DIY Servicing?

[AndyNSC]

Hi All, my 64 plate S212, 2.2 Bluetec, is telling me that service AD is due in 25 days, I have called my local MB who gave me a price which prompted me to call my local specialists. Although my car has the online service book, I can't get two straight answers as to what actually needs to be done! I am an engineer by trade and have serviced my own cars in the past and would be capable of doing a lot of the work myself but obviously this wouldn't keep the online log book up to date. What are your opinions on saving a lot of money with DIY servicing VS keeping the history up? I usually keep my cars for as long as I can, better the devil you know, and keep all the spares receipts for the new keeper when I do sell them on. Thanks in advance!

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

Keep all the paperwork, buy genuine service items and no issue. The car is already nearly 6 years old and if you plan on keeping it awhile then it won’t make a difference to resale.
Although I personally use one of our specialist independent garages for mine.

 

[AndyNSC]

Thanks Blobcat! I guess the only place to get genuine service items are through the main dealer?

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks Blobcat! I guess the only place to get genuine service items are through the main dealer?

MB Grangemouth do discounts for forum members, just give them a call.
You can get a lot of consumables from GSF or ECP in one of their constant sales.
There’s quite a few on here @Wighty being one who services his on an almost weekly basis, so will be able to advise on where he gets his bits from.

 

[AndyNSC]

Cool, Thanks. I get a good deal from ECP through work and they do have another sale on at the minute lol

 

[LostKiwi]

Cool, Thanks. I get a good deal from ECP through work and they do have another sale on at the minute lol

Aren't they like DFS with their sales?

 

[bertb1]

You can bring up what service is required on the dash
Google it and it will tell you what the car requires
Think it’s the ok button and the phone button but not sure


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JBell]

Put your details in here and it will tell you what it needs

https://www.mymercedesservice.co.uk/#/your-vehicle

Remember to click on the extras section

 

[JBell]

Thanks Blobcat! I guess the only place to get genuine service items are through the main dealer?

Oil

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20L-Genu...208925&hash=item467b85d3ad:g:AggAAOSw1Tdb0Dyh

 

[Wighty]

MB Grangemouth do discounts for forum members, just give them a call.
You can get a lot of consumables from GSF or ECP in one of their constant sales.
There’s quite a few on here @Wighty being one who services his on an almost weekly basis, so will be able to advise on where he gets his bits from.

It’s monthly buddy , as you well know

 

[alexanderfoti]

If you use ECP, use MANN, dont use any of the cheap crap (as it really is crap!)

 

[00slk]

If you use ECP, use MANN, dont use any of the cheap crap (as it really is crap!)

And with any luck they will send you the right parts
Ask me how I know

 

[alexanderfoti]

And with any luck they will send you the right parts
Ask me how I know

We DON'T use their trade services in the garage. Should say it all really.

 

[00slk]

We DON'T use their trade services in the garage. Should say it all really.

I do get the odd thing off them if the price is right, how ever the last 2 orders have been wrong. Bliming ebay is proving itself with better deals and the right quality parts too.....Amazing

 

[Blobcat]

And with any luck they will send you the right parts
Ask me how I know

I’ve had the wrong wiper blades... don’t get much more basic

 

[00slk]

I’ve had the wrong wiper blades... don’t get much more basic

Snap
Mine arrived yesterday and were 3 inches shorter than the originals.
There not excepting returns for another week so I have had to order the right ones via the part number
In the mean time I'll have to put up with noisy, juddery wipers

 

[AndyNSC]

Wow, thanks for all the help, guys! Was looking at Bosch filters etc from ECP but only because they are German, will make a mental note to source MANN filters. Would it be worth using engine flush or just a drain down from the sump plug when hot and a refill and filter replacement?

 

[davidsl500]

Many use a Pela or other make extractor these days especially as some models have plastic sumps and can be prone to cracking when the sump plug is removed / replaced.

 

[Wighty]

When my cars were about 6 years old I decided to go the diy service route , partly because I was faced with 2xB service with extras (gearbox services ) in the same year , which would have had no change from £1k .
Fast forward 4/5 years and I’ve been doing all of it and keeping the receipts . At 11 years old now , neither car despite their excellent condition are worth much anyway , regardless of what service history they have .
Both cars have been over serviced with regular filter changes and 5k oil changes , and are in very good condition .
I am also keen to get something “special” in the next couple of years so wanted to up my skills so as to be able to make it affordable to keep and run . (SL or CL )
I use MB parts from MB Newcastle eBay , MB Grangemouth ,eBay, ECP with decent make filters (Mann, Bosch) .
Both cars are nearly all Brembo brake parts now from ECP in sales .

 

[Oldspanners]

"Both cars have been over serviced with regular filter changes and 5k oil changes , and are in very good condition ."
You can't over service a car especially as you do it right.
Wighty THE Preventative maintenance guru .