Lexmark MS710 / MS711 / MS810 / MS811 / MS812 / M5155 / M5163 / M5170: Complete Technical Guide
Lexmark MS710 / MS811 / MS812 / M5155 / M5163 / M5170: Complete Technical Guide
If your office depends on high-volume monochrome laser printing, there's a good chance you've run into at least one printer from this Lexmark family. The MS710, MS711, MS810, MS811, MS812, MS817, MS818, M5155, M5163, and M5170 are some of the most capable workgroup and production-class laser printers Lexmark has ever built. We've been servicing these machines since they first appeared in the field, and this guide reflects that accumulated experience -- what breaks, why it breaks, what the error codes actually mean, and how to make smart decisions about parts and repairs.
These are not desktop printers. They're engineered for organizations that print tens of thousands of pages per month and can't afford extended downtime. The technical details matter here. That's exactly what you'll find.
1. Overview
Built for demanding enterprise print environments, the MS710 and MS810 series share a common platform architecture -- the same core engine, the same paper path geometry, and largely the same controller board family. That's genuinely useful when you're managing a mixed fleet. The MS710 series targets the upper end of workgroup printing, while the MS810 series steps into light production territory with higher duty cycles and faster rated speeds.
The M5155, M5163, and M5170 are OEM-equivalent variants sold through specific channel partners. Internally, they're nearly identical to their MS-series counterparts and share the same consumables, maintenance kits, and most service parts. If you know one, you know all of them.
Typical users include legal firms, healthcare organizations, accounting departments, government agencies, and any operation printing complex documents at sustained volume. These machines handle duplex printing, multiple input trays, and optional finishing units without complaint -- provided they're maintained correctly.
2. Model Variants and Key Differences
| Model | Rated Speed (ppm) | Max Monthly Duty Cycle | Standard Memory | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MS710 | 40 ppm | 175,000 pages | 512 MB | Base workgroup model, no built-in wireless |
| MS711 | 40 ppm | 175,000 pages | 512 MB | MS710 with added security features and optional MarkNet cards |
| MS810 | 45 ppm | 275,000 pages | 512 MB | Faster engine, heavier-duty fuser assembly |
| MS811 | 45 ppm | 275,000 pages | 512 MB | MS810 variant with enhanced paper handling options |
| MS812 | 52 ppm | 350,000 pages | 512 MB | Top-speed model in the family; heavy fuser, reinforced paper path |
| MS817 | 45 ppm | 275,000 pages | 512 MB | Refresh variant of MS810 series; largely identical service approach |
| MS818 | 52 ppm | 350,000 pages | 512 MB | Refresh variant of MS812; same fuser and feed components |
| M5155 | 40 ppm | 175,000 pages | 512 MB | Channel-specific equivalent to MS710/MS711 |
| M5163 | 45 ppm | 275,000 pages | 512 MB | Channel-specific equivalent to MS810/MS811 |
| M5170 | 52 ppm | 350,000 pages | 512 MB | Channel-specific equivalent to MS812 |
From a service standpoint, the most meaningful split is between the MS710/MS711/M5155 group and the MS810 and above. The higher-speed models use a physically different fuser assembly rated for greater thermal stress, and the paper feed components are reinforced accordingly. Always verify which speed tier you're working on before ordering fusers or maintenance kits.
3. Common Failure Points in Order of Frequency
1. Fuser Assembly Failure
This is the number-one failure we see across the entire family. No surprise given the duty cycles involved. Symptoms include paper jams at the fuser exit, wrinkled or incompletely fused output, 920.xx error codes, and sometimes a burning smell from the heated roller. The fuser pressure roller is usually the first component to go -- its silicone surface hardens over time, causing uneven nip pressure and inconsistent toner fusion. The fuser film sleeve on some configurations develops hot spots that cause streaking before outright failure. Inspect the exit rollers for glazing and the thermistor contacts for carbon buildup. Don't attempt to clean a failed fuser film with solvents. Replace it.
2. Tray Feed Rollers and Separation Pads
High page counts eat through the rubber feed rollers in the paper trays and the multipurpose feeder. The symptom is almost always misfeeds or multi-sheet feeds rather than a hard jam. Tray 1 and Tray 2 rollers are identical across the family, which simplifies inventory. The separation pad on the MPF wears independently and gets overlooked during maintenance constantly -- replace it whenever you replace the feed rollers. Glazed or oil-contaminated rollers won't respond to cleaning. They have to go.
3. Transfer Roller Degradation
The transfer roller applies the electrostatic charge that pulls toner from the drum to the paper. As it ages, you'll see light or faded print, vertical white streaks, or toner scatter around image edges. These symptoms are easy to confuse with a failing toner cartridge, so swap the cartridge first to rule it out before condemning the transfer roller. The transfer roller on this family is a straightforward snap-in replacement and should be included in every scheduled maintenance interval.
4. Imaging Unit / Photoconductor Unit (PCU) Wear
The imaging unit houses the photoconductor drum and the developer system. At high page counts, the drum surface becomes scratched or chemically fatigued, producing repetitive defects at a fixed pitch corresponding to the drum circumference (approximately 94mm for the primary drum). Ghost images, persistent horizontal bands, or gradual overall density decline that doesn't improve with a new toner cartridge all point to PCU end of life. The PCU and toner cartridge are separate components on this family. Don't confuse them.
5. Main Drive Gear Train Wear
The gear train driving the drum, developer, and fuser is plastic-composite and will eventually show wear as rhythmic banding in the print output or an audible clicking or grinding noise during printing. Machines run well past their recommended maintenance intervals are most susceptible. The main drive gearbox is a serviceable assembly and individual gears are available, but replacing the full gear assembly is usually the more practical call at this point.
6. System Board / Controller Failures
Less frequent, but more consequential. Symptoms include random reboots, failure to initialize, persistent 1xx-series error codes that won't clear with power cycling, and USB or network interface failures. Electrostatic discharge from improper handling and power surge damage from unprotected installations are the leading causes. Use a UPS on production printers in this class. Don't skip it.
4. Key Part Numbers for Frequently Replaced Components
| Component | Applies To | Lexmark Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| Fuser Assembly (110V) -- MS710/MS711/M5155 | MS710, MS711, M5155 | 40X8016 |
| Fuser Assembly (110V) -- MS810/MS811/MS812/M5163/M5170 | MS810, MS811, MS812, MS817, MS818, M5163, M5170 | 40X8011 |
| Fuser Assembly (220V) -- MS710/MS711/M5155 | MS710, MS711, M5155 | 40X8017 |
| Fuser Assembly (220V) -- MS810 series | MS810, MS811, MS812, MS817, MS818, M5163, M5170 | 40X8012 |
| Transfer Roller | All models in family | 40X6623 |
| Tray Pick Roller (Tray 1/2) | All models in family | 40X7593 |
| MPF Separator Pad | All models in family | 40X4535 |
| Imaging Unit (Photoconductor) | All models in family | 500Z (OEM cartridge unit); also sold as 52D0Z00 |
| Maintenance Kit (110V) -- MS810/MS812 class | MS810, MS811, MS812, MS817, MS818, M5163, M5170 | 40X8421 |
| Maintenance Kit (110V) -- MS710 class | MS710, MS711, M5155 | 40X8426 |
| Main Drive Gearbox Assembly | MS810, MS812 and equivalents | 40X7345 |
Always confirm the voltage and model before ordering fuser assemblies. Fitting a 220V fuser into a 110V installation is a serious safety hazard and will destroy the new assembly immediately.
5. Maintenance Kit -- Contents and Recommended Interval
Lexmark recommends maintenance kit replacement at 200,000 pages for the MS710 class and 300,000 pages for the MS810 and MS812 class. In high-humidity environments or where the machine is fed recycled or off-spec paper, target 80 percent of those intervals. Don't push it.
A standard maintenance kit for this family includes:
- Fuser assembly (the single most expensive and most wear-prone item)
- Transfer roller
- Tray 1 and Tray 2 pick rollers
- Separator/retard rollers for standard trays
- MPF pick roller and separation pad
- Tray 3/4/5 feed rollers (if high-capacity feeders are installed)
After installing a maintenance kit, reset the maintenance counter through the service menu. On these models, navigate to Settings -- Device -- Maintenance -- Config Menu -- Supply Usage and Reset Maintenance Counter. Skip this step and you'll get premature maintenance warnings and potentially suppressed error reporting.
Inspect and clean the paper path, the media sensor flag, and the fuser entrance guide during every kit installation. These components aren't included in the kit, but they're regularly responsible for jams and misfeeds after a kit goes into a heavily used machine.
6. Error Code Reference Table
| Error Code | Description | First Response |
|---|---|---|
| 920.xx | Fuser error -- temperature fault (over or under) | Power cycle. If persistent, check fuser thermistor connections. Replace fuser assembly. |
| 924.xx | Fuser failed to reach temperature | Check AC power delivery and outlet voltage. Inspect fuser harness connector. Replace fuser. |
| 900.xx | Controller board / firmware error | Power cycle and attempt firmware reflash via USB. If persistent, replace controller board. |
| 111.xx | System board memory error | Reseat any installed memory DIMMs. Test with base memory only. Replace system board if unresolved. |
| 200.xx | Paper jam -- input section | Clear jam. Inspect and clean pick rollers and separation pad. Check tray gap settings. |
| 202.xx | Paper jam -- fuser exit / output area | Clear jam. Inspect fuser exit rollers for wear or damage. May indicate fuser failure. |
| 241.xx | Tray 1 paper feed error | Inspect Tray 1 pick roller and separator pad. Check tray sensor flag for debris or damage. |
| 242.xx | Tray 2 paper feed error | Same approach as 241.xx. Verify tray 2 roller assembly and sensor operation. |
| 840.xx | Transfer roller error / charge fault | Reseat transfer roller. Inspect high-voltage contact points for contamination. Replace transfer roller. |
| 88x | Toner low / toner empty | Replace toner cartridge. If error persists with new cartridge, inspect cartridge contact pins on the carriage. |
| 31.xx | Cartridge or imaging unit incompatibility / authentication failure | Verify correct cartridge for model. Check for chip damage. Replace cartridge or imaging unit. |
| 59.xx | Incompatible or unsupported option | Remove recently installed options or trays. Verify option compatibility with specific model variant. |
7. OEM vs. Aftermarket Guidance for This Family
This is a topic where we'll give you our honest assessment based on 40 years of working on laser printers of every description.
For toner cartridges, quality aftermarket options perform acceptably on these models when sourced from reputable suppliers. The MS710/MS810 family uses the T650H11A (high yield) and MS810/MS812 uses the 52D1H00 (high yield, 25,000 pages) cartridge family. We've seen good results with name-brand compatible cartridges. We've also seen catastrophic imaging unit contamination from poorly manufactured remanufactured cartridges that shed toner internally. Buy from suppliers with a documented return and exchange policy.
For fuser assemblies, use OEM or OEM-equivalent parts from established suppliers -- not the cheapest option you can find. A fuser running 45 to 52 pages per minute accumulates thermal stress fast. An under-spec pressure roller or a fuser film that can't handle continuous duty will fail well before the rated interval. The cost difference between a quality fuser and a bargain fuser is trivial compared to the labor cost of an early replacement -- and the risk of a paper jam inside a hot fuser damaging the paper path.
For feed rollers, separation pads, and transfer rollers, quality aftermarket parts are entirely appropriate. That's what we stock and recommend at Argecy. These are rubber-based wear items. What matters is the compound hardness, not the brand name on the bag.
For anything touching the high-voltage power supply, the controller board, or the laser scanning unit -- OEM or verified-quality remanufactured parts only. These are precision components where counterfeit or substandard alternatives create reliability and safety risks that aren't worth the modest savings.
8. Repair vs. Replace Decision Framework
These are expensive machines to purchase new, which means repair is economically justified over a much wider range of failure scenarios than it would be for a desktop printer. Here's how we think through the decision:
Repair confidently when: The failure is a consumable or scheduled wear item -- fuser, rollers, transfer roller, imaging unit. These machines are designed to be serviced, parts are available, and a properly maintained MS810 or MS812 can run reliably well past a million pages. Even a main drive gear assembly replacement is worth doing if the machine is otherwise in good condition.
Evaluate carefully when: The controller board or system board has failed. Board replacement is expensive, and you need to weigh the age of the machine and its overall condition. If the machine is past 500,000 pages with no maintenance history and the board has failed, a replacement machine may be more cost-effective. If it's well-maintained and the board failure is isolated, replacement is worthwhile.
Consider replacement when: The laser scanning unit (LSU) has failed on an older, high-page-count machine. LSU replacement is labor-intensive and the alignment requirements are exacting. Also watch for multiple major assemblies failing at once -- a pattern we call "cascade failure." When that happens, the machine has usually reached end of economic life.
As a general rule: If the repair cost exceeds 50 percent of a comparable refurbished unit's price, get a second opinion and a refurbished unit quote before committing. We're happy to help you work through that analysis.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My MS810 is printing faint output even with a new toner cartridge. What should I check?
First, verify the new cartridge is genuine or from a reputable source -- substandard toner doesn't charge properly. Next, check the transfer roller. A worn or contaminated transfer roller is the most common cause of faint output on this family after a new cartridge is installed. If the transfer roller looks acceptable, inspect the high-voltage power supply contacts that feed the transfer roller and the imaging unit. Finally, run the printer's print quality test pages from the diagnostic menu to isolate whether the problem is consistent across the page or localized.
Q: What is the difference between the MS810 and the M5163 maintenance kit? Can I use the same one?
Yes. The M5163 is the channel-specific variant of the MS810, and the maintenance kits are interchangeable. Part number 40X8421 covers both (110V). Always double-check voltage before ordering, and confirm with Argecy if you're unsure which kit applies to your specific serial number range.
Q: How do I reset the maintenance counter after a kit installation on the MS812?
From the home screen, navigate to Settings -- Device -- Maintenance -- Configuration Menu. Scroll to "Supply Usage and Reset" and select "Reset Maintenance Counter." The printer will confirm the reset. If this menu path isn't visible, the machine may be in a restricted user mode -- you'll need the administrator PIN to access the service menus. The default Lexmark service PIN on this family is typically 6789, though many enterprise installations change this during deployment.
Q: We are getting repetitive horizontal bands about 94mm apart in our print output on an MS711. Is this the drum or the fuser?
That 94mm repeat interval corresponds to the photoconductor drum circumference, which points to the imaging unit / PCU rather than the fuser. Fuser roller defects repeat at a different interval -- typically 60mm to 75mm depending on the specific roller. Replace the imaging unit. If bands persist after replacement, inspect the developer roller contact in the new unit and verify the high-voltage supply is delivering consistent charge.
Q: Can I use MS710 toner cartridges in an MS810?
No -- and this is a common and costly mistake. The MS710 series uses the T650/T652 cartridge family, while the MS810 series uses the MS810/MS812 series cartridges (52D-prefix part numbers). These cartridges are physically and electronically different. Forcing an incompatible cartridge can damage the cartridge guides and the chip reader contacts. Always verify the cartridge family before purchasing consumables for a fleet with mixed models.
10. Work With the Experts at Argecy
The Lexmark MS710 through MS812 family -- and their M-series channel equivalents -- are among the most serviceable high-volume laser printers ever built. With the right parts, the right maintenance intervals, and technicians who understand what these machines actually need, they'll deliver reliable performance for years beyond what most organizations expect from enterprise printers. At Argecy, we've been sourcing, stocking, and shipping parts for printers like these since 1985. This family is one we know thoroughly.
Whether you need a fuser assembly, a complete maintenance kit, a hard-to-find gear assembly, or just an expert second opinion on a repair decision, we can help. Browse our full inventory of Lexmark parts and supplies at https://www.argecy.com/lexmark-parts, or reach out to our technical team directly at https://www.argecy.com/contact-information. We answer real questions from real technicians -- no automated runarounds, no generic advice.