Hi guys,
i just bought an 06 c230 and after a week's driving the dashboard read ''BRAKES WORN VISIT WORKSHOP'' so i took it to the dealer that i bought the car from and ended up paying $479 for a new front brake rotor and 4 new brake pads. did i get ripped off? and also, whats a good place in the SoCal area for servicing mercs? i'm currently in marina del rey. Any advice on the matter and w203 problems and such will be appreciated, thanks!

anyway here are some pics

 

oh, and does the type of gas matter? i was told by the dealer that 89's good enough but another friend told me to use 91's

 

I'd say that's about right. I have a 2003 C230 Kompressor Coupe that I just took in for new brakes 2 days ago, and front rotors and brake pads cost $425 for me.

As far as service in SoCal, so far I've only serviced my cars at Mercedes-Benz of Laguna Niguel (since 2002) and Fletcher Jones of Newport Beach (just took a car there a week ago for the first time). My experiences have been positive with both (but maybe that's because I have 2 excellent service advisors that are willing to take care of me). Getting work done at both places are pretty expensive IMO (but that's pretty much the norm at all MB dealerships), however I've noticed that MBLN tends to be a bit less expensive compared to FJNB. FJNB also tends to be busier than MBLN. Unfortunately for me, MBLN is further away, thus it's less convenient to get to, but I guess it all depends on where you live.

Maybe someone can give a review for other dealerships, but IMHO, all dealerships have customers that has had good experiences and bad experiences. It's really about how "good" of an advisor you get, and how well he's willing to take care of you... THAT'S what makes the difference!

 

I have the same car as you and I use 91 gas.

And as far as brakes go, I changed my front 2 rotors and my front 2 pads and it came out to 500 Out the door. I had a MBZ master tech do the work with parts directly from my local dealer.

 

will it affect the engine if i switch to using 91 now? cause ive been putting in 89 for the past 2 weeks. also whats a good place to wash and polish your MB in the area? just moved here 3 weeks ago so pretty unfamiliar with where to go. also i have a few small dents and scratches on the back bumper where's the best place to get paint fillers or any alternatives?

 

In case you havent read, in your owners manual, it clearly states to use a minimum of 91 octane, nothing less. (I reccomend to use the higher quality gas with fuel additives just to keep in the fuel system clean of deposites)
Since yours is an 06, i believe the engine has a 'flex-fuel' system so it will compensate if the engine isnt getting the right amount of octane. Just start using 91 from now on, it'll be okay.

 

i dont really know any good cheap place there but id say DIY it. its just brakes. no need for special tools.. i advice you order a hayes manual. and yes you did get ripped off.. thats why its called a stealership around the forums..

also.. buy your parts online. just make sure you got the right one.

 

+1... changed my pads last week for $90, VERY easy

 

I had mine done by a local guy for $348 including front rotors, front pads, labor and taxes.

 

i didnt get the owners manual the dealer didnt have it but i did get a good price though, paid 20 grand plus taxes for the car, it had about 15,500 miles on it in almost perfect condition lol

 

that's about right for what dealer charges.

however like said, it can be done for way cheaper. two rotors about $200-220. pads are way cheap at $60-80.

 

I agree with mbcollector.

I changed the front brake pads myself. I heard MB Dealerships change the rotors regardless of the wear..., even if they are in good condition, they still replace them when they change the brake pads.

I paid like $120 for the front brakepads at the MB Dealership, but online you can find them for like $70-80

Honestly, it takes like 30 minutes(maybe even less after the first time you do it) to change the brake pads, and i'm no car expert... I would suggest next time to look up some DIY's.

If you want the order the DVD manual, call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES
Costs like $60 + 10 shipping.

 

Using 91 octane gas is required. You don't need any additives in the gas except the ones put into the gas before you buy it. I use tier 1 gas, and usually fill with Chevron. Mercedes only allows addition of Techron to the gas if you are having a problem with carbon accumulation. Don't worry about a few tanks of 89. In the grand scheme of the universe, it won't stop you from escaping Klingons if time comes.

Brakes are so easy to change, but there are a few rules to do it safely and correctly. Get the manual and do it yourself. I did the rear brakes on my wagon last week. Rotors are 90 a pair and pads are 50. Time was one hour including a pressure wash of the wheels and wheel arch and an adult beverage. You need two special tools, a torque wrench, and a piston resetting tool. You must change rotors as a pair, and pads as a set of four. I also change the pin and anti-rattle spring because they are cheap.

If your car has passed its second birthday (production date is on the drivers door sill) you need to replace the brake fluid with genuine Mercedes fluid for your car. House of Imports does the job for about $100. The fluid available in the aftermarket will cause a problem with the nooks and crannies of the ABS valve device.

House of Imports has their own certified body shop, and they can refinish you bumper for $ 200. to $500 using proper materials and techniques. You can get touch-up paint in the parts department for minor jobs.

I am surprised a dealer made you pay for brakes that went out in a couple of weeks. Usually you get a 30 day warranty that covers anything. I would ask for some consideration from management even if you bought the car as-is.

Welcome to the Joys of C Class ownership. Does ctwz mean you are a computerized tomography whiz? "Breath out, Breath in, Hold your breath."

 

ctwz is just an abbreviation of my name, i know nuts about computers lol where's house of imports?

 

I think after only one week I would have expected the dealer to do it gratis. It was an MB dealer you bought it from? Maybe you could go back and ask for some consideration.It can't hurt. Then you'll know what kind of integrity they have.
Fact is, MB and just about any new car dealer (IMHO) is basically a ripoff. The prices they get for parts are like double normal retail it seems.

 

nope i bought it used off a dealer who specializes in euro luxury cars. pretty good bargain though i paid 20grand plus tax for mine and there was only 15,500miles on it

 

I'm not sure that's a bargain. But if you're happy with it that is all that matters.

 

House of Imports is the Mercedes Dealer in Buena Park. Owned by Auto Nation. It is where the 91 and the 5 meet. Always ask for coupons and discounts. It never hurts. I buy tires there because they beat Costco by $5 a tire. You get the right factory wheel weights too.

Your car might have some remaining factory warranty. Let them have a look and see if there is anything that needs to be done on the factory dime.

 

forgot to tell you. when you do end up doing the DIY get aftermarket ceramic pads! save you some headache in the future!

 

Either way, there is the common law concept of marchantibility (if I have that right). Unless otherwise stated, when you buy a product there is the implied warranty that it will function as designed. If they sold you a car with bad brakes you ought to try to get it done for nothing. OTOH, sometimes we just get screwed, it has happened to me and many other people. You shrug, grin, and move on.

 

ceramic pads are no fade right?