For owners of the 2019 Mercedes Benz Gla, understanding the maintenance schedule and costs can be crucial for ensuring longevity and optimal performance. Mercedes-Benz, a brand synonymous with luxury and engineering excellence, has a long history of sophisticated vehicle maintenance. However, the approach to servicing these vehicles has evolved over the decades, leading to questions about value and what owners truly receive for their investment in scheduled maintenance, particularly with models like the 2019 GLA.
Historically, Mercedes-Benz maintenance was renowned for its thoroughness. Going back to the era when engineers held primary influence at Mercedes, reliability was paramount. Scheduled maintenance sessions were not just about quick fixes; they were comprehensive inspections designed to preemptively address potential issues and uphold the brand’s reputation for durability. Imagine a meticulous process where a technician would dedicate a significant amount of time to scrutinize every aspect of your vehicle, ensuring peak condition. This wasn’t just about oil changes; it was a holistic health check for your Mercedes.
In those earlier, engineer-driven days, a typical Mercedes maintenance appointment included an extensive checklist of operations. This went far beyond simple fluid top-offs. Technicians would methodically examine every electrical control and indicator on the dashboard, ensuring all were functioning correctly. Nighttime illumination bulbs were individually checked, a detail often overlooked in modern services. Body panel alignment was scrutinized, gaps were assessed, hinges lubricated, and even the hood and trunk heights were precisely adjusted. A baseline alignment check and headlight beam geometry verification were standard practice, contributing to both safety and the vehicle’s overall refined feel.
The commitment to preventative maintenance extended to areas often neglected. Drains for the windshield cowl and sunroof were cleaned to prevent water ingress and potential rust. Sunroof rails were lubricated for smooth operation, and even rain gutters on the roof were inspected. On models like the W126, trunk drain plugs were checked to ensure they weren’t clogged, preventing water accumulation. Windshield, rear glass, and headlight washer nozzles were adjusted for optimal spray, and even headlight bulbs were often on a scheduled replacement, regardless of whether they had burned out, further emphasizing preventative measures. OEM fluids were used for all refills, maintaining the vehicle’s original specifications.
Tire health was also a key focus. This included not just checking wear and condition, but also meticulously verifying the pressure in the spare tire. Wheel rotation was performed, followed by the application of precise Mercedes-specified torque to the wheel bolts – a crucial detail, especially on models like the W126, where incorrect torque could lead to stuck bolts. Suspension health was evaluated by measuring ride height at each wheel well, indicating the condition of the suspension springs. Exhaust and brake systems underwent thorough checkups. Even the medical kit’s contents were replaced due to expiration dates, though the bag itself remained, showcasing attention to even minor details. The tool and spare wheel kit completeness was verified, with missing items replaced, and seat belt retractors, headrest functionality, and rear seat folding mechanisms were all inspected. For models with telescopic radio antennas, special graphite grease lubrication was applied. Filters, including power steering and fuel filters, were replaced as part of routine maintenance. The condition of suspension shocks (particularly relevant for older models without McPherson struts) was assessed, and license plate bulbs, pneumatic door locks, and rearview mirror motor travel were all checked and lubricated. Key lock mechanisms for the trunk and front doors received special graphite grease lubrication. Alongside these detailed checks were the more common tasks like wiper blade replacement, air filter changes, oil changes, and brake fluid flushes.
Over time, Mercedes-Benz transitioned away from this exhaustive maintenance schedule. Many of these meticulous operations were removed from the standard service protocols. However, the cost associated with these services did not decrease proportionally. This shift is arguably how the modern Service A and Service B schedules evolved, often perceived as expensive yet providing less tangible value compared to the older, more comprehensive approach. While Service A and B cover essential maintenance, they may not encompass the depth and breadth of checks that were once standard, leading some owners to question if they are truly receiving commensurate value for the cost, especially when considering the legacy of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to reliability.
However, there’s a lesser-known aspect of Mercedes-Benz ownership that can offer a degree of personalized control, even on models like the 2019 GLA. Through the Mercedes-Benz diagnostic system, Xentry, certain user-adjustable settings are available, often hidden from general knowledge. These “User Author data” settings, accessible through Xentry, allow technicians to customize specific vehicle functions based on customer preference, without requiring explicit permission from Mercedes-Benz in many cases.
For example, in the HVAC controls module, the fan speed display on the dashboard, which typically appears momentarily before disappearing, can be configured to remain constantly visible at the customer’s request. Similarly, for the shifter console lights (D, R, N, Park) in models like the GLA, the intensity of these lights can be adjusted independently for day and night. Factory settings often set these lights at a uniform intensity, but Xentry allows for customization, potentially up to ten times the original intensity and with different settings for day and night driving.
These examples suggest that Mercedes-Benz engineers, even in modern vehicles like the 2019 GLA, retained a philosophy of customer-centric customization. It appears that certain preferences were intended to be user-selectable, but perhaps due to bureaucratic processes or marketing decisions, these options are not widely publicized or readily offered at dealerships. Understanding these hidden customization possibilities, and the historical context of Mercedes-Benz maintenance philosophy, can empower 2019 GLA owners to be more informed consumers and potentially advocate for a more tailored and value-driven service experience.
