My dealer is aksing $299 for Service A. Is this about average?

Thanks.

 

$189 in Michigan; $289 for Service B

 

$299 is high. What region are you from?

 

About the same here in GA, $300 for A service sounds steep. Ask him EXACTLY what are they doing for the $300.

 

If I recall correctly Service A has been $270 for all of my cars. $30 more is not outlandish but you can get it done cheaper if you got to another dealer.

 

$175 @ MB of Portland.. Just had mine done

 

I had my service A for only $99 + tax using the same coupon from MB of Fresno. Check with your dealer if they will match this coupon. Expires 8/31/2010.

http://mboffresno.com/Specials-Service.aspx

 

Technically a service A is just an oil change

 

Perhaps, but they also do a thorough inspection. My dealer caught one bad cell in the battery during my first service A, and replaced the battery under warranty before it deteriorated further. That alone made it worth the trip. I am loyal to these guys!!

 

Locally I've seen Service A for $169, $129, $119, and once at $89 after coupon (but I didn't get in on that deal since my vehicle wasn't needing Service A yet).

 

So what does Service B entail? My car is due for service B in 800 miles. Just want to know what I should be expecting them to do.

 

Same things as Service A (oil & fluid top offs) plus checking the belts, electronics and breaks (if needed) and a tire rotation.

 

Should have a brake flush too (every 2 years) and possibly an A/C filter too. Depends on the dealer. The dealers that charge more usually do more too. But not always.

 

+1, I am sure that it can be done cheaper elsewhere but I like having the peace of mind, things are done correctly and knowing MB does other checkpoints (I hope).

To me its like buying insurance/ext warranty, you might not need it but in the event you do you will be glad you got the service.

I call around to 2 or 3 other dealers and whatever the lowest price I get is matched by my main dealer

 

Pretty much...and an "inspection" which every shop does with an oil change anyway. I've found an indy shop here that will do it for $125 while the dealer charges $250. I still think a $125 oil change is ridiculous but high price service is kind of normal with the lux brands... Of course BMW and VW have free service for like 3 years. At some point I wonder if MB will try to follow suit?

B service is the big rip off...$450 for not much more than Service A, then another $150 for the brake flush, which is not included with the $450. I'm really hoping I like this local indy shop, they are well respected around here and are always busy.

 

On another thought, a few things to add:

1. Dealers that charge more, for the most part just charge more. As from my and many others have experienced, the majority of the time you do not get anything extra. For example, RBM of Atlanta charges about $75 less for service A (and most other work)than the dealer near my house. Not only do I get better service for less at RBM, they have more respect for their customers. It pays to shop around at different dealers and check at Indy's. Two dealers in Atl are known for rips, two are right on and very similar with pricing and service.

2. $300 for a 6 cylinder service A is rather out of line. Period. The OP as I mentioned should ask exactly what is he being charged for...itemized. That way he will know for sure where the money is going. On my CLS which is 8 cyl, service A is $275. B service is $395.

 

Hey Big Ben,
I found that RBM runs a little higher than MB of Buckhead. I actually call both of them for prices anytime I am wanting to do something, and I am sure to let them know I am shopping for the best price. It seems MB of Buckhead knows what RBM charges and always comes in a bit cheaper...only after I tell them I am shopping around for a deal. Besides, RBM kinda dropped the ball on my first service whiche led me to "stray" the first time...

Anyhow, was curious as to which dealers were which out of the Atlanta four.

 

Ben,

I bought and take my car to ACC in Duluth. Are they one of the ones that you think rip you off? Their prices do seem a little high to me, but I like them and love their facility.

I need to bring my car in for service B in 800 more miles........this is a 40,000 mile service B. I'm wondering how much this is going to cost because as I understand it, it is going to need a transmission flush, brake flush, etc etc etc.......ugh....

 

New Jersey.

 

Thanks so much!

 

I love my dealership. If you want I can PM you their info. I would not consider taking my car anywhere else. I used to be a MB of Manhattan customer but I could not recommend them in good conscience.

 

I really like mine too but the 299 price is absurd.

Please PM me. Thanks

 

I tried to PM you but you are not setup to receive PM messages. You need to enable PMs in your profile.

 

thats strange. I've gotten PM's in the past

 

I tried again and it still would not allow me. Perhaps a glitch in the board software ? Anyway, I shot you an e-mail instead of the PM. Hope you get that...