DiamondNoir2K5

So MB dropped free maintenance during the warranty period for '05 models. That's old news. But the following article from AutoWeek today adds something I didn't know (and my dealer didn't mention). You can apparently buy a maintenance plan for 2 years at $576 or 4 years at $1312.

http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=100772

Now, if you go to edmunds.com and look up the maintenance info for an '05 C230K Sport Sedan, it lists the A-service as costing $220 and B-service as $342 (for NorCal).

http://www.edmunds.com/maintenance/m...Mercedes-Benz*

Assuming that you'll do 2 A-services and 2 B-services in 4 years, it would cost you $1124 over 4 years if you paid yourself, which is less than the $1312 "package" they're offering.

Now my question is, how accurate are these service cost estimates on edmunds.com? Has anyone taken their car in for an A or B service and paid for it? For pre-'05 owners, even if your service is covered, do you get a sheet that tells you how much it *would* have cost if you had paid for it?

Just trying to get an idea of whether this package is economical or not.

Buellwinkle

The service costs are ballpark accurate but that's only half the story, it's not just A/B services and besides it's 3 A services (10,30,50) and 2 B services (20,40), it's the annualized services like coolant change, trans fluid, air filter, brake fluid that are not part of the standard (A/B). I figured it's worth about $2k.

jan ken po

Hmmm my dealer didn't mention this either. So, I'm guessing with the "low advertising" of this offer, that it is better to take the ~1300 4/yr plan. I think the low advertise allows for dealers to mark up the prices if you pay individually for the services...thereby getting more than 1300 bucks out of you. At worse you gotta figure spending the same amount...it then becomes just a matter of all at once up front vs. each visit.

PRHeloPilot

Why hasn't anyone talked about this if it's so good ? Do you know anyone who has had any experience with it yet ?

I'll ask my Dealer when I pick up my car.

accbenz

The pre-paid option just got released by MB over the last week or so.

PRHeloPilot

OK, so I'll ask the Sales Manager when I get the car , he'll be surprised I know about it , should I tell him where I found out ? I read somewhere on the forum that MBUSA monitors this forum sometimes " to keep on the pulse of things" I think they said.

DiamondNoir2K5

So Helo, did you ask the manager about it? What did they say? I should give my dealer a call too and ask about this.

DiamondNoir2K5

You might have a point there. Also, maybe MB is releasing this now in response to negative press about pulling the free maintenance on '05.

PRHeloPilot

I wasn't able to go pick up my car so I'll get it tomorrow. I spoke with him but didn't mention anything. I want to see what he does when I receive the car. After he does everything, THEN I'll ask him and I want it to be in person so I can see the expression on his face

I'll keep you posted...

DiamondNoir2K5

Thanks! Oh yeah, and to answer your question, if he asks where you heard, I read about it in AutoWeek magazine (actually, on their website). There's a link my post at the beginning of the thread if you want to like print out the article to show to him or something.

Anaheim_Drew

IMO.... If you are going to get it, I would get it now and have it included on the sales invoice as part of the original car documents. Not as an add on. Could help resale value.... Also I would print out the information to take to the dealership so they can see it for themself. Something from Mercedes is much better than a press clip from edmunds or auto.....

PRHeloPilot

OK, I printed the Autoweek article to show the guy if he doesn't know much about it, but where can I get something from Mercedes to take to the dealer ?

CitronC230K_03

that doesnt seem like a bad deal. if you roll it into finacing it would be like free scheduled maintance. i mean we all paid for it, one way or another.

amdeutsch

Not to burst anyone's bubble but here is my $0.02.

1) MB changed the maintenance interval to 1 yr / 13k miles (please verify mileage as I'm acting NOOBish - too lazy to verify memory ) on the MY05. This would mean no more 3rd Service A. It could also possibly mean no 2nd Service B due to mileage. Stealers have been known to play the numbers game: i.e. You bought the car on 9-10-04 (Example only). They will claim that they cannot perform the service on 9-10-08. That you will have to wait until 9-11-08 (Example only). That will make your car 4 years and 1 day old. Therefore no more free paid for maintenance.
2) Verify actual dealer charge back to MB for the services performed to get good figures. What has been published on here varies widely across states.
3) Read the fine print as to actual coverage and charges.
4) If in doubt get it in writing with an authorized stealership signature.

HTH

PRHeloPilot

Drew, still haven't been able to fix your SIG ? I'm waiting to see your car !!

amdeutsch

That is because he is a wannabe CROW. Constantly changing his mind.

CitronC230K_03

well atleast Drew doesn't have the sig that required you to hit page down 8x before you got to read the next post!

SFBayDave

I hope this helps everyone!
I just got off the phone with 1-800-Mercedes. I said I just recently read there were maintenance packages available for 2005 Models. She said yes that is correct and that the packages are available through Mercedes Benz not each individual dealerships. Therefore all Mercedes dealerships will offer it. Mercedes is not sending anything to consumers but she did admit she knew of the Autoweek atricle. I did not ask if owners who have already purchased their 2005 can still obtain the packages. I plan on rolling the price into my final quote. I hope this helps.

Buellwinkle

Also consider that these maintenance prices are as of today, so in 3-4 years an A/B service may go up in price so you're protected that way. Also you can finance this and spread the costs over 4-5 years at very low interest so it may only cost $25/mo and for some that helps out rather than get a $400 bill one month. I would also try negotiating, it's bound to be discounted heavily like the extended warranties.

PRHeloPilot

Thanks for the info and this part is important, but I hope to find out tomorrow and post the findings here.

coconutpolito

Has anyone who already has an '05 bought this and if so are you able to add it on to the money that was financed (for those that didn't pay cash). Also what did you end up paying for it?

Anaheim_Drew

No surprise that this statement came from Amedeutsch who's claim to MBWorld fame is;
telling everyone to STFF.. Even though he is too lazy to follow his own advice.
Making statements without fact How can I be a wannabe CROW? I'm one of the four original CROWs But you would know that if you STFF
As for your statement about me constantly changing my mind.... Those with minds are allowed to do this.... Its called growth........... try it......

Anaheim_Drew

Mr.Citron,
You did have options and the one you chose was to keep punching page down.
Was it to hard to increase the number of post per page to more than 10?
To much trouble to inform me that my sig was to large and would be better if it was reduced? Just easier to bitc..h later..........

DiamondNoir2K5

Hey Drew you're awesome man but stop *******g up my thread! I actually want to get some useful information here for us noob '05 owners who have to pay for our d*mn maintenance!

Anaheim_Drew

I had no intention on F cking up your thread....... I think it is even more F.cked up for you to say this since I was only replying to what was said about me..
Both comments had nothing to do with the topic..... But you said nothing to them?
I pm'd you..