new service costs. ouch!

[sglaw]

I have just been quoted 503 pounds for my first major service on my (low mileage, 14800 miles) A180 diesel which is just coming up to two years old. This is my second mb so I was aware that service charges were above normal but half a grand seems to be taking the bisquit! This is the cheapest option under the new services scheme just introduced.

I have got my car on PCP over four years and as my average annual mileage has recently dropped to under 7000 due to a change in my work, I was considering keeping the vehicle at the end of term but that is not detonate at this point.

Can anybody advise me if it is safe to take my vehicle to a non MB main dealer establishment for its services without it causing a problem if I should decide to return the vehicle for trade in at MB at the end of the four years?

 

[NP46]

Hi,
I don't know the details of your pcp but mine carries a £750 penalty for servicing outside of the dealer network.

It seems dealer labour rates are getting very silly now, on the plus side though you get to walk into a nice sparkly showroom

Nik.

 

[geraldrobins]

Suggest you get a quote at another authorised dealer.
I was quoted from 350 to 540 for a B service. This included brake fluid change. The higher quote included a courtesy car. The lower didnt.
I used the lower quote and the muffins and coffee were included.
Its worth shopping around as they can vary and ask for a discount.

 

[GottleibDaimler]

I have just been quoted 503 pounds for my first major service on my (low mileage, 14800 miles) A180 diesel which is just coming up to two years old. This is my second mb so I was aware that service charges were above normal but half a grand seems to be taking the bisquit! This is the cheapest option under the new services scheme just introduced.

I have got my car on PCP over four years and as my average annual mileage has recently dropped to under 7000 due to a change in my work, I was considering keeping the vehicle at the end of term but that is not detonate at this point.

Can anybody advise me if it is safe to take my vehicle to a non MB main dealer establishment for its services without it causing a problem if I should decide to return the vehicle for trade in at MB at the end of the four years?

Hi Sglaw,

Your alternative would be to take out a Service Care Plan (more information on this thread http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=114791&highlight=service+care+plan).

Two services on the Service Care Plan total £648, also payable over 12 months interest-free at £54/month. Three services would be £972, also payable over 24 months at £40.50/month. The average cost per service is therefore reduced to £324. To look at it another way, taking out a two-year plan is only £145 more than paying for the one service.

You also avoid the fine (which you would have to pay if you took the car outside of the network for servicing) and get the Lounge option as standard.

Let me know if you want any more info.

GD

 

[NP46]

What's the lounge option?

Nik

Hi Sglaw,

Your alternative would be to take out a Service Care Plan (more information on this thread http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=114791&highlight=service+care+plan).

Two services on the Service Care Plan total £648, also payable over 12 months interest-free at £54/month. Three services would be £972, also payable over 24 months at £40.50/month. The average cost per service is therefore reduced to £324. To look at it another way, taking out a two-year plan is only £145 more than paying for the one service.

You also avoid the fine (which you would have to pay if you took the car outside of the network for servicing) and get the Lounge option as standard.

Let me know if you want any more info.

GD

 

[GottleibDaimler]

Hi NP46,

See www.mymercedesservice.co.uk. Lounge is basically waiting whilst the service takes place, as opposed to dropping the car off and leaving it all day.

 

[Ricardo_e220]

Yup penalties applied by Merc, but tbh the other fines for damage etc will take your breath away...

Mines on a pcp but I am now buying it so taking it to an indie. Penalty on the e class about £1000...plus 100k miles of use....I suspect the low balloon for me makes most sense, but not to everyone.

 

[NP46]

Just visited Sytners Iservice and it's quoting me £205 for an A service and £295 for B, both drop off services, not interested in lounge etc etc.
Both include a free health check what ever that is

Not too bad I suppose....

Nik

 

[sglaw]

Just visited Sytners Iservice and it's quoting me £205 for an A service and £295 for B, both drop off services, not interested in lounge etc etc.
Both include a free health check what ever that is

Not too bad I suppose....

Nik

That's much more acceptable. The 503 I was quoted was for the drop off service. It was 553 with collection or courtesy car!

 

[television]

That's much more acceptable

Sill far to expensive just for a quick service

 

[Ricardo_e220]

That's much more acceptable

Sill far to expensive just for a quick oil change

Corrected that for you Malcolm!

 

[Rory]

Just visited Sytners Iservice and it's quoting me £205 for an A service and £295 for B, both drop off services, not interested in lounge etc etc.
Both include a free health check what ever that is

Not too bad I suppose....

Nik

The OP's car will likely also need (according to the service schedule) a brake fluid change.

 

[GottleibDaimler]

Yes, and an "adjust parking brake" and a "replace combination filter" . Probably closer to £400.

 

[geraldrobins]

Interesting about the combination filter. I thought it was extra but when I had my B service was told that it was included in the price on a C class.
Was I just lucky.

 

[GottleibDaimler]

It is included on a C and E Class, but not A, B, ML etc

 

[lanciaman]

All of which just goes to prove my moaning about modern vehicles is justified. Spent who knows how much on this new car, and screwed when servicing.

If you chucked £500 servicing a 124 every year it would be a far better bet!

yours
Grumpy Old Man (well, 45 but older than my years )

 

[Rory]

All of which just goes to prove my moaning about modern vehicles is justified. Spent who knows how much on this new car, and screwed when servicing.

Other makes are worse - VW won't change the brake fluid as part of any service plan and suggestions that, if the cambelt needs to be changed at 4yrs according to VW UK then it should be part of the service schedule, where met with incredulity by the dealer.

 

[gizze]

Does seem expensive, £300 for the first 4 years or 50k miles with BMW on a 1 series.

That is for everything.

On non service plan it was £270 for our year 2 service on our 123d, that was including air filter and brake fluid.
I was a bit gutted at that as I could have had two more services for another £30 on the service plan, plus with that you get wiper blades etc. included too.

 

[Sunflower]

Hi I'm new to the forums.... I have just been quoted £695 plus VAT for a full service at the local MB dealer - have had the same quote from a MB independent specialist at £350.00 inc VAT ....SLK 350 2005 approx 66000 on the clock and have owned for the last 2 years I'm not aware of any major problems or niggles - do you think it would be safe to go with the cheaper option service, any advice of comments appreicated.

 

[gizze]

Just looking at the receipt for the 530d GT, which is the same service pricing as a 7 series.

Year 2 - 26,800 mile Service.

Oil + Filter
Cabin filter
Brake fluid

£310 - but no charge as it was on a 5 year 60k mile service schedule that was a £400 option.


I can't believe the A180 is so expensive.
6.5 litres of oil at £12 a litre + a cabin filter at £30? and then brake fluid at £10 and 30 mins labour for the brake fluid and oil change?
How do they get to £500?

They would be better to put £500 on the price of the car and keep the services at £150 for the A service and £250 for the B service, those prices will leave a sour taste and will not get customers clambering back to Mercedes because they perceive them as good value to run.