Are Mercedes Expensive to Maintain?
Mercedes-Benz models cost over $900 per year to maintain. Prepaid maintenance plans and vehicle service contracts could offset the cost.
Written by Jason Tushinski
Edited by R.E. Fulton
Whether you’ve just bought a brand-new Mercedes-Benz or are eyeing a used car purchase, expect to budget between $1,000 and $1,500 per year for
car repairs
and maintenance.- Mercedes-Benz owners should budget between $1,000 and $1,500 per year for maintenance and repair costs.
- The average annual maintenance cost for a Mercedes-Benz is $908.
- Mercedes owners tend to pay more for upkeep than other luxury vehicle owners.
- Always bring your Mercedes to a qualified repair shop or dealership.
- Mercedes-Benz owners should budget between $1,000 and $1,500 per year for maintenance and repair costs.
- The average annual maintenance cost for a Mercedes-Benz is $908.
- Mercedes owners tend to pay more for upkeep than other luxury vehicle owners.
- Always bring your Mercedes to a qualified repair shop or dealership.
The average Mercedes costs nearly $1,000 per year to maintain
According to experts at RepairPal, Automoblog, and CarEdge, the average Mercedes-Benz model costs about $908 each year to maintain.
Over the first 10 years of ownership, Mercedes owners can expect to invest close to $15,000 in maintenance and repairs.
More stats: The average Mercedes owner will have to bring their car in for unscheduled maintenance around 0.7 times per year—versus an average of 0.4 times per year for the average car.
On top of that, about 13% of those visits will be for problems termed severe, slightly above the average across all makes.
The table below compares average five-year maintenance and repair costs, frequency of repairs, and expert reliability ratings for the three most popular Mercedes-Benz models.
Average 5-year maintenance and repair costs (2021 models) | $13,307 | $13,624 | $14,837 |
Frequency of repairs | 0.64 times per year (GLC300) | 0.7 times per year (C300) | 0.61 times per year (E350) |
J.D. Power quality & reliability rating (2022) | 81/100 | 81/100 | 81/100 |
Are Mercedes more expensive to maintain than other luxury cars?
Maintenance costs for Mercedes vehicles are on the high end of the industry average for luxury brands. Compare the average annual maintenance costs for the luxury car brands below:
- Audi: $900–$1,300 per year
- BMW: $960–$1,930 per year
- Lexus: $550–$778 per year
Recommended Mercedes-Benz routine maintenance plan
Mileage | Service | Average cost |
|---|---|---|
Every 10,000 miles | Minor maintenance: oil and filter change, safety check, tire rotation | $448 to $510 |
Every 20,000 miles | Oil and filter change, tire rotation, safety check; visual inspection of hoses, brakes, and belts; fluid leak inspection; potential brake pad replacement | $727 to $861 |
Every 30,000 miles | Replace brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine coolant; potential spark plug replacement; potential cabin air and air filter replacements | $452 to $515 |
Every 40,000 miles | Potential replacement of drive belts, suspension bushings, and motor mounts | $928 to $1086 |
Every 60,000 miles | Replace automatic transmission fluid, differential fluid, engine coolant; potential timing belt replacement, spark plug replacement | $1322 to $1537 |
This is a sample
car maintenance schedule
to get you on track. Check with your dealer or mechanic for additional recommendations to service a Mercedes.Budget for the most important Mercedes-Benz maintenance costs
Oil changes
- When you should do it: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
- Average cost: $180 to $450
- Why it’s important: Oil changes remove excess dirt from the engine and promote better engine functioning.
- Can you DIY it?: Yes, if you have the right equipment.
Tire replacement
- When you should do it: Every six years
- Cost: $500+
- Why it’s important: Worn-out tires have poor handling and don’t perform well in wet weather.
- Can you DIY it?: Yes, but consult a professional if you’re not an expert on tires.
Windshield replacement
- When you should do it: If your windshield has a significant crack that goes more than halfway deep into the glass, is longer than the length of a dollar bill, or reaches the windshield’s outer edges
- Cost: $100 to $400
- Why it’s important: Driving with a cracked windshield is dangerous and impairs your sightlines.
- Can you DIY it?: No—installing a windshield is a delicate task that should be left to professionals.
Paint
- When you should do it: If your car’s paint is peeling or is visibly discolored
- Cost: $2,000 to $6,000
- Why it’s important: Paint is vital to maintaining your car’s structural integrity, prevents rust and corrosion, and helps boost your potential resale value.
- Can you DIY it?: Maybe—but a professional-looking paint job requires specific equipment, specialized training, and time.
Transmission replacement
- When you should do it: Between 80,000 and 150,000 miles
- Cost: ~$1800
- Why it matters: Your car’s transmission ensures the correct amount of power goes to each wheel depending on the car’s speed.
- Can you DIY it?: No—replacing a transmission can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Schedule services at a trusted transmission shop.
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