Service B

[TheNovice]

I need to do a full service (service B) and MOT for my car C200K 2001.
I have managed to find Deutsch Motors in Croydon to do the job. However they have quoted a price of £140 + VAT for labour and an average price of labour/parts of £350 plus VAT. Is that reasonable? Does anybody have any experience with the above garage? Can you recommend any other one in Croydon area?
Also what is your experience with Nationwide AutoCentre? I have got a quote of £218 (inclusive of parts, labour and VAT) for a full service and MOT, which would be even cheaper if booked on the Internet.

Is there a need for specialized mercedes equipment to do the service? (as obviously Nationwide or any other non specialised garage would not have them)

Thanks

 

[jberks]

£350+vat sounds a bit steep imo, approaching what a dealer would charge as a basic quote.
It does depend on what they are doing for that though as the B bit doesn't tell you that much. It's all the liitle 'extras' like gearbox oil, coolant change, brake fluid change etc that can make someone more thorough just look expensive.
Ask them both what that covers before deciding.
There is no critical reason why they'd need a star machine if all is well and no diagnostics are needed.

 

[philharve]

Hi TheNovice

I well remember my first 'B' service at my nearest MB dealership an this was a tad over GBP360.00+VAT. I was expecting a bill nearer GBP200.00+VAT. It was the manhour rate that inflated my bill.

The next 'B' service was performed by my adopted indie and this was GBP200.00 less.

It pays to shop around.

REGARDS

Phil