Main dealer service recommendation versus Indy?

[oxtailsoup]

I've spoken to our local Merc dealer to request prices for the next service on our CLK240 Conv. The mileage is at 42k on a 2005 55 plate.

We have been told that in addition to the service we would also need the gearbox oil and brake fluid changed.

I spoke to the indy MB Motors and they have said that they would not suggest changing the gearbox oil or brake fluid unless there was a problem.

I've mentioned this to our local Merc dealer and they have told us that they cannot stamp our service book unless these recommendedations are carried out.

Is this correct? I'm sure I read somewhere on this forum that you only had to do the A and B services to ensure the service book is stamped and the warranty is intact...

Thanks.

 

[television]

It is correct to change the gearbox fluid at 40k miles and the brake fluid should be changed as it absorbs moisture.

 

[DougCLK320]

I've booked mine in for an "A" service and it looks like, for the £270 odd pounds they quote, about all you get is the oil and filter change - everything else is charged on top. They are quoting £85 for air filter, £142 for fuel filters, £70 for brake fluid and (gasp...) £326 for replacing the spark plugs.
GULP!!!
They are telling me these all need doing, despite the car only asking for an "A" service, since it is now four years old. The impression I get is that they'll not stamp the service book unless they do it all.
Incidentally, this basic figure is for the "better" quality oil, which will mean they reset the service count-down to (I think) 15k miles - rather than the 10k miles I had last time - a service my cheapskate supplying dealer paid for.
I'm sticking with the main dealer this time as I'm hoping for a "goodwill" pair of rear springs - one of which has broken.
I'm not overly impressed. The car is fabulous, but it does go wrong and things like the springs should last the life of the car. (I have never had to replace one of these before on any car).
Doug

 

[bigasotonuk]

My AMG had a "B" service last year at MB Southampton, and though they reccomended the plugs and brake fluid change they still stamped the service book, without the jobs being done.

 

[4xxxx]

why moan?

not another thread about servicing at merc dealers!
apart from getting book stamped why the hell would anyone want to pay such rip off prices
find a good indie that you can trust and get it done for half the price and better service
they suck and i will never go to a main dealer
saying that i got a 10 year old c230k so not important for me to have dealer stamps anymore

 

[colechelle]

not another thread about servicing at merc dealers!
apart from getting book stamped why the hell would anyone want to pay such rip off prices
find a good indie that you can trust and get it done for half the price and better service
they suck and i will never go to a main dealer
saying that i got a 10 year old c230k so not important for me to have dealer stamps anymore

what you forget about main dealers is, any service recalls due on the car, done for free, if you use a indi, these are not done, hence problems to come! out of your pocket, so are you saving money!!! and belive me there are many!!!!