Ripped off???

[EddieB]

Hi all

I have recently returned from Simon Light in Ware, Herts. I put my SLK230 in for a B Service and got the Service Extras too. This included all the filters and spark plugs. I'm home again and read the receipt. The cost of parts was not as large as I expected given the bill of £684.

I note that I have been charge £65 labour for fitting the Spark Plugs, and £65 labour for the Fuel and Air Filters. Also £32.23 for topping up the break fluid. This is just labour, the parts were charged separately. I was told on the phone that it would be expensive because of the cost of parts. I now think I have been properly stiffed for labour costs.

The work was done well and the guys seemed thorough enough. Have I been ripped off though?

 

[television]

The bill is certainly on the high side for an indie, very high I think

 

[muller1]

Charges

I have been quoted by Weir of Aberdeen about £450 just to change the Auto Transmission oil and clean the filter.
They charge over £100 per hour for labour.
I wonder which planet they live on.
NO GARAGE FITTER IS WORTH £100 per hour NO ONE repeat NO ONE.
I would say £40 to £45 was more than enough as this makes £1800 per 40 hour week per workshop employee, and that is not bad for a fitter of parts as they are not Engineers in the proper sense of the word "Mechanical Engineer"

Mike

 

[star]

Hi all

I have recently returned from Simon Light in Ware, Herts. I put my SLK230 in for a B Service and got the Service Extras too. This included all the filters and spark plugs. I'm home again and read the receipt. The cost of parts was not as large as I expected given the bill of £684.

I note that I have been charge £65 labour for fitting the Spark Plugs, and £65 labour for the Fuel and Air Filters. Also £32.23 for topping up the break fluid. This is just labour, the parts were charged separately. I was told on the phone that it would be expensive because of the cost of parts. I now think I have been properly stiffed for labour costs.

The work was done well and the guys seemed thorough enough. Have I been ripped off though?

Iwould say they are high and not necessary, we always see items listed and charged that should be part of a proper service

I have been quoted by Weir of Aberdeen about £450 just to change the Auto Transmission oil and clean the filter.
They charge over £100 per hour for labour.
I wonder which planet they live on.
NO GARAGE FITTER IS WORTH £100 per hour NO ONE repeat NO ONE.
I would say £40 to £45 was more than enough as this makes £1800 per 40 hour week per workshop employee, and that is not bad for a fitter of parts as they are not Engineers in the proper sense of the word "Mechanical Engineer"

Mike

Unfortunately you are not just paying for the "fitter/technician" you are subsidising the whole dealership and cost of equiping it. The smaller the garage the lower the overheads and hence lower labour rates. It would be great if we just paid for the fitter alone.

 

[4xxxx]

ask

doesnt anyone ask for a rough quote before they agree to have work done
i always do so i know about what it will cost before work is done

 

[4xxxx]

ask

you should have asked for a rough estimate before having the work done so you knew what it was going to cost (give or take £50)
i always ask and if i lkie the estimate i go ahead if i dont i go elsewhere

 

[muller1]

I Take It All Back, I was mistaken

I put my ML 270 in to Weir's Mercedes Benz of Aberdeen for some work to be done, drain, flush and refill auto tranny oil, replace the oil filter,replace the exhaust clamp because of a rattle, flush and refill coolant, replace the poly vee accessory drive belt, washer jets and got a pleasant surprise as the total was £515.
This included a courtesy car for free, coffee, the most civilised and dedicated staff you could wish for.
The car was returned to me washed and cleaned like new.
They also changed the engine oil and filter, which they did not charge for as I had had this done last week and they made a mistake in doing it as I had not asked for it to be done.
Well done Weir,s I take my hat off to you and will be going back as it is so good to be treated like a valued customer and old friend.

THANKS AGAIN WEIR'S I WAS WRONG.

Mike Muller

 

[JEZ.S320L]

Last week, I had a major service on my S-Class.

This included all the fluids (brakes, engine, gearbox etc etc) replaced. Fully syntheic oil, filters and so on. The car now runs as smooth as silk ,and the engine as quiet as the quietest thing in the whole of Silencedom.

All in all I am very pleased. All for £363 at NATIONWIDE AUTOCENTRE in Brighton.

Oh, and that included the treatment for a rain repellant windscreen - and an MOT guarantee

Result!

 

[MERC210]

HI EDDIE I THINK I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM BUT HAVE GOT AN ANSWER IF YOU E MAIL ME ON colin1417@yahoo.co.uk i hink i can help

 

[dragon]

You should have done it yourself, it so simple and save yourself the labour cost. Make it your hobby so you enjoy driving and maintenance your own car yourself.