MCONDE01

I did some calling around because I have my first service B coming up in about 2 months...I typically go to MB of Pompano and since they are one the cheapest I will probably go back to them and get it done there. Didn't realize that there was such a price difference between dealerships though...

Bill Ussery Motors, Inc. - $488
Coral Gables 1-305-445-8593

Mercedes-Benz of Fort Lauderdale - $450
Ft. Lauderdale 1-877-249-5755

Mercedes-Benz of Miami - $410
Miami 1-305-919-8000

Mercedes-Benz of Palm Beach - $400
West Palm Beach 1-561-689-6363

Mercedes-Benz of Pembroke Pines - $577
Pembroke Pines 1-954-517-8600

Mercedes-Benz of Pompano - $420
Pompano Beach 1-954-590-9798

benzatty

Between my current c230 and my wife's prior c240, we've been using MB of Pembroke Pines for a few years now (since they opened, probably 3 years ago). I was shocked to see that there was such a disparity among prices for service. It's even more shocking when you consider that Pemproke Pines, Miami and Fort Lauderdale (and probably others on that list) are all owned by the same company: Autonation.

I called my service 'advisor' at Pembroke Pines (with whom I have been working since they opened) and asked him to meet the price that Miami is charging ($166 less). The Miami dealership is only like 15 miles away. After waiting 2 weeks for a phone call and leaving numerous messages trying to get an answer (and only after I told the receptionist that I will not hang up until he gets to the phone) he finally told the receptionist to tell me that if I am calling to find out if they'll match the price .... the answer is no.

No chance of me bringing my car there anymore!!!

I know that I don't drive an SLR (or even an SL), but at least have the decency to call someone back who leaves numerous messages (and even stopped by the dealership to talk to him ... of course, he was not in yet that day).

Sorry for the rant ... but I'm just ticked off!

benzatty

I forgot to add: MCONDE01, thanks for the info. You just saved me $166 bucks.

arcwelder

I"m on the west coast. But Sarasota MB is owned by Autonation as well. And I can't stand the service. They act like I am bothering them by bringing my car in for Scheduled service. I actually asked for a different Service adviser When I got my new 07.

What did you guys pay for service A?

MCONDE01

benzatty - You are very welcome... Glad to see a fellow MB owner save some $

I will say that since Autonation has took over Autohaus Pompano (the dealership I give my business to) it just seems like things are harder to get done.

arcwelder - for service A I think I paid around $300 (maybe a little bit less)

With the high cost even to maintain a 2005 or newer MB that is under bumper to bumper warranty, it kind of makes me think about getting a BMW for my next car. I think I would rather see MB raise their car pricing up $2,000 or so and just have the peace of mind to know that I have free maintenance. Just a thought...

benzatty

I feel the same way as you about BMW. I did not realize when I got this car (a 2006 C230) that the cost to maintain would be so high. I've got 25K miles (I drive alot) and have already put on new tires and I've been told that I need new front brakes. I paid for service A (about 2 to 3 hundred) and now have to drop $400 on Service B plus whatever they will rip me off for on new brakes. I should have listened to the BWM salesman when I was considering the 3 series (but I did not like the new 3 sedan -- although I like the new coupe).

I am also now experiencing a transmission problem with the 7-speed auto trans ... a very hard downshift from 2nd to 1st. I've heard that this is not unsually but it better be a warranty item. It practically bucks going from 2nd to 1st.

My wife's SUV is up in a few months and I am trying to influence her to go with the X5 for her next SUV (which is being completely redesigned with an optional 3rd row of seats). The fact that maintenance (including brakes) are included with a BMW lease is a huge factor in my trying to influence her on this.

arcwelder

I had an 06 for a loaner and it did the same thing. Shifted real hard from 2nd to 1st! Almost neck breaking! Couldn't stand it. I think there is a fix though. But you have to beg them to do it. Search the forums here. I thought I saw something about a software update or something.
I went with an 07 with the 6 speed manual. And I love it. Definately BMW is my next car...without a doubt.

MCONDE01

I have heard a few people say that they have had issues with the 7 speed auto transmission - the good news is that I have heard that there is a fix for that issue somewhere in this forum. Just like with any big new transmission or engine on a car, it will takes them 2 years or so to work out all the kinks.

benzatty - seems like we have a lot in common

I was considering the new BMW 3 series as well when I bought my benz but I didn't like the sedan (hate those tail lights) but the new coupes I really like. My wifey is going to need a new SUV in 15 months or so and I really love the new BMW X5 - that would be my dream SUV especially now that is has 3 rows. I can't imagine spending 40k or more on an SUV that only sits 5...for me that is weird. But the bad news is that the BMW X5 with the options I want will probably be around 50k and our budget for her new SUV is 40k....so we are really looking hard at the new Acura MDX...3 rows and it comes with just about everything for 40k.

By the way, just checked - my service A was $319.95

Just did some basic math concerning ownership cost during first 4 years:
Service A $320
Service B $420
Brakes $265
Service A $320
Service B $420
Brakes $265
= $2,010 (this is assuming you get new front brakes every 2 years / and this is not including rear brakes)

arcwelder

Thanks for the info. 2000 smackers?

pookie

Wow. I just moved to South Florida and that is a huge price difference than the dealer in ohio I would go to. Service A was around $110 and B was $210. They also have coupons with 10-20% off.

Anyone sign up on the South Florida mailing list getting coupons???

MCONDE01

Never heard of a South Florida mailing list? But I would be interested if there is one...When I drove a VW and a Toyota for a while I would always get service coupons and specials sent to my house or my e-mail. I never have got one for MB....I guess MB is too luxurious for that.

MCONDE01

No prob....and my basic calculation was based off paying for the cheapest service prices around. Imagine paying $577 for Service B, upper $300's for Service A, and mid $300's for brakes.

And don't forget that my calculation does not even include rear brakes nor rotors.... OUCH!

Vivid

We've had a c240 for 3 years now. The only things I pay for on it are oil changes.

I dont give into that Service A and B stuff. It is waste of money to me. These cars do not need to be checked over like you just completed a F1 race. I keep the other fluids toped off. Tranny flush at 50k miles. We are still on the original brake pads too. They have a ton of miles left in them. The car has never had an issue.

arcwelder

I thought the brakes were even more than that. Closer to 500?! You know what though...I am loving this car though. (knock on wood) My last c class had a lot of issues...So I don't mind the expenses right now.

MCONDE01

Front brakes here at Pompano MB are $265 (w/out rotors)....Not sure, but I guess that is a decent price. I feel the same way, if the car is running good I don't mind spending the $.

moosejaw

Regarding MB of Miami have you guys seen the lineup of cars on a monday morning for cars to be serviced. it's nuts. they claim they are only a three week wait to have your car serviced, that's down from eight weeks after hurricane wilma. The average it takes for them to service my car is about three days. It's sad that autonation biught the last great delaership (Autohaus) I hear they treated their customers great and gave free loaners. MB of miami wont give me a rental as I did not buy the car there.

MCONDE01

Yes, Autohaus MB was a great dealership...MB loaners, free goodies, pretty good people, etc... - now it seems like they are on the decline ever since Autonation took over.

moosejaw

This was a place that i noticed charges reasonable prices for services A & B. The owner's name is Nelson and he was a former Service Advisor for Mercedes Benz Miami. I believe two years ago he was charging at least 60% of what dealers were asking. He has the equipment to diagnose our cars too


MB Auto Clinic
337 W 75th pl
Miami, FL 33125
(305) 817-9619

MCONDE01

Good info....thanks! I will be calling them in a month or so for their service B pricing....

diamondblak05

Just did my own service B for about $75.00 compared to the local dealer's $375.00 + shop supplies + taxes. There's nothing hard about service B.... just oil and filter change, clean air and cabin filters(didn't need to change bec. it wasn't dirty), top off all fluids, check tire pressures(staggered so can't rotate them), check wiper blades (still good), and reset service reminder. Took me 4 hours because I had to run around town trying to find a 27mm socket to take off the oil filter canister. The best thing about doing it yourself is I get the satisfaction that I did it with care and make sure it's done right.

RickTheRuler727

How did you reset the computer? There's no way I'm gonna spend $500 on an oil change..

arcwelder

My dealer here has the same issue. The cars are lined up into the street. And it's 2 lanes. I think I was thinking about having to change the brake rotors too. That's maybe why my price was so high.

Vivid

That's what I'm talking about. I wish more people did this themselves instead of giving the dealer 500 bucks to do stupid stuff. They probably dont even look at the other stuff. They just juice the tires and give you an oil change... 500 dollars please.....

Vivid

It tells you how to do it in the manual.

Real easy. took me less than a minute.

dirtyJAY

No way should you go to the dealer for every service. Maybe the first service and around 70k miles (emission system warranty goes to 80k by federal law and the cat. converters go bad on c230's). Service A is a glorified oil change and B is the same with a few filter changes. MB doesn't even change the air filter or spark plugs until after 100k! I do my own oil changes for about $45-50 and changed the brakes all the way around pads and rotors at 65k for $120 for front disks, $110 for rear and $95 for dust free performance pads so my wheels stay clean longer than three stop signs. I own 2 C230K 2003 in West Broward and would be happy to work on anyones car in the area (just bring some beer). Maintenance on these cars is suprisingly easy and quick. Avoid the dealer unless something's actually broken AND covered by warranty. If anyone wants help or someone to do service A or B or brakes in the area (Weston, Pembroke Pines) just email or pm me and I'll be happy to help. I have a well stocked garage and too much time on my hands.

dirtyJAY