedes?

First, put the transmission in Park, turn your vehicle’s engine off before parking, and then follow the below steps: 

Step 1. Look for the left arrow button on the steering wheel. Ensure the ignition is in the on position, but the engine is off. After tapping it repeatedly, you will see the Mercedes A3 service notification.

Step 2. Press the phone button and OK for around five seconds until the notice disappears. The system will be reset.

If you’re a DIYer and prefer to do repairs, please remember that you may need a diagnostic scanner tool to remove the service notification. 

In A Nutshell

Timely maintenance is the key factor to maintaining a long-lasting, high-performance Mercedes-Benz. Now, you better understand its importance after understanding the A3 service, including components and repair costs. Following the recommended service schedule from Mercedes-Benz ensures the vehicles, safety and efficiency.

Your maintenance minder system alerts you and shows you a message on the dashboard when this service is due. However, immediate action is essential before it’s too late because ignoring or avoiding A3 Service can lead to costly repairs and more critical issues. Consult with your mechanic or dealership is always recommended to get beneficial advice.