Vehicle inspection cost - E500

[03E500]

Hi guys,

New to Mercedes Benz world, but can someone tell me how much it will cost to get an E class inspected.

I took my car to Colin Ferns in Surrey to have my 03 E500 checked up, just to be sure, so no repair work or anything that needs to be done.

I was not expecting to see the final bill to be £152.67.

Is this a bit excessive? That should not have taken more than one hour to do.... so he is charing more than £100 per hour for labour? I may as well take my car in to a main dealer then.

Don't think I will go back again. If he can charge £152 for a general vehicle inspection, I would hate to see how much he is going to charge me for servicing !

 

[Bolide]

Surely the person to ask is Colin, not forum visitors who weren't there?

Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[03E500]

Yes, I did speak to Colin.

So, what I would like to know is whether or not this is a reasonable cost.

Can someone tell me how much Colin is charging for labour?

 

[Rory]

I suppose he has to cover himself, both in terms of doing a thorough job in the first place, and in case you come back and sue him for negligence in the event that a problem that he missed flares up. In other words, there might be an element of ‘insurance’ in the price?

 

[carabind]

looks like £130+VAT. Also, might have taken more than an hour. have you asked what they checked?

Did you ask before how much it would cost ? Might have been cheaper , in hindsight,to have a MOT check done at around £30-£40 at a local garage, but this might not have been as thorough as a MB specialist

 

[jberks]

Actually it's quite cheap. The quote I had for a pre warranty inspection from the dealer was closer to £200!

 

[03E500]

Well, I did not ask for a quote before.... bad move I guess. I just assume that Colin would look after people from this forum. We should not be comparing this to doing it at a main dealer.... if they cost the same, who would go to a MB specialist?

Actually, I am not that impressed with the service, for example, it says that there is no evidence of damage. Well, I do not know a lot about cars, but I am pretty sure that there might have been a minor damage as I noticed that there was a slightly bigger gap between the left rear bumper and the car body...... I spot it when I was washing my car. If I could spot it, anyone could.

So, if Colin had spent 2 hours on the car and did nto even see that - well, not impressed.

Anyway, I think I would like to find another MB specialist next time.... anyone know of a MB specialist in Surrey/Richmond area?

Thanks.

 

[television]

Did you get a real report, like engine checked, steering, suspension, etc, all fault codes read and faults cleared, electrics and so on.

malcolm

 

[03E500]

Actually, NO.... that is why I think it is a bit steep for a few sentences faxed to me. This is pretty much what it says

'We are pleased to report that we find the vehicle to be in excellent order, with no evidence of accident damage.' - WRONG, the rear bumper is not probably fitted.

It is apparent that some considerable amount of mechancial work has recently been completed, including new break discs and pads and new front suspension wishbones.

a few faults:

missing tyre repair canister - well, I knew it was missing
wood trim on the passenger side damaged - I can see this too
no service book in the car - well, because it is in my house
recommend HPI checked for outstanding finance..... no need - dealer already provided...

So, guys, based on the above, I just do nto think that this is a proper 'inspection report'. I would reather paid a main dealer to have it done properly for £200.

So, I will not recommend Colin Ferns to anyone..... not happy