C180 service

[belvedere]

I have a 3 year old C180 and am coming up to an A service. I remember seeing some posts about whether you should go to an approved dealer or it was OK to go to an unregistered garage, without affecting the warranty. I can not locate the posts so I would be obliged for any guidance.

 

[landover]

You can go to an independant as long as the service is done to mercedes spec. :wink:

 

[jberks]

If the car is 3 years old, you're probably out of manufacturers warranty anyway. Either way, as Landover says, provided merc parts are used and service is up to mb spec, EU regs say the warranty stands. Though it's worth checking that any claims would be handled by the independent as you don't want to have to chase MB yourself. I would distinguish between an unregistered garage and a Merc specialist. These cars are baiscally computers on wheels these days and beyond most back street garages. Indies usualy have the right diag kit, know your car well and only fit Merc parts. Well worth the small price difference and possibly cheaper as the specialist is likely to be quicker as a result.

HOWEVER
Merc have found a clever way around all this. You WILL invalidate the mobilio and anti corrosion warranties. These are "goodwill" warranties and so not covered by EU regulations There are some stories that if the dealer has not done the service but has seen the car in the last 12 months you may be ok, but I wouldn't count on it.
With mine, the dealer does servicing, the indie everything else- brakes, sensors, MOTs, anything expensive the dealer 'recommends' at the service etc. Not ideal but I feel the best compromise.

 

[kmompressorDave]

anyone know how much it is roughly for a service a for the c180 from MB. im the same, service a due in about 1200 miles.