FlaMB

I just paid $475 for Service B on my leased 2009 C300. Which, as with all things Mercedes, is a lot of money. Especially when it seems like all they do is change the oil and inspect the car. Am I right about this and if not, what else is included in the service.

I am not really complaining, I like the car and I also have a 2009 550CLK Cab which I really like, it's just that $475 sounds like a lot of money.

My basic feeling about these cars is the same as flying first class, or staying at a Ritz Carlton- I could probably spend less but the service and the quality make me feel good.

Oh, one more thing. On the service receipt it said that the $475 price is a promotional special and the regular price is $550.

Stevedotmil

I am sure for service Be in about 6500 miles. I was wondering the same thing because I looked at what they do and its mostly inspections of the chassis and the oil change. You would think you would get an alignment out of it too but you don't.

Warrior6521

You were screwed. Worst case you B change, including cabin and engine air filters should run no more than $300. My indie mech in Prince Frederick, MD does it for $100 - w/o filters. Add another $60 for both filters installed.

The various 'checks' and 'inspections' are done by the dealer, but most are done within 15 minutes by a good tech.

delirium

There is a b service that included a transmission fluid flush that cost a bit more if i recall correctly.

Warrior6521

Transmission flush is at 39K miles. If it coincides with a B service, bend over and grab your ankles at most dealerships. Transmission service at my indie is $150 including draining the torque converter. Dealerships I've polled charge $325 to $700 for the tranny service.

delirium

Yup, I bent over and paid for it because they scared me to think my extended warranty may be invalidated unless i get all my services done by a MB dealer.. Is that true?

Warrior6521

Negative. I have the MB extended warranty also. As long as you can produce receipts indicating you bought the product to do the work yourself or had it accomplished at a reputable service center, you're good to go. If a dealer guilted you into that decision - bad on them. I'd write a letter to MBUSA to complain. They'll likely not do anything about it, but I can guarantee that dealer will never see my car again, and I'd beat them down by word of mouth every chance I had.
If you need warranty work, I'd go to another MB dealer.

IGB

I won't dispute the fact that dealer are overpriced when it comes to servicing costs... Dealers are in the business to make money and I can't/won't blame them for trying. While I agree that if you feel you've gotten screwed by a dealer, you should go to another... Writing to MBUSA will accomplish nothing, why would they care about a dealer wanting to make money... .

But anyways, are you saying I could go out, buy transmission fluid, do the tranny flush myself, and if something wrong happened after, the warranty would still cover me? That would be a stretch, IMO...

Warrior6521

It would come down to your documented evidence of you having purchased the 18 pints of MB tranny fluid, filter, gasket and replacement hardware and word against MB if there were a tranny failure. Any court that would hear the case would likely rule in your favor if it came down to it.
Myself, I had it done at my indie shop and I have a receipt (ASE certified mech too). There are DIY instructions on this site in the forums, but I don't have access to the facilities. And for $150 - it was worth every penny to not get my hands dirty.
When I had the car in Texas, I took it to the dealer for all service. The costs were what I considered reasonable. Here in Maryland - the dealers are insane. The tranny service at MB of Annapolis was quoted at $725!
I don't mind paying to have the service done, but I don't want to get screwed while I'm at it.

IGB

I'll disagree with the last part... you're also assuming that this would go to court versus being handled through "arbitration".

My point is, if you decided to have them do the work, you did so voluntarily meaning there is no such thing as "getting screwed". More so if you enjoy the "first class flight/Ritz Carlton" experience. Whether it is or isn't, we should all shop around to get the best price, and yes, some dealers are fairly reasonable, and others will price match other offers... etc.

Warrior6521

You are correct regarding court versus arbitration. Even in arbitration, MB would have a difficult time disproving the service was improperly done.

I did enjoy the dealership experience when living in Texas. Whether I waited for the car or took advantage of a service loaner. However, living in the "Free State" now, when I compare paying $150 to $725 for the same service with my indie and the dealer, I'm at the indie every time. I'll sit on my thumbs for 2.5 hours to save $575 and bring my own coffee.
There are folks that take their vehicles to MB of Annapolis or Alexandria for all their service and I'm sure they pay through the nose for it. If they have that much disposable income to pay these particular dealerships mark ups compared to the independent shops, they can go on with their bad selves. I'm too spend thrift to willingly do that.

ICON 1

I just got service B completed for $239 in NJ. You need to check other MB dealers and their websites. Some of the dealers will post service specials and most other dealers will honor thse service specials to get your business.

Stevedotmil

I guys I have some checking to do.

sirics

My dealer wants $399 for service B.

Warrior6521

$399 for an oil change and tire rotation (except Sport) & balance, check/inspect many items...Engine and cabin air filters (many dealers charge extra for those). Outrageous!

DCubed

The dealer I work at does Service B for $239, brake fluid flush is always done every two years (usually in tandem with a B service) for around $99. Trans service is at 40K IIRC.

sirics

I only have 15k on the car. But I have had it since 2008 and oil was changed or service A at 8000 miles. Is it too early for service B?

soflac

OP - I feel your pain. I am in South Florida also. I know of a great independant reputable shop in the south Dade area. Pricing is great and the owner is a very nice guy. Very honest and specialize in MB. I am not sure if I am allowed to post the shops name and #. I don't gain anything by the recommendation. Message me and I will send you the contact info.

Or perhaps someone can tell me if I can post the info here....I am new to this forum...thanks.

jjj benz

really? the dealer down there cracked you. our service b price is 270

IGB

You know it might help those looking for a "better deal" than the OP to know where you are... That is unless you only intended to "hit and run" ...

Jon2007E63P30

You can save money by knowing exactly what needs to be done. If you know nothing about the maintenance of a car, then take it in and pay.

If you feel confident reading you maintenance manual and understanding it you can save a ton of money.

The only thing "B" means is the system thinks it will be 2hrs of labor
Service "H" means 8 hours, etc.

The only thing I have found I can not do myself is change the oil on the 722.9 transmission. It requires a pump to fill the transmission through the drain plug. There is no other access.

canes1

My dealership charged me $270 last week for service B... I used a coupon, though for $50 off! Check your dealers website for special offers from time to time and have them send you e-coupons...

hgendez

Where can I find reputable indie in Las Vegas?

ralawren

Make sure you check your maintenance schedule in the manual to ensure everything is being done. However an Indie shop will almost always beat the dealer by 25-40%.
Main components of Service B for 2011 and 2012 are:
- Oil change and filter
- Brake Fluid Flush (every 24 months and as others have said, normally at Svc B)
- Cabin Filter Change (I did this myself, filter was $20 on Amazon but what a pain in the *** to get the three screws out from under the glove compartment)


At 39K or around 4 years the transmission fluid needs to be changed

secunoid

Can you still take it to an indie and maintain your warranty/extended warranty?