No more free service for '05.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: US
"A Mercedes-Benz product"
No more free service for '05.
I just recieved information because I ordered a 2005 c230 sedan. There will be no more service A anb B intervals. Also all oil changes and any wear and tear items that were covered under the free maintinance is stopping. The lady I spoke with told me that the basic bumper-to-bumper warrenty is probally going to 5 years/60,000 miles. I AM MAD!
Last edited by MeanBENZdriver; Mar 20, 2004 at 01:53 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
From: Studio City, CA
2009 BMW 750i, 2008 Toyota Prius
I gotta call BS on this one. MB would not stop the free scheduled maintenence. BMW, Audi, Lincoln and Jaguar do it. It would make people go to other manufacturers. This would also have the resale values drop even more because people will not take care of their cars since they have to deal with the high priced maintenence of a European car and can't go to Jiffy Lube to do an oil change.
Administrator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 15,769
Likes: 37
From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
Lets say its true. MB calculates the cost of this service into every car. We all know that there are some dealers that will do this service every year whereas others will follow the FSS guidelines. Looking at it this way could mean the last service B will not be done for some which is added profit for MB.
The other side of the coin could be the slide of the Dollar against the Euro; about 1:1.20 now I believe. Therefore MB will find it hard to increase the price of the cars that much. Remember that everyone is used to a certain std and equipment level. Would they be willing to pay extra for some of those things they take for granted now? Remember the price increase from 02 to 03 and the equipment that was std, 02, and now had to be bought, 03.
IMHO the slide of the dollar is not helping us with this and in turn also affects foreign stuff because so much of the world economy is based on the dollar.
The other side of the coin could be the slide of the Dollar against the Euro; about 1:1.20 now I believe. Therefore MB will find it hard to increase the price of the cars that much. Remember that everyone is used to a certain std and equipment level. Would they be willing to pay extra for some of those things they take for granted now? Remember the price increase from 02 to 03 and the equipment that was std, 02, and now had to be bought, 03.
IMHO the slide of the dollar is not helping us with this and in turn also affects foreign stuff because so much of the world economy is based on the dollar.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,587
Likes: 0
From: Louisiana
E320
Re: No more free service for '05.
Originally posted by MeanBENZdriver
I just recieved information because I ordered a 2005 c230 sedan. There will be no more service A anb B intervals. Also all oil changes and any wear and tear items that were covered under the free maintinance is stopping. The lady I spoke with told me that the basic bumper-to-bumper warrenty is probally going to 5 years/60,000 miles. I AM MAD!
I just recieved information because I ordered a 2005 c230 sedan. There will be no more service A anb B intervals. Also all oil changes and any wear and tear items that were covered under the free maintinance is stopping. The lady I spoke with told me that the basic bumper-to-bumper warrenty is probally going to 5 years/60,000 miles. I AM MAD!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 492
Likes: 0
From: US
"A Mercedes-Benz product"
Yes, as a matter of fact I can, Oggle!
Wear and tear itmes such as filters, wiper blades and oil changes are all at no charge with the free maintanince program. I hope this helps. Also to learn more, you could check your service booklet and see what's covered in service A and B.
-Jason
Wear and tear itmes such as filters, wiper blades and oil changes are all at no charge with the free maintanince program. I hope this helps. Also to learn more, you could check your service booklet and see what's covered in service A and B.
-Jason
Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
2003 C230 Kompressor Sedan
So what most of you are saying is that you make your car buying decisions on free oil changes, wiper blade replacements, etc., which has absolutely nothing to do with the cars reliability. If the cost of normal routine maintenance is too great for you, then maybe you should be looking at a different class of car.
Until just a few years ago, at least in the US, it was unheard of to have "general Maintenance items" covered.
BTW, the last three GM products I owned, all provided free oil/filter changes, whenever the car was in for other service. This was not a factory sanctioned process, but the dealership programs.
If the cost of normal routine maintenance is too great for you, then maybe you should be looking at a different class of car.Until just a few years ago, at least in the US, it was unheard of to have "general Maintenance items" covered.
BTW, the last three GM products I owned, all provided free oil/filter changes, whenever the car was in for other service. This was not a factory sanctioned process, but the dealership programs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,753
Likes: 0
From: York, PA
2003 C230K Sport Coupe, 1986 190E 2.3
I do not depend on them, but it is a nice perk and a loaner dropped off to me and then my car later returned to me without needing to visit the dealership is a nice thing as well. I will buy another MB even if the Services are not paid for anymore. I just will do my own oil changes instead of taking it to the Stealer. Hopefully the FSS is not hard to re-set after performing your oil changes. Of course it is a nice perk and will be missed, and will probably hurt sales on the high end models, as those people spending $90K on a car will not want to get there hands dirty and probably will not want to pay for a $150 oil change. You do not get to own a $90K car without being somewhat tight with your money, these people generally expect a lot more from there dealer than the guy buying a Kia.....
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, California
2000 c230 kompressor
Originally posted by pookie
i will not buy another benz if there isn't free service. i already have too many problems with the car and will dump it at 50k.
i will not buy another benz if there isn't free service. i already have too many problems with the car and will dump it at 50k.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by SteveS
So what most of you are saying is that you make your car buying decisions on free oil changes, wiper blade replacements, etc., which has absolutely nothing to do with the cars reliability. If the cost of normal routine maintenance is too great for you, then maybe you should be looking at a different class of car.
Until just a few years ago, at least in the US, it was unheard of to have "general Maintenance items" covered.
BTW, the last three GM products I owned, all provided free oil/filter changes, whenever the car was in for other service. This was not a factory sanctioned process, but the dealership programs.
So what most of you are saying is that you make your car buying decisions on free oil changes, wiper blade replacements, etc., which has absolutely nothing to do with the cars reliability.
If the cost of normal routine maintenance is too great for you, then maybe you should be looking at a different class of car.Until just a few years ago, at least in the US, it was unheard of to have "general Maintenance items" covered.
BTW, the last three GM products I owned, all provided free oil/filter changes, whenever the car was in for other service. This was not a factory sanctioned process, but the dealership programs.
Super Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 844
Likes: 1
From: SF South Bay
2002 C230 Coupe
There are only maximum 5 included free services for the current 50k miles warranty. If each costs $200 then the total saving is $1000. I will not base my purchase of a $30k+ car on a $1k saving.
And if the steering wheel button cracks or the roof squeaks, they will still be covered under the bumper-to-bumper warranty.
And if the steering wheel button cracks or the roof squeaks, they will still be covered under the bumper-to-bumper warranty.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Well, free service was a major selling point for me after looking at used cars and realizing that I'd be nickled and dimed to death.
Since I'm not paying one thin dime to maint. it makes it easier to justify upgrading some of the components like suspension and brakes...
And they've done a lot of work to my car!
Flushed the radiator and brake fluid.
$1K ? Me think it's more than that. I'm sure of it.
And I wonder how keen they'll be to fix all the other little things?
I'm pretty sure, my repair bills have been well over 10 grand to MBZ.
They replaced the whole sunroof because of creaks, and it's creaking again. Oh well!
Wear and tear items could be almost anything.
I've already got another list for them for next time!
Since I'm not paying one thin dime to maint. it makes it easier to justify upgrading some of the components like suspension and brakes...
And they've done a lot of work to my car!
Flushed the radiator and brake fluid.
$1K ? Me think it's more than that. I'm sure of it.
And I wonder how keen they'll be to fix all the other little things?
I'm pretty sure, my repair bills have been well over 10 grand to MBZ.
They replaced the whole sunroof because of creaks, and it's creaking again. Oh well!
Wear and tear items could be almost anything.
I've already got another list for them for next time!
Guest
Posts: n/a
Originally posted by 20FHK02
There are only maximum 5 included free services for the current 50k miles warranty. If each costs $200 then the total saving is $1000. I will not base my purchase of a $30k+ car on a $1k saving.
There are only maximum 5 included free services for the current 50k miles warranty. If each costs $200 then the total saving is $1000. I will not base my purchase of a $30k+ car on a $1k saving.
Last edited by Guest0001; Mar 24, 2004 at 04:30 AM.
Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta, GA
2003 C230 Kompressor Sedan
Originally posted by C230 Sport Coup
Well, free service was a major selling point for me after looking at used cars and realizing that I'd be nickled and dimed to death.
Since I'm not paying one thin dime to maint. it makes it easier to justify upgrading some of the components like suspension and brakes...
And they've done a lot of work to my car!
Flushed the radiator and brake fluid.
$1K ? Me think it's more than that. I'm sure of it.
And I wonder how keen they'll be to fix all the other little things?
I'm pretty sure, my repair bills have been well over 10 grand to MBZ.
They replaced the whole sunroof because of creaks, and it's creaking again. Oh well!
Wear and tear items could be almost anything.
I've already got another list for them for next time!
Well, free service was a major selling point for me after looking at used cars and realizing that I'd be nickled and dimed to death.
Since I'm not paying one thin dime to maint. it makes it easier to justify upgrading some of the components like suspension and brakes...
And they've done a lot of work to my car!
Flushed the radiator and brake fluid.
$1K ? Me think it's more than that. I'm sure of it.
And I wonder how keen they'll be to fix all the other little things?
I'm pretty sure, my repair bills have been well over 10 grand to MBZ.
They replaced the whole sunroof because of creaks, and it's creaking again. Oh well!
Wear and tear items could be almost anything.
I've already got another list for them for next time!
The free service is: Oil/Filter Change($50 max for synthetic change at an idependent shop, maybe $100 at MB), air filter change($30 on the high side), rotate tires, etc. Anything you are upgrading like suspension, brakes, etc. is voiding your warrenty anyway, so why do you care about free maintenance being dropped?
I really think this is much ado about nothing.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
From: SoCal - SaMo & West SFV
2011 C63, 2004 S500, 2013 E350, 2013 Ody Elite
I think...
MB might start offering Maintance package during the new 5 yr warranty period...it might cost $800-1500. Just my guess.
I still prefer NO-COST ownership during the warranty period.
I still prefer NO-COST ownership during the warranty period.
Super Moderator Alumni
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,060
Likes: 0
From: Basel, Switzerland
Audi A5 Sportback + Cannondale Prophet
Originally posted by MeanBENZdriver
...Wear and tear itmes such as... wiper blades ... are all at no charge...
-Jason
...Wear and tear itmes such as... wiper blades ... are all at no charge...
-Jason
Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Re: I think...
Originally posted by DL_AMG
I still prefer NO-COST ownership during the warranty period.
I still prefer NO-COST ownership during the warranty period.
Has anybody checked the value of the dollar against the Euro lately?
What amazes me is that the only people who are complaining about this are those people who trade often or lease and those same people are blowing so much money on interest and depreciation that the little bit of additional cost for the lost maintenance is a pittance in comparison.
Let's go over this again. You'll probably get a max of three oil changes or maybe four. I think MBUSA pays the dealer $35 for an oil change plus the wholesale cost of the oil and filter. Now you may also get one set of air filters and one of cabin filters. You are also supposed to get *inspections* which are a farce (you are not missing anything).
Compare that to the tens of thousands of dollars lost in depreciation and the cost to borrow money for people who lease or trade every three years. In fact, in places like California, Washington and Arizona, you will probably pay more for your license plates on a new car than MBUSA pays for that free maintenance.
Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Saint Louis, MO
I spoke to Kevin Malone (service rep) at Mercedes Downtown LA Motors and he said he did not know anything about discontinuing the free maintainence in 2005.
Where are you guys getting your information from?
Where are you guys getting your information from?
