72K service.

[Stewart Smith]

The beast has a 72K service due next month and I'm in a state of shock having found out the price.
Am after opinons/experience please -

If I get it serviced by a Merc Specialist ( Likely to be Merc-Spec in middlesbrough ), will that devalue the car by any drastic amount, or make it more difficult to sell? It's a 96 C200 Elegance in nice condition, worth I reckon about £6 (to 7?) K.

I don't want to get it serviced independently then find out I've lost the saved money on the reduced value of the car?
Stewart.

p.s. I'm visiting Derby for a week's training during January and February - Is this anywhere near Andy's place, cos' that will be just about the time the service is due.

 

[DaveT]

stewart, I have used an independent (merc trained) in burton on trent who I regard as both fair and thorough. the co. is burton motor workshop, tel. no. 01283 500 750 and their website is;- www.burtonmotorworkshop.co.uk.
hope this helps,
dave
btw, andy's place isn't near enough to derby; i'd have gone there if it was!
it's the other side of b'ham and a right pain in the arse to get to. :cry:

 

[simon]

Stewart, I am in a similar position to you-97C @62K.With full MBSH, but being well out of guarantee & the ever increasing hourly labour charges, it is no longer cost effective to have it done by franchised dealers.
It all depends when the car is going to be sold.If you intend to replace it in the relatively near future it might be prudent to keep paying for MBSH but if it is intended to retain for several more years, a full SH conducted by a known reputable Independant will make more financial sense.
It is noticeable that more owners are now seeking out the Independant specialists with a known good reputation.Andy Gale*s business crops up regularly elsewhere & not once have I seen a gripe.

I intend to have my next big service(+ extras) done there, if I can find my way there.

Ernest Sidesman.