Servicing - Main Dealer or Independent

[Chris Cornwell]

I collect my C250 AMG 7G Auto Estate soon. Out of interest I've been browsing some of the posts on here and it appears that a large number of MB owners are using independent specialists for servicing and repairs. I hadn't considered this as I was under the impression that a main dealer service history was a must to keep the cars value.
Is this assumption correct?

The late 2013 one owner car I am purchasing has a covered 37,000 miles and has a full main dealer history, I average about 8-8500 miles each year.

Also as I'm going to tow a caravan with the car I'm wondering if I should get the auto box serviced and it's oil changed.

Any advice on these two subjects and anything else I should look out for on this model would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Wighty]

Hi , yes a lot of people do use Indepnedents , other than the loss of Mobilio MB breakdown cover , I doubt the change to independent servicing would make the lightest difference , especially if you keep that vehicle for a few years and it is then 8 years old ??
When people say Indys on here they are generally meaning Merc specialists rather than a general garage .
As to the auto box fluid yes it should be changed regularly , I'm not sure on your model as to the mileage , on mine it was one off change at 37,500k (I continue this as do many at 40k intervals ) . Your model may be the new 75k and/or 5 years , you will have to check that , but yes every 40k from when it's done , especially if towing ?
Did you buy it from MB , because if you did and the change is at 37,500 miles that should be something that they should do for free as part of their second hand car warranty ?

 

[John Laidlaw]

As Wighty says on the Autobox if MB serviced the fluid and filter change may have been done, if not it should be.
On servicing in general, there have been numerous threads and posts on this over the years and I certainly concluded there 'can' be a split - younger cars up to 3 years there can be some advantages on main dealer dealer services (not in all cases though), 4 years plus for sure Indy is the way to go.
Simplistic possibly but a kind of summary.
As for the value effect on either route- none or very little I'd suggest.
I had a 2008 SL before my 2014 E63 and the SL had primarily Indy service history- for a specialist car like that I preferred knowing it had been serviced by someone who knew the cars - most recently by Cole@MBS in that case.
In your case I think I'd go Independant personally

 

[Srdl]

As John says, there has been a lot of discussion on this. I have had my car for 7+ years from new and I always use a Mercedes dealer for servicing. My personal reason is to keep the Mobilio assistance package live because we do a couple of European trips each year and, if ever I have a problem, I would prefer to know that a trained Merc technician will look at it rather than some local French mechanic who may be more used to dealing with 2CVs!

That said, if ever I have anything other than a routine servicing issue, I would use an Indie who is much more likely to have the expertise to sort it out quickly and correctly!

 

[EmilysDad]

.... and, if ever I have a problem, I would prefer to know that a trained Merc technician will look at it rather than some local French mechanic who may be more used to dealing with 2CVs!
.....

That was kinda my thinking when I let Merc replace my front Airmatic strut ...... how wrong could you be

https://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?threads/kneeling-airmatic.149619/page-3

 

[Srdl]

That was kinda my thinking when I let Merc replace my front Airmatic strut ...... how wrong could you be

https://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/index.php?threads/kneeling-airmatic.149619/page-3

I was talking about using Mercedes if stranded unexpectedly in Europe - always an Indie for anything more difficult in UK

 

[mancman]

It's down to personal choice I think, some folk think 30-40 a month is not a huge amount and you don't miss it monthly or £400- £600 pound in one go esp when other bills need paying, and you never put the money to one side religiously to save it.

 

[Craiglxviii]

I'm with an extensive Indy work history personally. Those guys have to work hard to make and keep a good reputation and so clientele. MB just signs new cars up with finance agreements for servicing.

 

[SJMaxwell]

I get the servicing done at the main dealer and anything extra by an indie

 

[Headhurts]

Both my cars 2014 E300 Hybrid and present car 2016 E350 have been serviced and repaired at main dealership (Robinsons, Norwich)

My current car will be looked after by them until the warranty is finished and then I will decide what to do.

Specialists get really good reviews at least those mentioned on here.

I have been very pleased with the service I have received within the dealership and price wise servicing on a recent thread there did not appear to be a huge difference.

Price is not a main consideration though by many who prefer the specialist for their face to face contact and the confidence they instil.

If the car has a problem outside of warranty it seems that Mercedes good will contributions can be reliant on main dealer servicing though.

Robin


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[silestanix]

Personal experience, I've had much better service using Independents for repairs and servicing than any MB dealer, and I can say the same with my previous cars too. Also, independent establishments tend to take more care of your motor and have better knowhow than dealership servicing staff. The only staff I know of who have any working knowledge in my several local MB dealers are the parts staff!

BMW & Peugeot both poor as MB, independents were better and cheaper.

 

[Chris Cornwell]

Thank fo all your replies it's greatly appreciated.

The next obvious question is does anybody know of a reliable independent in the South Wales Swansea/Llanelli area or one not to far away?

Thanks again
Chris

 

[John Laidlaw]

No personal experience but I've read members here and the 'other side' mention SK Automotive in Swansea and Stuttgart Garage in Pontypridd with good reports