dalazernet

Just a heads up... I brought my 2008 C300 in for its 39k mile service, at 40k miles and wow it was a bill!

To all those complaining of $250 for a service A, be on the lookout for this one...

In addition to service A, these cars need a transmission fluid flush every 40k miles to the tune of $500. Plus, it was apparently time for a brake system flush, and lucky me needed new rear brakes (another $500), so my bill ended up being close to $1,500 for one service. At 50k miles, he said I'll need a 4matic system service, so I'm not really looking forward to that one either.

The honeymoon ends at 26k miles.

Just be on the lookout ;-)

- Eric

RLE

I hope you got a kiss with that. I fail to see how a trans fluid/filter change could be anywhere near $500 and flushing it is unnecessary but a good profit center for somebody. As to the rear brakes, was this just pads (4) plus one wear sensor? I can't believe rear discs would be needed at the first pad change.

Looks like they saw you coming.

justthinking

you should have done your homework and look for some coupons or call other dealers to compare price...
here in california, service a = no more than $200, brake fluid flush = no more than $100 and transmission flush + filter = no more than $350..

huir

Would you mind sharing which dealer you go with here in bay area?

bigigg

Wow! I feel your pain.. I just got my B service done and it cost me $390.. I was very surprised that they didn't mention anything about changing my air filters..I don't understand why they think its necessary to change my cabin filter but not my air filters at 20k miles.. And the best part was that the service advisor was trying to tell me I should bring my car in every 5k for an oil change.. He must of had me fooled for a wealthy moron who typically walks in that dealership!

JimPap

Aren't engine air filters 50K miles?

Very easy to do. Just remember to order 2 filters as some etailers sell them as singles and others as pairs.

Personally, I thought replacing the cabin filter was a real pain. That plastic is very thin. Don't get fustrated and start yanking on things.

bigigg

I would never wait 50k miles to change my air filters! When I replaced my oem filters with k&n I cleaned them after like 8k miles and they were filthy.. I don't think paper filters would be any different.. Personally I just feel that air filters play such an important role, I wouldn't play games.. Just replace them with every service

NickCats

I had my service B done here in Chicago in May and it was $570 ( including a brake fluid flush and a 10% discount )

So, if they charged $500 for the trans flush and another $500 for the brakes I guess that makes sense.

I wonder if all this would be covered if it was a BMW ( since their "ultimate service" is good for 4 years / 50k miles ) ?

http://www.bmwusa.com/standard/conte...e/default.aspx

Nick

IGB

Brake pads? Yes. (as long as they measure below their stated tolerance)
Rotors? Same as above.
Brake fluid flush? It depends on the Service Advisor and whether he/she can articulate (to BMWUSA) the need for a flush/replace (I don't think its even listed on their "recommended list")...
Tranny Fluid flush? Nope. At least not for my 04 3er... BMW claims a "lifetime fluid"!

BlackjackM

All maintainence is covered by their plan- even wiper blades. I think they may call the transmission a "lifetime fill" though, so that wouldn't fall under the plan IIRC.

RLE

I just checked the cost for a set of four rear pads and one sensor from the parts house in Atlanta I have used for years.

www.buymbparts.biz

Set of four pads: $49.59
One wear sensor: $8.36

Plus shipping.

You can see that doing your own simple repairs can save a fortune.

nyca

Those are MB OEM pads? That is a very low price.

Indeed, service B is a ripoff - there is noting in it but an oil change and a bunch of "inspections".

I am at 40K miles now also on my 2009. I am doing my own oil (I normally do), and using the dealer for brake fluid, air filters, and transmission fluid change - $539 plus tax for those 3 services. Not cheap, but not too bad. I would do the air filters myself if I could see a procedure here for now to change them.

Nuru

Someone posted a procedure for doing the W204 air filters in this forum. And it was pretty good.

Spec_Davis

any C300 6spd owners did there trans flush yet?

RLE

Made me smile, you rascal.

bigigg

do the air filters yourself and save the $$ the dealer would charge you.. its very simple

dalazernet

Hey all, just to answer a few questions... here's the breakdown of what was performed and the pricing...

Service A - (far too much to type but a ton of "check for this, check for that blah blah") - $215.00

Transmission Service - Drain transmission fluid, renew pan gaskets, flush trans lines, refill with genuine MB fluid, reset trans adaptations - $258.65 labor and $170.35 in parts total $429.00

Performed Brake Flush - Flush brake fluid, check rubber hoses and master cylinder for cracks and/or leakage, bleed system, renew fluid - $127.85 labor and $18.20 in parts total $146.05

Replace interior cabin filter - $57.50 labor with $54.45 for the filter total $111.95

Rear brakes worn to minimum - replace rear brake pads, rotors and sensor - $230.00 in labor with $243.31 in parts total $473.31.
...and because I know everyone is curious - the brake lining was $77, brake disc (each) was $60.50, the brake wear sensor was $11.20, the pan head fit was $3.36, bolt and washer (each - there were 4 of these) was $5.60, and brake clean was $4.99...

So yeah, there's my scary bill. The trans service is apparently required every 40k, and I think I confirmed that in my service manual. The brake system flush isn't in my service manual, but was mentioned as part of the items to check for with the service A... As per the filter - anyone know where this is located as I'd like to replace this myself from time to time and get the part myself?

- Eric

JimPap

I think that transmission service was originally(prior to the 08s) not required as it was considered a sealed system. Then somewhere along the way, they figured out that you need to get all the metal filings out so they put it in at 40K. Now supposably you don't need it after the one time at 40K but I think I'll be doing it about every 40K. Lot cheaper than a new transmission.

charliele729

Here you go Dalaz, here a link I found and save while back on how to change the cabin filter.

http://www.mann-hummel.com/mf_prodka...u/HBYyDKP4.pdf

Niti24

I was told they are required to do an air filter change. I paid $560 for service B and they told me they took the car for a road test which they didn't and they didn't change my air filter either. Another SA told me I can go back and demand for them to do it or take my money back. Lets see how it goes.

K-A

MAN, that's a lot of labor costs. I'll bet if you went to an Indie Mechanic, it would have been almost half price.

4maticbenz

Just got my trans service for $292.00, MB in Wilmington, DE. Freehold MB in NJ wanted $479 for same service! Freehold says they do not do lof, only A service for $225, MB in Wilmington does lof for $89.95, thats cheaper than you can buy the fluid and filter for from most MB!
( I did my own lof, went to MB in Cherry Hill,NJ, paid $99.00 for fluid and filter!)

Also, a B service is only an lof and a cabin filter, cabin filter is around $50.00 and you can install it yourself in ten minutes, it is under the pass side dash, locks in place, remove five torx bit screws to acess, real easy!

So, be careful about A and B service, most a rip off, bunch of inspections and checks. Do your own lof and cabin filters, easy, and look around for a trans service. Brake fluid change not really needed, may affect abs module down the road but prob. not until around 150k miles or more, most wont even have the car that long! And I never heard of a 4matic service, what is that??? Diff fluids should never need changing if they are gear oil, ( I have a 1967 chevelle, still has original rear in it, oil never changed to my knowlege, car is over 40 years old!) I do believe in maintenance, but dealer can be overkill, take advantage of consumer if not careful!!!!

tanktube67

A friendly advice look up for capons, sometimes they are good deals around.

RLE

CAPONS? Hahahahah!

ohlord

be some of the worst advice I have ever seen on a car forum.No need to change diff fluids? No need to flush brake fluids? No need to service 4matic fluids?
Please refrain from posting nonsense like this.Have you even looked at what a B service entails in the Mercedes maint. manual?
And please by all means do post your maintenance records when you sell that hoopdie or what will shortly be a hoopdie following the poor advice you have given.
DIY by all means,but to a complete job which is far more than a filter and fresh oil and a cabin filter
That poor 67 Chevelle, it deserves so much better