Regarding the our breaking of the story of Mercedes-Benz dropping free maintenance for 2005 cars, here is what MB USA had to say about it in a recent email to a customer!
Thank you for your Internet message. We regret to learn of the circumstances which prompted your correspondence and apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused.
Your information is not correct, however. Free Maintenance has nothing to do with the New Vehicle Limited Warranty 4 years or 50,000 miles (whichever comes first). This is not changing.
Free maintenance related to an oil change and replacement of certain filters during the warranty period. It was our observation that customers were only focusing on the free items and ignoring other critical maintenance requirements on their vehicles. The program will be replaced with one that will increase that probability that the vehicles will be properly maintained by their owners.
Thank you for the opportunity to address this matter.
Frank P.
Customer Relations
Phone: 800 367-6372