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The $150 cabin air filter...firsthand account of watching the stealership at work...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
2008 C350 Sport
The $150 cabin air filter...firsthand account of watching the stealership at work...
So today I was at my local MB shop having a minor service performed (name of dealership withheld since they've been good to me so far and I like my SA) when I overhead another SA explaining to a 40 something woman why she needed to have her cabin air filter replaced...It keeps your interior clean, traps allergens, etc. etc. and "it only costs $150".
This poor lady had no clue and fell for it. I'm pretty sure that she was in there for routine maintenance already so if she was having B service performed it should have been included! If it was an A service it wasn't even needed yet... Even if it were an "a la carte" add on, should it have cost $150?!! I just sat back and watched this unfold...knowing that the SA must have known this lady had no clue about her car and would probably pay for whatever he suggested. He started into another service sales pitch after she agreed to the $150 cabin filter but I couldn't stick around to hear that one since I was being called.
I felt bad for this lady and thought, I sure hope that my wife would not fall for such trickery if I sent her to have her car's maintenance performed... It's not really the fact that they did this to a woman since it could happen to anyone who hasn't a clue about cars. As most of us are enthusiasts we know to watch out for these sales tactics but the common non-car person might not. Have a feeling that lady probably had a bill north of $500 when she left today, it's not right.
This poor lady had no clue and fell for it. I'm pretty sure that she was in there for routine maintenance already so if she was having B service performed it should have been included! If it was an A service it wasn't even needed yet... Even if it were an "a la carte" add on, should it have cost $150?!! I just sat back and watched this unfold...knowing that the SA must have known this lady had no clue about her car and would probably pay for whatever he suggested. He started into another service sales pitch after she agreed to the $150 cabin filter but I couldn't stick around to hear that one since I was being called.
I felt bad for this lady and thought, I sure hope that my wife would not fall for such trickery if I sent her to have her car's maintenance performed... It's not really the fact that they did this to a woman since it could happen to anyone who hasn't a clue about cars. As most of us are enthusiasts we know to watch out for these sales tactics but the common non-car person might not. Have a feeling that lady probably had a bill north of $500 when she left today, it's not right.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 649
Likes: 0
From: Bakersfield, CA
Mercedes Benz C300 Sport
That's what I don't like with some stealerships... They get enveloped by their opportunistic ways and prey on unknowledgeable/ uninformed patrons
On the other hand I have also dealt with a few honest SA who upholds integrity and values the trust of their repeat customers... I brought my C300 to the dealer to have it checked due to a squeaking noise coming from the engine, they replaced/ fixed my car's belt tensioner under warranty and even gave me a FREE oil change since my car is almost due for it's service A at that time
On the other hand I have also dealt with a few honest SA who upholds integrity and values the trust of their repeat customers... I brought my C300 to the dealer to have it checked due to a squeaking noise coming from the engine, they replaced/ fixed my car's belt tensioner under warranty and even gave me a FREE oil change since my car is almost due for it's service A at that time
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Filter
So today I was at my local MB shop having a minor service performed (name of dealership withheld since they've been good to me so far and I like my SA) when I overhead another SA explaining to a 40 something woman why she needed to have her cabin air filter replaced...It keeps your interior clean, traps allergens, etc. etc. and "it only costs $150".
This poor lady had no clue and fell for it. I'm pretty sure that she was in there for routine maintenance already so if she was having B service performed it should have been included! If it was an A service it wasn't even needed yet... Even if it were an "a la carte" add on, should it have cost $150?!! I just sat back and watched this unfold...knowing that the SA must have known this lady had no clue about her car and would probably pay for whatever he suggested. He started into another service sales pitch after she agreed to the $150 cabin filter but I couldn't stick around to hear that one since I was being called.
I felt bad for this lady and thought, I sure hope that my wife would not fall for such trickery if I sent her to have her car's maintenance performed... It's not really the fact that they did this to a woman since it could happen to anyone who hasn't a clue about cars. As most of us are enthusiasts we know to watch out for these sales tactics but the common non-car person might not. Have a feeling that lady probably had a bill north of $500 when she left today, it's not right.
This poor lady had no clue and fell for it. I'm pretty sure that she was in there for routine maintenance already so if she was having B service performed it should have been included! If it was an A service it wasn't even needed yet... Even if it were an "a la carte" add on, should it have cost $150?!! I just sat back and watched this unfold...knowing that the SA must have known this lady had no clue about her car and would probably pay for whatever he suggested. He started into another service sales pitch after she agreed to the $150 cabin filter but I couldn't stick around to hear that one since I was being called.
I felt bad for this lady and thought, I sure hope that my wife would not fall for such trickery if I sent her to have her car's maintenance performed... It's not really the fact that they did this to a woman since it could happen to anyone who hasn't a clue about cars. As most of us are enthusiasts we know to watch out for these sales tactics but the common non-car person might not. Have a feeling that lady probably had a bill north of $500 when she left today, it's not right.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 2
From: Southeast
2008 C300 Sport, RWD, US
Just have to jump in here.
There is more than one kind of cabin filter. One only filters while the other filters and takes the odors out. The better filter isn't a $15 filter.
As for the installation. This is really a pain. Something akin to standing on your head and twisting like a contortionist.
It might actually be worth $150.
There is more than one kind of cabin filter. One only filters while the other filters and takes the odors out. The better filter isn't a $15 filter.
As for the installation. This is really a pain. Something akin to standing on your head and twisting like a contortionist.
It might actually be worth $150.
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 451
Likes: 1
From: S.F. Bay Area
2008 C300 Sport, 2010 RX350 AWD
Just have to jump in here.
There is more than one kind of cabin filter. One only filters while the other filters and takes the odors out. The better filter isn't a $15 filter.
As for the installation. This is really a pain. Something akin to standing on your head and twisting like a contortionist.
It might actually be worth $150.
There is more than one kind of cabin filter. One only filters while the other filters and takes the odors out. The better filter isn't a $15 filter.
As for the installation. This is really a pain. Something akin to standing on your head and twisting like a contortionist.
It might actually be worth $150.
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ber=2048300018
http://www.mann-hummel.com/mf_prodka...u/HBYyDKP4.pdf
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Just have to jump in here.
There is more than one kind of cabin filter. One only filters while the other filters and takes the odors out. The better filter isn't a $15 filter.
As for the installation. This is really a pain. Something akin to standing on your head and twisting like a contortionist.
It might actually be worth $150.
There is more than one kind of cabin filter. One only filters while the other filters and takes the odors out. The better filter isn't a $15 filter.
As for the installation. This is really a pain. Something akin to standing on your head and twisting like a contortionist.
It might actually be worth $150.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 451
Likes: 1
From: S.F. Bay Area
2008 C300 Sport, 2010 RX350 AWD
Actually..my previous comment was a bit harsh and too rush..
If I recall correctly, my 06 c230 uses 2 set of filters (air & pollen) MSRP for the set of filters w/ active charcoal cost like $120..
I guess it all depend on what model of car that lady was driving, $150 would not be consider outragous if dealer charge MSRP+labor, expensive, but not outragous I guess..
If I recall correctly, my 06 c230 uses 2 set of filters (air & pollen) MSRP for the set of filters w/ active charcoal cost like $120..
I guess it all depend on what model of car that lady was driving, $150 would not be consider outragous if dealer charge MSRP+labor, expensive, but not outragous I guess..
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,108
Likes: 7
From: Dix Hills, New York
2012 C250 Coupe
I agree with justthinking. I am not by any means saying that the lady didn't get raped. And not advocating that the dealerships are not in fact stealerships. All I am saying is that maybe she really didn't get ripped off. If the filter takes 30 minutes to replace, that's more than $50 in technician wage right there, factor in the dealership price for the filter (must be at least $50, if not more), then you have probably around a $30-50 profit for the dealership. I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, I find that if you go around expecting or suspecting everyone to be a liar or a cheat, you don't go far.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,481
Likes: 2
From: Southeast
2008 C300 Sport, RWD, US
This is where I ordered mine which appears that I may have overpaid.
http://www.mbpartswarehouse.com/part...921+4294952342
http://www.mbpartswarehouse.com/part...921+4294952342
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue, WA
2010 White C300 Sport
So today I was at my local MB shop having a minor service performed (name of dealership withheld since they've been good to me so far and I like my SA) when I overhead another SA explaining to a 40 something woman why she needed to have her cabin air filter replaced...It keeps your interior clean, traps allergens, etc. etc. and "it only costs $150".
This poor lady had no clue and fell for it. I'm pretty sure that she was in there for routine maintenance already so if she was having B service performed it should have been included! If it was an A service it wasn't even needed yet... Even if it were an "a la carte" add on, should it have cost $150?!! I just sat back and watched this unfold...knowing that the SA must have known this lady had no clue about her car and would probably pay for whatever he suggested. He started into another service sales pitch after she agreed to the $150 cabin filter but I couldn't stick around to hear that one since I was being called.
I felt bad for this lady and thought, I sure hope that my wife would not fall for such trickery if I sent her to have her car's maintenance performed... It's not really the fact that they did this to a woman since it could happen to anyone who hasn't a clue about cars. As most of us are enthusiasts we know to watch out for these sales tactics but the common non-car person might not. Have a feeling that lady probably had a bill north of $500 when she left today, it's not right.
This poor lady had no clue and fell for it. I'm pretty sure that she was in there for routine maintenance already so if she was having B service performed it should have been included! If it was an A service it wasn't even needed yet... Even if it were an "a la carte" add on, should it have cost $150?!! I just sat back and watched this unfold...knowing that the SA must have known this lady had no clue about her car and would probably pay for whatever he suggested. He started into another service sales pitch after she agreed to the $150 cabin filter but I couldn't stick around to hear that one since I was being called.
I felt bad for this lady and thought, I sure hope that my wife would not fall for such trickery if I sent her to have her car's maintenance performed... It's not really the fact that they did this to a woman since it could happen to anyone who hasn't a clue about cars. As most of us are enthusiasts we know to watch out for these sales tactics but the common non-car person might not. Have a feeling that lady probably had a bill north of $500 when she left today, it's not right.
my mom took her car for inspection, and they made her paid almost $600
they did explain to my mom~but she didnt understand it so she just paid for it...and there's nothing on the receipt expect codes...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 3,764
Likes: 9
From: Blasting off!
CLS63 Designo Edition, Hyundai Genesis 3.8 , Veloster Turbo, CLS500(Sold), E320 (SMOKED) R500 (Sold)
Dude.
Use autohauz, parts.com, or pelicanparts to get any filters, wipers, and just about any other OEM parts.
I changed my air filters in my CLS, R500, and E320 in about 40 minutes altogether.
Cabin filters? Paid about $28, OEM, takes about 10 minutes in the CLS and the R? 15 minutes. That is going slow and a water break. LOL.
Wipers, people get ripped for $100 all the time, OEM's for less than $40 and takes 5 minutes to install, save your money.
Use autohauz, parts.com, or pelicanparts to get any filters, wipers, and just about any other OEM parts.
I changed my air filters in my CLS, R500, and E320 in about 40 minutes altogether.
Cabin filters? Paid about $28, OEM, takes about 10 minutes in the CLS and the R? 15 minutes. That is going slow and a water break. LOL.
Wipers, people get ripped for $100 all the time, OEM's for less than $40 and takes 5 minutes to install, save your money.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 1
2008 C350 Sport
Actually..my previous comment was a bit harsh and too rush..
If I recall correctly, my 06 c230 uses 2 set of filters (air & pollen) MSRP for the set of filters w/ active charcoal cost like $120..
I guess it all depend on what model of car that lady was driving, $150 would not be consider outragous if dealer charge MSRP+labor, expensive, but not outragous I guess..
If I recall correctly, my 06 c230 uses 2 set of filters (air & pollen) MSRP for the set of filters w/ active charcoal cost like $120..
I guess it all depend on what model of car that lady was driving, $150 would not be consider outragous if dealer charge MSRP+labor, expensive, but not outragous I guess..
At any rate this is just a friendly reminder to everyone that MB dealerships may try to screw you on maint. if you don't know what you're doing. Be careful and warn your family/friends that have a lower car IQ than you that they will try to overcharge you for anything and everything. Thanks for the links to buy filters too guys, I will be replacing my own when the time comes as I will not be paying $150
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Puerto Rico
C300 Sport
Dude.
Use autohauz, parts.com, or pelicanparts to get any filters, wipers, and just about any other OEM parts.
I changed my air filters in my CLS, R500, and E320 in about 40 minutes altogether.
Cabin filters? Paid about $28, OEM, takes about 10 minutes in the CLS and the R? 15 minutes. That is going slow and a water break. LOL.
Wipers, people get ripped for $100 all the time, OEM's for less than $40 and takes 5 minutes to install, save your money.
Use autohauz, parts.com, or pelicanparts to get any filters, wipers, and just about any other OEM parts.
I changed my air filters in my CLS, R500, and E320 in about 40 minutes altogether.
Cabin filters? Paid about $28, OEM, takes about 10 minutes in the CLS and the R? 15 minutes. That is going slow and a water break. LOL.
Wipers, people get ripped for $100 all the time, OEM's for less than $40 and takes 5 minutes to install, save your money.
I should have read your post before! I took my C300 to the stealership to get my wiper blades replace. I paid $130 for it! I was in shock!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 2
From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
I just went to parts.com and checked CLK55 cabin filter - it's $82.
Is that correct, esp vs. the $28 for the R?
Shall I order wipers and other items there also?
Patrick
Is that correct, esp vs. the $28 for the R?
Shall I order wipers and other items there also?
Patrick
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
Likes: 6
From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,681
Likes: 2
From: SF
07 E63 06 CLK55 Cab 03 P-car C4S
Am I looking at the correct one - the only ones I found were WITHOUT the charcoal filter.
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ollen%20Filter
http://www.autohausaz.com/search/pro...ollen%20Filter
