MB dealer service costs

[Denrob]

In 700 miles my 2003 C32 is due an A service, I bought it privately last March with FMBSH and has covered 31500 miles.

Thinking it would be nice for my service record to show main dealer servicing and its a competitive field out there I contacted a local main dealer and explained my optimism.

A very helpful the chap who said as my car was now 4 years old, certain items needed to be renewed, 'Yes but its only done', I'm sorry but this is time driven as opposed to mileage but I will come back to you with an accurate price and you may be surprised.

He did - £850.00???? The following will need changing fuel filter, air cleaner, brake fluid, spark plugs and key fob batteries and the usual oil filter change, visual check for a standard A service. I mentioned the **** discount, sought advice and said because the car is 4 years old you already get a 10% discount on parts.

The A service on its own £250! He said just to change plugs on the AMG engine takes the workshop 2 hours and the other costs add up.

I wander what the German dealerships charge?

I intend to buy a good workshop manual and keep viewing How to DIY like Parrot of Dooms (brilliant) and other members tips/advice.

I will do the work myself (get ready for my DIY questions) and get the dealer to do just an A service and FMBSH service book.

Cheers all Den

 

[robbo]

What he told you needs changing is correct, and at main dealer prices £850 is about right. They'll probably find some other odds and ends that need doing like the transmission ECU plug oil seal that will bump the price up further (a known fault) Neither of the previous two main dealer services on my C class have been below £1k.

What you could do is to get the base service done by the main dealer to get the service stamp and then go to an independent dealer for the other stuff.

These are expensive cars and servicing is very expensive too unfortunately.

 

[Ron Palfrey]

Up to you Den, but with your car a C32, and the fact that it is still young, I'd get the dealer to do it. What if you did have a problem with it later, and wanted to call on their goodwill? £850 well spent IMO. Now, if the car was 10 years old......a different matter!
Ron

 

[Rory]

I wouldn't dream of buying a car without checking typical service and maintenance costs first, and this a C32, not your average C180.


It might be worth getting a ServicePlus quote although it's probably a bit late for that now as you're too close to the service (and they'll only cover the car up to 6 yrs old).

I don't think ServicePlus was around when I bought my car, but I was given a maintenance contract quote of £135 inc vat/mth (based on 30K/yr, car was 6mths old, with 6000 miles). It made me think very hard about whether to go ahead buying the car or not.

 

[jberks]

Neither of the previous two main dealer services on my C class have been below £1k.
Ok - Ive never had an AMG but I jhave had a C220, and E240 and an E270 and the worst bill I've had from the dealer was around £500
Admittedly I moved to a specialist for the last 2 services but am going back to the dealership for the next one.

What you could do is to get the base service done by the main dealer to get the service stamp and then go to an independent dealer for the other stuff.

This is probably the best advice. Have the plugs and other extras done by an indie (or diy) and then tell the dealer it's been done so doesn't need doing. Also, you are well within your rights to turn down extra work. I just plead poverty and tell them I'll bring it back in a few weeks - then run it down the road to the indie or pop the bonnet myself (plugs aren't that hard after all).
You still get the stamp but not the bill.

 

[Denrob]

Thanks all for the advice, yes I know my C32 is something special and it will get the quality service it deserves. I will make enqs about the service plus so watch this space. Cheers Den