Took my C300 in for its third service yesterday and the dealer gave me a quote of 175 euro if I bring my own oil... Cool. Then I got a call saying I needed a transmission service, at a cost of 300 euro.

Is my dealership (in Kaiserslautern, Germany) smoking crack?

(The car is now two years old and has 43k miles on the auto tranny.)

Check your service book for info regarding miles driven before auto service.

My book says the 7 speed C280, C320CDI & C350 transmission oils should be changed once at 50,000 km or 3 years.

My 5 speed is supposed to be sealed for life but my MB mechanic recommends that the oil be changed every 60,000 km.

There are quite a few litres of oil needed to flush & change the oil plus labour charges & specialist equipment.

E300 sounds a bit steep but it will cost you more to change out a worn out gearbox.Ask for a discount.

You will gain also when selling your vehicle.