wxd1975

just got service A done in dealership, but the cost is about $340 (part ~90, labor ~210). There was a $34 environmental fee included. Am i getting ripped off?
I knew the service could be expensive, but did not expect to be that.
Any tips to select service center?
PS. my car is 2014 C300 at 10,000 mile
thanks

dudeitsmattx

That sounds right. Your only other options are to find a local independent shop that services MB and BMW to do the services, may save you a few $. Or just do the oil chance yourself. Oil and filters should run you around $90-$110.

wxd1975

Thank you for the response. I would not mind going to a dealer as long as the price is reasonable. I googled around, and seems the service A is around 180~250. Next time I will have to call around to compare the cost.

MJ50

depends on location...
in socal, it's around 179~199...
still roughly 2x more than DIY...

wxd1975

Would DIY void the mfg warranty? My car still has six years on it.

MJ50

no... just keep all parts receipts...

BDriver

When I called to extend my MB warranty, their CS said all service and repairs must be done by MB dealership or the warranty will be void. I'm in the UK and know they are BS'ing me but I actually didn't know you can even DIY to keep the warranty valid.

silkx3

I got my Service A done at 30k miles and it was about 280$. I was told by the dealership Service B will be around $1000-1200

steveb9771

Service"B" in Southern California costs $300 to $400. See www.anaheimmercedes.com/specials/service/

Costs are lower here due to a large number of dealers that actively compete with each other. Other parts of the country charge a lot more.

BenzManNy

That's pretty expensive. My MB dealer is cheaper than that. Basic service A is less than $150

FFM

Ouch mine was $230 and for an oil change think that's a rip off personally. My windshield wiper sprayers are inop which means they never even filled up the fluid, or tested them during the inspection anyway.

As a former master technician who got tired of the industry it's not that I can't do it, I just don't feel like doing it anymore. But overpaying for an over glorified oil change bugs me too haha.

louiet3

The indy shop that I go to is owned and operated by an MB master mechanic. They charge $125 for minimum A and $225 for minumum B service.

equetefue

Get yourself a Mityvac and do the oil changes yourself. The cabin filter swap is pretty easy after finding a video online.

Visual inspections you can do yourself as well

xjmoe83

My shop does the FSS A for $185 + tax

PelicanParts.com

Take a cruise around our parts catalog for sourcing parts to help you with DIY. I don't believe we have a tech article section for the W204 yet, but check it out and see what we may offer.

-Luccia

FFM

I noticed in the manual it's noted to replace the wipers and combo filter. They don't include that with the regular service price do they?

No mention of either replaced on my invoice is why I ask.

Mrbruce

having just done my 10K a service at MB on my 300 4matic, there is no doubt that the costs are much more just because it is a MB. That being said, i had the dealer throw in 3 years service. I tried to add 4 and 5 at cost but was told they would not do it until I completed year 3. The cost is about 1K. The ala cart charges for 40K and 50k are much more, so..............I would contact your MB dealer and see if you can purchase prepaid service from them. Short of finding a shop, I think that is your cheapest bet

and they do not replace wipers, even though it is called for, makes you crazy!

xjmoe83

According to the FSS maintenance sheet, wipers and combo filter are not required items for the minor/A service. They are only recommended. They are required for the major service/B service. So the A service price usually does not include those items.

FFM

Thanks for the info. Just wanted to confirm that I paid $230 for an oil change lol. So they literally did nothing because they missed the wiper sprayer inop even though it's on the checklist.

BlankProc

Dealer I got my W204 from in Atlanta (Mercedes Benz of Buckhead) has the cheapest Service A in the country according to them. $99.

Service B is about $500.

FFM

Sounds like they made up the cost on the B because mine said $400 lol.

Pretty slick marketing strategy haha.

silkx3

I'm about 600miles before I need to get a Service B done to my C250. I've looked on the website and it said it will be around $400 for it. I just want to know if these checks are worth it. Or should I get it done some place else. Advices? Also I just did my oil change/filter less than 100 miles ago.

*Engine oil and filter change with Premium Synthetic engine oil and Mercedes Benz specialized filter *Inspect windshield wiper inserts Ensure the parking brake, steering play, headlamps, and exterior headlamps, warning and indicator lamps, horn, windshield/headlamp wiper and washer systems, seat belts, and backrest lock if equipped are functioning correctly *Inspect tires and check tire pressure (including spare) *Inspect brake pad thickness and disc condition *Inspect front axle ball joints and Poly-V-belt *Check and correct all fluid levels *Reset your vehicle's FSS counter ***Menus are based on (but not identical to) Manufacturer's Suggested Maintenance***

BlankProc

I follow MB's service recommendations to the letter and I suggest the same to every other MB owner. Budget it in.

xjmoe83

Agreed. Pay a little now, or a lot later. (relatively speaking of course)

cfmistry

I have found time and time again that the best value and work is when you do it yourself. I do all my own servicing, as much as I can, and have the dealer fill-in selectively what is beyond my head.