Dianostic fee at the dealer, costs?
11-07-2002, 05:04 PM
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03 C320 Sedan
Dianostic fee at the dealer, costs?
How much does the MBZ dealer usually charge for a dianostic fee?
I brought my car in to find and troubleshoot an idle and check engine light problem...Problem: Mass air flow and vacuum leak. Cost: 400 Parts, 350 Labor. So I decided not to have the repair done. Dianostic fee: $150. Is this what they normally charge?
I know if varies dealer to dealer but am I in the ball park? 150 is kind of high compare to $80 when I had a dianostic test done for a 92 BMW 3-series at the BMW dealer (2 couples years back). Maybe prices changed, anyone has any exprience they like to share...
btw: the dealer I brought it to was Fletcher Jones, Newport Beach, Ca.
94 C280.
Thanks.
I brought my car in to find and troubleshoot an idle and check engine light problem...Problem: Mass air flow and vacuum leak. Cost: 400 Parts, 350 Labor. So I decided not to have the repair done. Dianostic fee: $150. Is this what they normally charge?
I know if varies dealer to dealer but am I in the ball park? 150 is kind of high compare to $80 when I had a dianostic test done for a 92 BMW 3-series at the BMW dealer (2 couples years back). Maybe prices changed, anyone has any exprience they like to share...
btw: the dealer I brought it to was Fletcher Jones, Newport Beach, Ca.
94 C280.
Thanks.
11-07-2002, 07:06 PM
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2008 SLK-280
A diagnostic fee is the money that the dealers have to make up from the money they would have made spending hours troubleshooting the problem. Now that it only takes about 15 minutes to hook up a computer to the car to figure out a problem, they can't charge as many labor hours. They have to make up the money somehow so, hence, the birth of the diagnostic charge. The charge usually varies from how long it takes to find the problem and which computer port they need to hook it up to. I've had them range from 30 to 120 dollars myself. The mass air flow problem seems like a quick fix. If I remember right, I think I paid 30 dollars for that diagnostic fee.
11-11-2002, 01:59 PM
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1997 C230
next time if you have check engine light on, go to AUTOZONE, theyhave the reader can read the status for your check engine light for FREE. Do this before going to the dealer, it will save you lots of money.
11-11-2002, 04:00 PM
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03 C320 Sedan
Thanks..
I just found that out today, browsing through the old threads. I could of save myself $150, by going to autozone. Thanks for the response anyway.
BTW: problem fixed. Got the Mass Air Flow Meter for $220.00, replaced it, and now it is back to normal. Dealer wanted $750 total to fix this....
BTW: problem fixed. Got the Mass Air Flow Meter for $220.00, replaced it, and now it is back to normal. Dealer wanted $750 total to fix this....
11-14-2002, 09:56 AM
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1995 C280 & 2002 CLK320 Cabrio
For certain repairs, I also take my car to Fletcher Jones. For the most part, I've always been satisfied with their service. However, I do know they can be a real bltch to deal with. In addition, yes, they do have high prices (like all MB dealers).
To the best of my knowledge, I've always been charged a $90 diagnostic fee. All they do is plug a big computer ("STAR") to the MB hook-up under the hood.
They over-charged you. I suggest that if and when you go back, schedule the appt with Service Advisor LARRY CRESELIAS. I can't say enough kind things about him! He has been GREAT in every way!
On the other hand, all US cars 96 & newer (M104 engine (in-6) Mercedes' vehicles for 1995 are fully OBDII compliant). In any event, all cars are required to (in addition to the manufacturer's diagnostic connections) have a generic OBD hook up w/in 3 ft of the cluster. Ours is under the driver's side dash. If you look up on that panel, there is a small black plastic cover, open that and you'll see the generic OBD 12-prong hook-up. ANY auto repair place have "generic code readers" and can read emission related OBD codes.
Just some info for future services!
To the best of my knowledge, I've always been charged a $90 diagnostic fee. All they do is plug a big computer ("STAR") to the MB hook-up under the hood.
They over-charged you. I suggest that if and when you go back, schedule the appt with Service Advisor LARRY CRESELIAS. I can't say enough kind things about him! He has been GREAT in every way!
On the other hand, all US cars 96 & newer (M104 engine (in-6) Mercedes' vehicles for 1995 are fully OBDII compliant). In any event, all cars are required to (in addition to the manufacturer's diagnostic connections) have a generic OBD hook up w/in 3 ft of the cluster. Ours is under the driver's side dash. If you look up on that panel, there is a small black plastic cover, open that and you'll see the generic OBD 12-prong hook-up. ANY auto repair place have "generic code readers" and can read emission related OBD codes.
Just some info for future services!
12-11-2002, 12:22 PM
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1998 C230
Diagnostic fee cost me 90 at certified MB dealer
if you have a local shop that deals with MB they might have
the diagnostic kit to troubleshoot problems. it should cheaper then the dealer price or in some cases the diagnostic is free.
if you have a local shop that deals with MB they might have
the diagnostic kit to troubleshoot problems. it should cheaper then the dealer price or in some cases the diagnostic is free.
12-11-2002, 11:31 PM
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My place they charge 200 bucks...
I haven't go dealer for a long time since the last time they pissed me off...and now my car is problem free... Stop wasting ur bucks...they ain't gonna fix the problem and just keep charging u...STEALERSHIP!
regardz,
k-god
I haven't go dealer for a long time since the last time they pissed me off...and now my car is problem free... Stop wasting ur bucks...they ain't gonna fix the problem and just keep charging u...STEALERSHIP!
regardz,
k-god
