Independent vs Dealers near Gatwick

[MAQ]

Hi,

I'm a new MB owner and my 2003 E220 CDi is coming upto a Service B. (19k miles) I've rung a couple of MB dealers and have been quoted guide prices ranging from £300 - £500. Does anybody have a realistic idea how much it will cost me?

As the car is still within warranty, will going to independents invalidate the warranty? Does anybody know of good independents in my area or South London? Does anybody have any experience of an independent "Mercedes Only" in London W7?

Rgds,

MAQ

 

[jberks]

Hi I understand that using an independent will not invalidate the 3 year warranty as such as this is covered by EU competition rules. So long as merc parts are used and installed correctly and the service has been done in accordance with Merc rules, they can't touch you.

However, this will invalidate the 30 year corrosion and Mobilio breakdown warranties as they are classed as goodwill warranties. Also, if something did go wrong, you may have a fight on your hands if they have someone else to blame.

Personally I use a dealer for servicing - to keep the book up to date, and a specialist for everything else. I believe on post '99 cars when mobilio came in, that independent servicing is probably a false economy. I've just been quoted £420 for my imminent B service. The specialist quoted £220.

Also, if you change the oil and filter around every 9-10k, you'll get up to 18k between ASSYST service intervals so you can keep the cost down that way.