MB or Indie (again)

[daveenty]

Got a Jan 2003 E55 AMG 29,000 FMBSH which is due a B service in 1600 miles.

Bought from a non MB dealer (Stratstones Manchester: Jag/Maserati/Ferrari)

Very comprehensive 12 months warranty (inc breakdown cover and all sorts of good bits)

Question is, should I continue to have it serviced with MB (probably Bolton) or use an local Indie which has been highly recommended?

One concern is losing Mobilo which the indie says I may do but, as my present warranty covers most stuff (tyres etc.), would it really matter?

I realilse that there will be differences of opinion here, but I just want to do what would be considered the best for the car.

I don't do a great amount of miles nowadays (usually between 6-8,000 p/a)

I've also been reading the Service Plus threads with interest as I think that this may sway me towards MB.

Would FMBSH really benefit on residual value (as it'll probably be p/x'd anyway)?

All suggestions greatly welcomed, as I intend to keep this car at least another 2 years (probably until the E63 becomes a little more affordable)

 

[Blobcat]

Probably not make a difference to residuals unless you sell privately, however it will just give the dealer another stick to beat you with over the valuation when it comes to trade in.

 

[D3Less]

I can't recall ever being asked if service history was main dealer or not.
My 2001 C270 will certainly be going to an indy from now on.

 

[daveenty]

Just read through the warranty booklet (again) and it does state that: -

It is a condition of this warranty that the vehicle is regularly serviced by a franchised dealer for your particular make of vehicle at it's manufacturers prescribed intervals and that a record of all such services is properly maintained

So it looks like MB will have to get it for it's B service to comply with these terms.

Could've been a ****** A service it wanted

 

[D3Less]

How much longer do you have on the warranty?
There is a big difference in the price of a B service from and indy and MB.
The difference in price could be the price of a decent aftermarket warranty for 12 months.
Just a thought

Out of interest I asked an MB dealer the price of a B service on mine at 5 years and 41k they quoted £515 plus extras indy's are around £260 plus extras.

 

[daveenty]

How much longer do you have on the warranty?

About 8 months, but service is imminent.

There is a big difference in the price of a B service from and indy and MB.
The difference in price could be the price of a decent aftermarket warranty for 12 months.

There's that way of looking at it, but it's a very comprehensive warranty, including breakdown. (Jaguar 24 hour European assistance)

Out of interest I asked an MB dealer the price of a B service on mine at 5 years and 41k they quoted £515 plus extras indy's are around £260 plus extras.

I'd actually budgeted for a B service before buying, and think that I'll go for it this time. It shouldn't need much in the way of parts (plugs etc.) with less than 30,000 on it, and if anything is found wrong, at least I can get MB Bolton to sort it under warranty, especially as they're owned by the same group the car came from.
Thanks for all the advice, I think between us we've sorted out.

MB up to end of warranty, then Indie

 

[D3Less]

For the sake of 8 months of very good warranty then yes the MB service has to be worth it

 

[jberks]

I have to say that at 6-8kpa, you'll need a service every 18-24 months on average and at that rate, I'd stick to the dealer. Mobilo is your corrosion warranty (not too vital on an 03 but my dad just had £400 worth of work done on his 03 E class so you never know) plus breakdown cover which is worth £100 per year too.
On top of this, as I've said before, it isn't black and white. Use the dealer for servicing but the indie if you get any faults or need brakes etc. That way you have the best of both worlds.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Use the dealer for servicing but the indie if you get any faults or need brakes etc. That way you have the best of both worlds.

What he said.

 

[daveenty]

Thanks Guys,

Looking like that's the way to go with it