My 2001 CLK 320 coupe indicates 'B Service Due' at 56250 miles.
I have contacted two main MB garages who each quoted over £900, including new spark plugs (which is apparently an expensive item). I've managed to hassle them down to £650, but neither will go lower. An independent whom I know personally will do the job for £200, but EXCLUDING the spark plug change. He says if the car is running well - and it is - there should be no need for new spark plugs.
This is my first MB, bought 2 years ago. I don't know much about their Servicing, but these prices seem steep to me. Maybe I'm wrong?
Can anyone help me:
a. Is it advisable to change plugs even though the car runs smoothly?
b. Are there Independents in vicinity of CM6 (Chelmsford, Essex) who will change plugs + B service at more reasonable cost (The MB boys charge approx £130-£150 per hour labour)?
c. Is there any point in having another 'MB' stamp in my Servicing Schedule? The car is 9 years old and all servicing entries up to now are MB endorsed.
I'll be interested in your comments, and an idea of what others have paid for this particular service.
Thanks, Mike
I have contacted two main MB garages who each quoted over £900, including new spark plugs (which is apparently an expensive item). I've managed to hassle them down to £650, but neither will go lower. An independent whom I know personally will do the job for £200, but EXCLUDING the spark plug change. He says if the car is running well - and it is - there should be no need for new spark plugs.
This is my first MB, bought 2 years ago. I don't know much about their Servicing, but these prices seem steep to me. Maybe I'm wrong?
Can anyone help me:
a. Is it advisable to change plugs even though the car runs smoothly?
b. Are there Independents in vicinity of CM6 (Chelmsford, Essex) who will change plugs + B service at more reasonable cost (The MB boys charge approx £130-£150 per hour labour)?
c. Is there any point in having another 'MB' stamp in my Servicing Schedule? The car is 9 years old and all servicing entries up to now are MB endorsed.
I'll be interested in your comments, and an idea of what others have paid for this particular service.
Thanks, Mike