mf219

I have had both "A & B" scheduled maintenance performed @ the local MB dealership. I'm due to take her in again. It seems to me all they really do is change the oil & visually inspect the car. All this for several hundred dollars. Is it worth it to have the scheduled "maintenance" performed at the dealer? or should I just change the oil and drive it? The car is 10 years old now MY 2004 CL500 67k miles.

tusabes

You can get it done elsehwhere but you must be sure to do the additional checks and services, otherwise you could end up with 4 figure repair bills for not taking care of small issues before they become huge issues

For example checking the reed valve and keeping the drains clear is essential if you don't want your car to get flooded with water inside during a storm or car wash .

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=340537&styleid=20

Also checking the transmission plug grommet is essential, as if there is a leak it will wick fluid up the wiring harness .

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=536506

And checking flex discs is essential

Welwynnick

Agree with all those things, but I don't think dealers do that anyway.

They never even hooked up an SDS last time I took mine in.

Nick

lloyds

I do all my servicing myself on my car, same year and similar mileage as yours, both A + B services, even had a stamp made with my own service logo so I can stamp the service book. I have now just ordered a SD Connect4 diagnostic so it will be checked even more thoroughly than even the dealer does and at a fraction of the price.

tusabes

The class action lawsuit for the reed valve added the reed valve cleaning to the a and b service . My dealer checks flex disc, as part of service checks .

Don't know of any dealerships that check the transmission plug as part of regular service

vmystikilv

I do most of my services myself. Or, I least I do whatever I can do. Is it worth 700.... Yeah, if you cant do it on your own. I would call around though, maybe find a really good indy that can service it for less than that price. Its just really hard to find good ones though. Honestly that why I do it myself. I was use to a great dealer and I moved and the new area dealer was horrible. I usually get the oil changed at one place with approved fluids, than, everything else I do myself. There is one dealer in town that does the oil change for $99 flat so I do everything else after that with parts ordered from a----zon. I don't like to get liquid dirty. Dirt dirty though I can handle . Its been three days and im still scrubbing abc fluid off my hands and finger nails. ugh...... I'm forced to work on ABC myself though because any maintenance or work on that thing starts at insanity to pay prices. If your good at spotting problems early and can do some of it yourself, good. If not, just pay.

mf219

thanks for the replies. I just took it in for "B" service- here's what they did:
-Oil change
-Electrical system check including "midtronics MCR 717" battery test. all lights, lamps, etc
-visual & functional check including headlamp cleaning system. lubricate doors, trunk, etc
-brake inspection including measuring of pads & rotors
-inspect & adjust all fluid levels
-tire pressure
-reset service indicator
-wash, dry, vacuum
-replace charcoal cabin filter
-clean & lubricate sunroof
-perform fuel system service
-inspect parking brake, differential, steering mechanism & ball joints
-inspect driveshaft & flexible discs, u-joints, etc
-inspect front & rear axle fluid level.
and of course they check all the belts, hoses, etc. this is just the condensed version - it's a 3 hour job

got 'er done at genuine MB dealer for $350

tusabes

That's a good deal

Which dealer ?

screw991le

Nice, I am due for B3, what am I looking at for price and what do they do?