GregGebhardt

My 2014 ML350 BT is coming up for its service a in about 800 miles.

I purchased both the prepaid service and extended warranty at the time of purchase. Does it cover everything? I plan on keeping the vehicle for 4-5 years.

Does this prepaid service pay for parts like wiper blades, cabin air filters, BlueTec juice, etc. I will also have the hard installed and hidden radar/laser detection system, I know I will be paying for that. I also will be needing a loaner.

Also there are two MB dealers in Jacksonville, I would assume I could take it to either dealer as it is a MB main plan.

Happy Labor Day everyone!

audi40

The prepaid maintenance covers the items you mention - see attached list of covered services.

Did you pay $3,299 for the BT prepaid maintenance or were you able to get it discounted? My dealer's FI manager said they only had about $50 of profit in this and couldn't discount. I'm still having sticker shock that MB charges this much for maintenance and even more so that there's a $1,300 up-charge for the BT ML vs the service for the gas ML - prepaid 5 year service for my 2014 A6 TDI was about $820 and no difference in price for diesel vs gas. As far as I can tell, the only difference in indicated services is that the BT needs Ad-blue (DEF) every service - you can buy this at Walmart for $12 for 2.5 gals. which would be < $200 over the life of the vehicle. I asked the dealer if I could buy the "basic" prepaid maintenance for the gas ML ("only" $1,999) and do the DEF refills myself and was told they couldn't do this.

GregGebhardt

I thank you for your reply. I am not sure of the exact price on the extended service but it was a little over 3K from what I remember.

I bought 3 containers of the DEF shortly after I purchased it and at 5k was able to add about a gallon or so but will let them top it off at the 10K. I have few complaints with my ML, if fact all I can think of is a cut in the drivers side wiper, that I will be paying for and I got one tire sensor that will stop reporting causing an indicator light on the dash. Only happens after driving over a hundred miles and never shown up on a short trip.

Overall I have enjoyed my ML very much.

To tell you the truth, I almost hate to take it in as I fear someone will mess things up, but I know that it must be done. Thanks for your help.

EricM

The other thing the Bluetec needs is a fuel filter change. From what I've read, it doesn't sound trivial to change.

fabbrisd1

Yes - prepaid maintenance includes ALL required AND ALL recommended items.. if you got it, use it...

NewtoMBML

I recently took mine in for the first 10k service (after owning only 6 months :-) and they told me tire rotation is NOT included with the prepaid maintenance and would cost extra if I want that!! I said I was told it was included when I paid, and then they said they would do it for free .... but I'm not sure if I will have to complain each time...

GregGebhardt

If my dealer tells me that a 10k rotate and balance is not included, they will regret it.

Nothing could surprise me.

audi40

It's NOT included in the prepaid maintenance schedule I posted previously - only mentions check and adjust tire pressure. Not sure why rotation is not included, but whatever the reasoning, it's not included in Audi's prepaid maintenance program either.

GregGebhardt

I see that it was not listed but I remember vividly asking the nice girl who sold me the contract and she said it WAS included. It is funny that they do not have this "list" available to show you when you are spending $3000.

If I would have know this I would not have waited till 10K to get my tires rotated and I will not do it again. I have had a cut in the drivers side wiper that leaves a nasty arc of water on the windshield, I can see I will be paying to have that fixed, too!

shortspark

Some dealers do tire rotation as a courtesy with the A service but most do not. It is not written in the service agreements although prior to 2012, the tire rotation was shown as a complimentary service on the MB website's prepaid maintenance page. Even then it seemed to be on a dealer to dealer basis.

Don't fret this because either tire you get with your ML (either Dunlop or Continental) will have to be replaced around 25,000 miles anyway - if your lucky. They are not very good and you will want to replace them with longer lasting, better riding and quieter tires. Rotate only if you sense a problem with the tires or they are wearing unevenly. Otherwise let them go, hope they wear out quickly and buy decent tires as soon as you can.

Kartergreg

I've got almost 13k miles on mine and I just rotated the tires last weekend. Did it my self as it takes a lot less time that way as compared to taking it to a dealer and waiting around. Also been doing my own oil changes.

My Continentals look great, without noticeable wear, but of course I am running higher air pressure than a lot of you.

GregGebhardt

I run a pound over recommended on my ML tires. I would like mine balanced while off the vehicle. I have no desire to do it myself. The dealer is only minutes away and they will give me a loaner for the day.

Kartergreg

Which recommended pressures? Based on the stickers on my ML there is quite a range.

GregGebhardt

Mine clearly says 35 pounds on the sticker, I run 36 by choice.

Kartergreg

I'm running 42 to 44.

GregGebhardt

Sorry but I really do not care.

Barry45RPM

What typically are the Dealers charging for 4 year prepaid Maintenance? Are you actually going to save any money over "Pay-As-You-Go" as needed basis? (Assuming we do all the service on time as specified)

audi40

It varies by model, but the list price for the ML350 BT is $3,299 while the gas ML 350 is $1,999. I contacted 5 local dealerships at the time I was buying ours and none of them was willing to discount the maintenance program. According to the MB literature, it's supposed to save you up to 30% of the cost of normally scheduled maintenance over the 4 years, although I haven't yet priced out the cost of the individual services to see how it compares.

fabbrisd1

Well.. the best "deal" on prepaid maintenance is to pay for your own 10k/A service... then buy the 3-pack which will cover 20K/30K/40K..again all required and recommended service items..

The three pack is priced as a A/B/A...and used for 20K/30K/40K.. will give you B/A/B... get it ?

Just trying to be helpful for those that are interested..

BTW prices will change/go-up at/around 9/15...

EricM

According to the MB site, prepaid maintenance only covers the "required" service items (it's even in quotes like that on the website). That explains why tire rotation isn't included as it's simply a "recommended" item. I'm leaning toward doing my own oil changes and all of the checks and just paying for the items I don't want to hassle with (brake fluid change, fuel filter change).

JasonMayes

Covers Required and Recommended Services. New pricing as of September 3rd.

Now includes wipers at every 10k service! But still does not include tire rotations.

saves your 30% or more if you are covering the 40k maintenance, which as we all know is the most expensive.

Dealers will also not discount PPM very often because MB only gives us sometimes only $100 in profit in these packages. If you can get a dealer or finance guy to give you $50 off, that's a heck of a deal.

Barry45RPM

Good to know...

GregGebhardt

Is the new wiper thing starting in September or does it include my 6 month old ML?

bubba1948

i have a 2013 ML Bluetec that was hit recently. 20k in damage. it is a lease car. i purchased prepaid maintenance through 40k. The car will now never hit that number as it will be replaced as soon as the lease expires. it will be replaced with another Mercedes Ml on a lease. Is the maintenance that i don't use lost or can i get a credit to apply to prepaid on the new car?

GregGebhardt

From what I understand there is no refund on Maint contracts. They do prorate and refund on the Extended Warranty plans.

Sorry.