Service fees - need advice
07-06-2015, 08:33 AM
#1
Service fees - need advice
Hello guys
I bought a new Mercedes 3 years ago and I'm furious with the fees the local (monopoly) dealer here charges to perform the services. The last two services which I have performed at the dealer, service A and B, costed me approximately $1,000 and $1,500. Having done with service B recently, my next service should be service A, which basically I believe to be just inspections and oil & filter change. My question is, should I go to the dealer for my next service and pay another outrageous $1,000 just to perform service A? Or can I just change the oil & filter and skip service A and save tons of $$? If I can skip service A should I perform service B at the dealer? Or should I go ahead and find a mechanic to service my car and ignore servicing my car the dealer?
Your comments are appreciated guys. Thanks
I bought a new Mercedes 3 years ago and I'm furious with the fees the local (monopoly) dealer here charges to perform the services. The last two services which I have performed at the dealer, service A and B, costed me approximately $1,000 and $1,500. Having done with service B recently, my next service should be service A, which basically I believe to be just inspections and oil & filter change. My question is, should I go to the dealer for my next service and pay another outrageous $1,000 just to perform service A? Or can I just change the oil & filter and skip service A and save tons of $$? If I can skip service A should I perform service B at the dealer? Or should I go ahead and find a mechanic to service my car and ignore servicing my car the dealer?
Your comments are appreciated guys. Thanks
07-06-2015, 08:47 AM
#2
Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Greenville SC USA
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
2008 E320 Bluetec (until 11/14), 2001 SLK 320, 2004 Volvo V70, 1972 MGB, 2013 E350
Find a good independent shop that does MB service regularly.You are paying almost 3 times what my MB dealer charges for service. I have a great Indy shop also that does my SLK320 and my Volvo.The Indy is not significantly cheaper than the dealer because he does the A and B services to MB standards.
07-06-2015, 09:16 AM
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Southeastern USA
Posts: 2,572
Received 143 Likes
on
102 Posts
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Where are you located? The prices your dealer is charging do seem pretty high, even by MB standards. Are they doing more than what MB calls for? Many, many dealerships of all makes add on expensive services if you are not careful.
Did you speak to service manager about the prices?
This question comes up about every three months one way or another. There are those of us who support using the dealership in order to build a good relationship for that time down the road when you need their help. And it will happen if you keep the car long enough. Also, the dealership has access to resources not available to independents. Not to mention, using the dealership keeps you in good standing with MBUSA (assuming you are in US).
Many dealerships offer discounts to "loyal" customers. MBUSA may offer rewards to people who use dealerships as well.
Personally I have had far more bad experiences with independents than dealers for American, Asian and European cars.
If you use an independent, you have little if any recourse for appeal of their work.
Also, have to ask how they can do work for less than dealer if it is a significant amount. Does he offer loaner or other transportation services?
If you purchase a "luxury" vehicle, expect to pay luxury prices for service - any make.
Did you speak to service manager about the prices?
This question comes up about every three months one way or another. There are those of us who support using the dealership in order to build a good relationship for that time down the road when you need their help. And it will happen if you keep the car long enough. Also, the dealership has access to resources not available to independents. Not to mention, using the dealership keeps you in good standing with MBUSA (assuming you are in US).
Many dealerships offer discounts to "loyal" customers. MBUSA may offer rewards to people who use dealerships as well.
Personally I have had far more bad experiences with independents than dealers for American, Asian and European cars.
If you use an independent, you have little if any recourse for appeal of their work.
Also, have to ask how they can do work for less than dealer if it is a significant amount. Does he offer loaner or other transportation services?
If you purchase a "luxury" vehicle, expect to pay luxury prices for service - any make.
07-06-2015, 10:01 AM
#4
Where are you located? The prices your dealer is charging do seem pretty high, even by MB standards. Are they doing more than what MB calls for? Many, many dealerships of all makes add on expensive services if you are not careful.
Did you speak to service manager about the prices?
This question comes up about every three months one way or another. There are those of us who support using the dealership in order to build a good relationship for that time down the road when you need their help. And it will happen if you keep the car long enough. Also, the dealership has access to resources not available to independents. Not to mention, using the dealership keeps you in good standing with MBUSA (assuming you are in US).
Many dealerships offer discounts to "loyal" customers. MBUSA may offer rewards to people who use dealerships as well.
Personally I have had far more bad experiences with independents than dealers for American, Asian and European cars.
If you use an independent, you have little if any recourse for appeal of their work.
Also, have to ask how they can do work for less than dealer if it is a significant amount. Does he offer loaner or other transportation services?
If you purchase a "luxury" vehicle, expect to pay luxury prices for service - any make.
Did you speak to service manager about the prices?
This question comes up about every three months one way or another. There are those of us who support using the dealership in order to build a good relationship for that time down the road when you need their help. And it will happen if you keep the car long enough. Also, the dealership has access to resources not available to independents. Not to mention, using the dealership keeps you in good standing with MBUSA (assuming you are in US).
Many dealerships offer discounts to "loyal" customers. MBUSA may offer rewards to people who use dealerships as well.
Personally I have had far more bad experiences with independents than dealers for American, Asian and European cars.
If you use an independent, you have little if any recourse for appeal of their work.
Also, have to ask how they can do work for less than dealer if it is a significant amount. Does he offer loaner or other transportation services?
If you purchase a "luxury" vehicle, expect to pay luxury prices for service - any make.
My only concern is that since I bought the car, from time to time I had electrical issues (sometimes the engine starts but all electrical features such as A/C, radio, windows, etc. will not work, and sometimes the car works but the gear is stuck and will not shift from P to any other mode.) When I run through sensitive issues like these, I do not feel confident in handing my car to an independent mechanic because if he screws up, it will be a lot of headache for me to sue him for the damages caused, so I'm trying to avoid this hassle if possible, but I'm also unhappy with the service fees here.
After successfully servicing my car, the dealer would give me simple gifts such as tissue boxes, wet tissues, chocolates, or a cap with a mug.
Should I sell my car and look for another cheaper to maintain car or should I keep my car? This year I paid approximately $3,700 in service fees, changing all four tires, and changing the battery in addition to changing the rear brake pads.
I refuse to pay $5,000+ (excluding fuel additives fees) every 2 - 3 years to maintain the car.....
One last note, the dealer recommended me to use the fuel additive every time I refuel my car (or at least once per month,) which are extra fees for me to maintain the car and I'm definitely not happy about it. What do you guys recommend? Should I sell my car 2 years from now or keep it? I have NO intentions of ever servicing my car again at the dealer....
Last edited by aceboy44; 07-06-2015 at 10:08 AM.
07-06-2015, 10:55 AM
#5
Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Greenville SC USA
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
2008 E320 Bluetec (until 11/14), 2001 SLK 320, 2004 Volvo V70, 1972 MGB, 2013 E350
If you are in Kuwait, then the prices you are paying are probably the norm for luxury cars.
07-06-2015, 11:16 AM
#6
I passed by Lexus Kuwait and asked about their "full service quotation" I believe it was 140KD or 180KD. Why is Mercedes charging me 450KD for the full service while Lexus charge only 180KD for the ES350?
07-06-2015, 11:52 AM
#7
You are in the "realm" of luxury cars in an apparently prosperous oil rich country. There's no point complaining if the servicing fees are high. They vary hugely across different countries and continents. I assume there are no online maintenance packages since there is only one dealer. I'm not wanting to sound disrespectful, but if you are not comfortable with an Indy guy servicing your car for a bit less money, may be you should consider getting a car that better aligns with the service fees that you are comfortable paying. Good luck.
Trending Topics
07-06-2015, 12:04 PM
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
You should do your research on the independent mechanics - look around at the shop, talk to other customers, ask about routine service prices, etc. I did the same here and compared the prices to my dealer. The prepaid maintenance was a cheaper option for me than the independent so I bought a 3 pack and am taking it to the dealer for now.
I would use the dealer for any warranty work if you are still under one. If you are not under warranty, then there is no harm in shopping around among reputable shops.
I would use the dealer for any warranty work if you are still under one. If you are not under warranty, then there is no harm in shopping around among reputable shops.
07-06-2015, 01:02 PM
#9
Thank you all for your replies and I appreciate the feedback.
I guess I don't really have a choice here. My car is 3 years old and the warranty just expired. If I sell my car today then I will lose approximately 8,250KD ($27,250) so I would rather keep the car, suck it up, and enjoy my car than lose 8,250KD plus any additional payment for purchasing a brand new car 
I was just curious if it was safe to service my car outside the dealer or not. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to think deeply into this.
I talked to other customers and they seem to be happy with their cars. The only issue I have is that what my service manager and what my friends are telling me on how to service my car seems to be inconsistent!
A simple example would be my friend telling me that if I use the fuel additive more than once per year, then I am damaging the fuel system or injector in my car. On the other hand, my service manager is telling me that since the fuel standards in Kuwait are different than the fuel standards in Europe, if I do not use the fuel additive on a monthly basis then I'm damaging my car. Another example is when my friends tell me that servicing a Mercedes car takes only 1 – 2 hours at an independent mechanic, but when I drop my car at the dealer it takes 2 – 3 days. Now I am puzzled on who to believe
My car’s warranty has expired, I have nothing to lose if I decided to service my car outside the dealer, but I don’t want to gamble with an expensive car!
You are in the "realm" of luxury cars in an apparently prosperous oil rich country. There's no point complaining if the servicing fees are high. They vary hugely across different countries and continents. I assume there are no online maintenance packages since there is only one dealer. I'm not wanting to sound disrespectful, but if you are not comfortable with an Indy guy servicing your car for a bit less money, may be you should consider getting a car that better aligns with the service fees that you are comfortable paying. Good luck.
I was just curious if it was safe to service my car outside the dealer or not. Oh well, I guess I’ll have to think deeply into this.
You should do your research on the independent mechanics - look around at the shop, talk to other customers, ask about routine service prices, etc. I did the same here and compared the prices to my dealer. The prepaid maintenance was a cheaper option for me than the independent so I bought a 3 pack and am taking it to the dealer for now.
I would use the dealer for any warranty work if you are still under one. If you are not under warranty, then there is no harm in shopping around among reputable shops.
I would use the dealer for any warranty work if you are still under one. If you are not under warranty, then there is no harm in shopping around among reputable shops.
A simple example would be my friend telling me that if I use the fuel additive more than once per year, then I am damaging the fuel system or injector in my car. On the other hand, my service manager is telling me that since the fuel standards in Kuwait are different than the fuel standards in Europe, if I do not use the fuel additive on a monthly basis then I'm damaging my car. Another example is when my friends tell me that servicing a Mercedes car takes only 1 – 2 hours at an independent mechanic, but when I drop my car at the dealer it takes 2 – 3 days. Now I am puzzled on who to believe
My car’s warranty has expired, I have nothing to lose if I decided to service my car outside the dealer, but I don’t want to gamble with an expensive car!
07-06-2015, 01:30 PM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
On the fuel additive, I would ask at some other dealers like the Lexus one you mentioned. If the problem is with the gas there, then everyone would have the issue, not just MB.
Here in the US, a lot of dealers will push it but it is by no means required. Some argue it's a waste, but I am not trying to start one of those debates.
Service times should be based on what they are doing. For those dealer prices, I would want an itemized bill of what they did and the labor per job. Perhaps they are doing quite a bit more work than an independent. You will need that for comparison purposes when you shop around. My MB dealer here is the US will give a loaner car and keep your car until the next day for almost anything. They do it for the convenience of the customer - the bill ends up being for the same 102 hours of labor you would expect.
Here in the US, a lot of dealers will push it but it is by no means required. Some argue it's a waste, but I am not trying to start one of those debates.
Service times should be based on what they are doing. For those dealer prices, I would want an itemized bill of what they did and the labor per job. Perhaps they are doing quite a bit more work than an independent. You will need that for comparison purposes when you shop around. My MB dealer here is the US will give a loaner car and keep your car until the next day for almost anything. They do it for the convenience of the customer - the bill ends up being for the same 102 hours of labor you would expect.
07-06-2015, 02:39 PM
#11
I asked Lexus about the fuel additive and they told me "we only use it once per year when you service your car." In addition, I asked the BMW dealer if fuel additives were required and whether they have Service A and B similar to Mercedes or not and they responded "This movie (both fuel additive & service A & B) does not exist with your BMW car," so I'm having this issue with Mercedes only
Previously I tried ignoring the fuel additive but felt my car getting worse and unstable so I'm unsure if it was my imagination or if the fuel additive really did the trick.
Upon checking the bills I had, most of the fees were basically "testing X Y Z" fees (test whether this equipment work or not) and the fees are just way over-priced. If I remember correctly I think testing fees and labor alone were approximately $700.....
Previously I tried ignoring the fuel additive but felt my car getting worse and unstable so I'm unsure if it was my imagination or if the fuel additive really did the trick.
Upon checking the bills I had, most of the fees were basically "testing X Y Z" fees (test whether this equipment work or not) and the fees are just way over-priced. If I remember correctly I think testing fees and labor alone were approximately $700.....
07-06-2015, 02:39 PM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Southeastern USA
Posts: 2,572
Received 143 Likes
on
102 Posts
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Many years ago, the BMW-Saab-Honda dealer always added Chevron Techron at servicing. I checked around and it was highly recommended. I have been using in ever since. Add it about every 5,000 miles or so.
The MB dealer I use used to add it as standard part of service. Not sure if still do or not.
I did contact MBUSA and per technical department, they not only approve it, but recommend it. You may want to check further into it for cars in your area.
Techron is primarily a fuel injector cleaner.
The MB dealer I use used to add it as standard part of service. Not sure if still do or not.
I did contact MBUSA and per technical department, they not only approve it, but recommend it. You may want to check further into it for cars in your area.
Techron is primarily a fuel injector cleaner.
07-07-2015, 10:38 PM
#13
From what I know, the fuel grade is of a higher quality / octane (and cheaper 
) in the oil producing middle east countries. I don't know anything about fuel additives there though.
For reference can you post the octane rating for low , mid and high grade fuel available over there please.
We understand the financial benefit of keeping your current car. I don't see any problem with a good indy mechanic doing the periodic services. Many owners here do it themselves....
) in the oil producing middle east countries. I don't know anything about fuel additives there though. For reference can you post the octane rating for low , mid and high grade fuel available over there please.
We understand the financial benefit of keeping your current car. I don't see any problem with a good indy mechanic doing the periodic services. Many owners here do it themselves....
Last edited by pamiboy; 07-07-2015 at 10:41 PM.
07-08-2015, 04:20 AM
#14
It is true that fuel is cheap here but I'm unsure about the quality of fuel here compared to Europe.
We have three types of fuel, regular (91 or 92,) Super (95,) and Ultra Super (98 octane.) I used to refuel my car with Ultra but the service manager told me that I'm wasting my money and should stick with the Super fuel while adding additives to it.
I know a person whom had a bad experience with her BMW car when she took it for an independent mechanic so I'm trying to avoid having the same experience. As I mentioned, one of my friends told me it takes 1 - 2 hours to perform the service on his Mercedes car, but I find that quiet difficult to believe, especially when the dealer takes 2 - 3 days to perform the service
We have three types of fuel, regular (91 or 92,) Super (95,) and Ultra Super (98 octane.) I used to refuel my car with Ultra but the service manager told me that I'm wasting my money and should stick with the Super fuel while adding additives to it.
I know a person whom had a bad experience with her BMW car when she took it for an independent mechanic so I'm trying to avoid having the same experience. As I mentioned, one of my friends told me it takes 1 - 2 hours to perform the service on his Mercedes car, but I find that quiet difficult to believe, especially when the dealer takes 2 - 3 days to perform the service
Last edited by aceboy44; 07-08-2015 at 04:27 AM.
07-08-2015, 11:50 AM
#15
Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Greenville SC USA
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
2008 E320 Bluetec (until 11/14), 2001 SLK 320, 2004 Volvo V70, 1972 MGB, 2013 E350
Here are some service rates in the USA put together by a MB dealer. They are based on a 2012 E350
How Benzel-Busch Service compares to other local independents and dealerships on select service/repair pricing.
SERVICE / REPAIR
1) BENZEL-BUSCH
2) Avg. Area Independent
3) Avg. Area Mercedes-Benz
Service A * $ 233.00 $ 187.00 $ 307.33
Service B ** $ 570.00 $ 342.50 $ 627.00
Front Brakes & New Rotors* $ 721.00 $ 627.00 $ 880.00
Transmission Service with Filter & Gasket* $ 513.00 $ 470.00 $ 516.50
4 Wheel Alignment * $ 200.00 $ 202.50 $ 227.50
Rear Brake Pads & New Rotors * $ 617.00 $ 575.00 $ 814.00
How Benzel-Busch Service compares to other local independents and dealerships on select service/repair pricing.
SERVICE / REPAIR
1) BENZEL-BUSCH
2) Avg. Area Independent
3) Avg. Area Mercedes-Benz
Service A * $ 233.00 $ 187.00 $ 307.33
Service B ** $ 570.00 $ 342.50 $ 627.00
Front Brakes & New Rotors* $ 721.00 $ 627.00 $ 880.00
Transmission Service with Filter & Gasket* $ 513.00 $ 470.00 $ 516.50
4 Wheel Alignment * $ 200.00 $ 202.50 $ 227.50
Rear Brake Pads & New Rotors * $ 617.00 $ 575.00 $ 814.00
07-08-2015, 12:57 PM
#16
I do not know the standards of service in the USA but here is a list of things that are performed for Service A and Service B
http://mercedesbenzme.com/kuwait/en/...ices-explained (scroll down the page to see Service A & B package)
Do you think the service fees are reasonable or way too much over-priced?
http://mercedesbenzme.com/kuwait/en/...ices-explained (scroll down the page to see Service A & B package)
Do you think the service fees are reasonable or way too much over-priced?
07-08-2015, 04:05 PM
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Southeastern USA
Posts: 2,572
Received 143 Likes
on
102 Posts
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Thanks
Here are some service rates in the USA put together by a MB dealer. They are based on a 2012 E350
How Benzel-Busch Service compares to other local independents and dealerships on select service/repair pricing.
SERVICE / REPAIR
1) BENZEL-BUSCH
2) Avg. Area Independent
3) Avg. Area Mercedes-Benz
Service A * $ 233.00 $ 187.00 $ 307.33
Service B ** $ 570.00 $ 342.50 $ 627.00
Front Brakes & New Rotors* $ 721.00 $ 627.00 $ 880.00
Transmission Service with Filter & Gasket* $ 513.00 $ 470.00 $ 516.50
4 Wheel Alignment * $ 200.00 $ 202.50 $ 227.50
Rear Brake Pads & New Rotors * $ 617.00 $ 575.00 $ 814.00
How Benzel-Busch Service compares to other local independents and dealerships on select service/repair pricing.
SERVICE / REPAIR
1) BENZEL-BUSCH
2) Avg. Area Independent
3) Avg. Area Mercedes-Benz
Service A * $ 233.00 $ 187.00 $ 307.33
Service B ** $ 570.00 $ 342.50 $ 627.00
Front Brakes & New Rotors* $ 721.00 $ 627.00 $ 880.00
Transmission Service with Filter & Gasket* $ 513.00 $ 470.00 $ 516.50
4 Wheel Alignment * $ 200.00 $ 202.50 $ 227.50
Rear Brake Pads & New Rotors * $ 617.00 $ 575.00 $ 814.00
