Where to get my servicing done

[jazzenator]

Hi

My car is coming to 55k miles. ASSYST wants a Cat C service. Have been phoning various Merc Dealerships and have been qouted £250-350 so far.
Some have even mentioned that the air filter, fuel filter, transmission oil will also need changing bringing the bill to approx £700.:-x

However, they say I can wait to have that done later. My cars warranty runs out in July. Are there any other reliable non-merc garages that can change the oil and what not after the warranty runs out? Or are there some really well priced merc dealerships around.

What do you guys suggest?

Thanks.

 

[jberks]

Any decent indie can do the work.
Yes, the transmission oil needs doing at that mileage and age. The other stuff depends on when it was last done, if at all.
Dealers now offer discounts on cars over 3 years old so you should benefit from that. That said, the £350 may already include that.

 

[Micman]

Hi

However, they say I can wait to have that done later. My cars warranty runs out in July. Are there any other reliable non-merc garages that can change the oil and what not after the warranty runs out? Or are there some really well priced merc dealerships around.

You don't have to get your car serviced at the main dealer even though your car is still in the warranty period.

That rule changed a few years back so you now have the freedom to use any garage for a service and your warranty will be fine. (as long as they use the genuine Merc parts/service packs).

I've been using a couple of small garages for years at a fraction of the price of the main dealers.

 

[jazzenator]

You don't have to get your car serviced at the main dealer even though your car is still in the warranty period.

That rule changed a few years back so you now have the freedom to use any garage for a service and your warranty will be fine. (as long as they use the genuine Merc parts/service packs).

I've been using a couple of small garages for years at a fraction of the price of the main dealers.

Thanks.
Will they also be able to reset the ASSYST code?
Whereabouts in the country are you. Do you know anyone in the Durham/Newcastle or Portsmouth area (I in both these regions).

Thanks

 

[Blobcat]

Thanks.
Will they also be able to reset the ASSYST code?
Whereabouts in the country are you. Do you know anyone in the Durham/Newcastle or Portsmouth area (I in both these regions).

Thanks

My take on this is that if they don't know how to reset the ASSYST system they shouldn't be working on a Mercedes!
It is listed on this forum and in some owners manuals, therefore if they don't know basic knowledge like that then in no way would I trust them with the highly complex beast which is a Mercedes Benz.

 

[Micman]

I'm in West Sussex so can't tell you anyone local to you.

I've never had any problems with a garage being unable to reset the ASSYST.

As Blobcat says - if the garage can't reset the ASSYST then you don't want to be using that garage!!

All you have to do is ask them about it when you get in touch to make sure they have the technical know!

 

[oldcro]

Quote from Mercedes Customer care;

"It is possible however for any VAT registered workshop to carry out routine servicing on your vehicle as long as servicing is carried out in accordance with the manufacurers guidelines and genuine Mercedes-Benz parts are used.

Any defects that were to occur that could be directly related to work carried out by an independant workshop would not be considered as warrantable."

So a good independant workshop is essential if you want to maintain your warranty.

 

[Parrot of Doom]

You can do the air filter yourself if you like, they're only a tenner. The air filter requires no tools and takes about 2 minutes to change, not sure about the fuel filter on yours but its easy on mine.

Its a good idea to have the transmission fluid changed.

 

[jazzenator]

You can do the air filter yourself if you like, they're only a tenner. The air filter requires no tools and takes about 2 minutes to change, not sure about the fuel filter on yours but its easy on mine.

Its a good idea to have the transmission fluid changed.

I am not the most menchanically minded when it comes to diesels.
Can you elaborate on that procedure?
Also where do I purchase a genuine Merc filter from for a tenner?
Thanks

 

[Parrot of Doom]

The air filter is about the size of a cereal box, its just rubber plastic and paper really. You buy a new filter, open the bonnet, the old filter is in a big black plastic box on the left side of the engine. It'll have 2 massive fat black pipes coming into and out of it.

This is what it looks like on mine, yours should be very similar:

Its held closed by 6 or 8 clips, you just pop all the clips back with your thumb, the lid then comes off. You remove the old filter, get the vacuum cleaner in the box to suck up any dead flies and dried leaves (watch that nothing goes down the hole in the bottom). Then you put the new filter in, ensure its sat snugly, and put the lid back on and close the clips. And thats it, really easy.

Where to purchase, well personally I'd just go to Euro Car Parts.

 

[BlackC55]

Cough cough......

I am near Portsmouth.

 

[jazzenator]

cheers mate. most helpful.

 

[jazzenator]

Cough cough......

I am near Portsmouth.

PM sent your way

 

[n350]

any independent in the cheshire/manchester/merseyside area that anyone's recommending?

 

[Ashley H]

Hi n350

MB Tech in Warrington (01925 653050) were recommended to me on this forum. I've used them for a couple of bits & pieces and they seem to know their stuff and do what they say they will, though I wouldn't yet say I'm a regular. They have all the necessary equipment and the main man is ex-MB dealer.

 

[n350]

Cheers, will give them a call in the morning.

 

[Ashley H]

Mention my name, please! My wife's car is going in on Monday