Service A and B - Do you HAVE to do it???
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2010 C300 Luxury
Service A and B - Do you HAVE to do it???
Getting our 20,000 mile service, Service B. Our dealer in south Houston wants $400 to do it, here is what it features:
PREMIUM OIL CHANGE
Air Filter Check, Washer Solvent Top-Off, Wheel Damage Inspection, Tire Wear and Air Pressure Inspection, Belt and Hose Inspection, Fluid Inspection and Top-Off, Reset Maintenance Indicator, Oil and Filter Change (Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil)
COURTESY INSPECTION
</STRONG>Brake Inspection, Wiper Blade Inspection, Mid-Tronics Battery Test, Instrument Function Test, Indicator Lights Inspection, Interior/Exterior Lights Inspection, Windshield Wiper/Washer System Test, Diagnostic Road Test, Check Major Drivetrain Components for Leaks, Check Suspension Components, Check Ball Joints and Tie-Rod Boots
Includes:
Complimentary MVP Car Wash (full detail available for $169), Tire Rotation, Replace Engine Air Filter, Replace A/C Dust Filter, Brake Flush
Seems to me we are only really paying for the oil change and car wash...
So, if you don't do their service schedule, can they void the warranty?
PREMIUM OIL CHANGE
Air Filter Check, Washer Solvent Top-Off, Wheel Damage Inspection, Tire Wear and Air Pressure Inspection, Belt and Hose Inspection, Fluid Inspection and Top-Off, Reset Maintenance Indicator, Oil and Filter Change (Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil)
COURTESY INSPECTION
</STRONG>Brake Inspection, Wiper Blade Inspection, Mid-Tronics Battery Test, Instrument Function Test, Indicator Lights Inspection, Interior/Exterior Lights Inspection, Windshield Wiper/Washer System Test, Diagnostic Road Test, Check Major Drivetrain Components for Leaks, Check Suspension Components, Check Ball Joints and Tie-Rod Boots
Includes:
Complimentary MVP Car Wash (full detail available for $169), Tire Rotation, Replace Engine Air Filter, Replace A/C Dust Filter, Brake Flush
Seems to me we are only really paying for the oil change and car wash...
So, if you don't do their service schedule, can they void the warranty?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 258
Likes: 10
From: Derby, KS
2005 MB C230K Sport Sedan & 2011 MB C300
If your car is under warranty and the warranty covers the Service A and B intervals for free i'd go ahead and have the dealership do it.
Most of the things on the Service A and B list can be done by a DIY with a basic set of hand tools. I'm sure somewhere in the w204 forum it will tell you how to reset the service indicator light after completing the service intervals.
Most of the things on the Service A and B list can be done by a DIY with a basic set of hand tools. I'm sure somewhere in the w204 forum it will tell you how to reset the service indicator light after completing the service intervals.
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 816
Likes: 21
2008 W204
So, if you don't do their service schedule, can they void the warranty?
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
2008 C300 Sport 6MT X-Pipe
Service B at my dealership here in Massachusetts is almost $700.00, because they change the cabin air filters (in addition to Service A items) at a cost of about 200 bucks.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul, MN
2011 E550 4Matic
Are service A+B covered under the normal warranty? the CPO? i havent read the fine print on mine, i bought it about 3 months ago CPO, service B is coming up in a few thousand miles, and id never heard about it being covered by the warranty.....
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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
Getting our 20,000 mile service, Service B. Our dealer in south Houston wants $400 to do it, here is what it features:
PREMIUM OIL CHANGE
Air Filter Check, Washer Solvent Top-Off, Wheel Damage Inspection, Tire Wear and Air Pressure Inspection, Belt and Hose Inspection, Fluid Inspection and Top-Off, Reset Maintenance Indicator, Oil and Filter Change (Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil)
COURTESY INSPECTION
</STRONG>Brake Inspection, Wiper Blade Inspection, Mid-Tronics Battery Test, Instrument Function Test, Indicator Lights Inspection, Interior/Exterior Lights Inspection, Windshield Wiper/Washer System Test, Diagnostic Road Test, Check Major Drivetrain Components for Leaks, Check Suspension Components, Check Ball Joints and Tie-Rod Boots
Includes:
Complimentary MVP Car Wash (full detail available for $169), Tire Rotation, Replace Engine Air Filter, Replace A/C Dust Filter, Brake Flush
Seems to me we are only really paying for the oil change and car wash...
So, if you don't do their service schedule, can they void the warranty?
PREMIUM OIL CHANGE
Air Filter Check, Washer Solvent Top-Off, Wheel Damage Inspection, Tire Wear and Air Pressure Inspection, Belt and Hose Inspection, Fluid Inspection and Top-Off, Reset Maintenance Indicator, Oil and Filter Change (Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil)
COURTESY INSPECTION
</STRONG>Brake Inspection, Wiper Blade Inspection, Mid-Tronics Battery Test, Instrument Function Test, Indicator Lights Inspection, Interior/Exterior Lights Inspection, Windshield Wiper/Washer System Test, Diagnostic Road Test, Check Major Drivetrain Components for Leaks, Check Suspension Components, Check Ball Joints and Tie-Rod Boots
Includes:
Complimentary MVP Car Wash (full detail available for $169), Tire Rotation, Replace Engine Air Filter, Replace A/C Dust Filter, Brake Flush
Seems to me we are only really paying for the oil change and car wash...
So, if you don't do their service schedule, can they void the warranty?
The parts they will replace plus the brake fluid change (if they really do that) add up to pretty close to the quoted cost at dealer prices. The most expensive item is the brake fluid change. All the parts needed are available from other sources at huge savings. The cabin air filter as one example can be bought for about $18.00.
No service is covered by warranty.
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 720
Likes: 0
Saab 900 SE
MB Sarasota does an A for 299 and B for 399
B service only cost more because of the Cabin A/C filter part cost and extra time to put it in.
You can do most stuff yourself if you have the $80 oil extractor to pull the oil out through the dipstick, and of course topping fluids is just a matter of finding the correct stuff and filling it correctly. Rotating tires is pretty easy to. Only thing you really get in an A or B is labor is charged of course and the washing, vac and tire shine and some one of course does all the inspections which any one on here can do.
Also NO Mb has incl maint, you can purchase it pre paid but none are included, not in a CPO not at all.
I do it at the dealer but I work there I pay less then most pay for a syn oil change :-)
B service only cost more because of the Cabin A/C filter part cost and extra time to put it in.
You can do most stuff yourself if you have the $80 oil extractor to pull the oil out through the dipstick, and of course topping fluids is just a matter of finding the correct stuff and filling it correctly. Rotating tires is pretty easy to. Only thing you really get in an A or B is labor is charged of course and the washing, vac and tire shine and some one of course does all the inspections which any one on here can do.
Also NO Mb has incl maint, you can purchase it pre paid but none are included, not in a CPO not at all.
I do it at the dealer but I work there I pay less then most pay for a syn oil change :-)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
2010 C300 Luxury
Thanks, this is what I thought. Told the wife she could take it to the dealer this time, from now on I can handle the rest.
Bascially, in addition to the oil change (they charge $90 just for that), you get the following done: Complimentary MVP Car Wash (full detail available for $169), Tire Rotation, Replace Engine Air Filter, Replace A/C Dust Filter, Brake Flush
My guess on what it would cost me, feel free to chime in with your own estimates:
Car wash - $0
Tire Rotation (assuming the balance them also) - $20 at Discount Tire
Engine Air Filter (manual says not needed until 40,000) - $50 online
Dust Filter - $50 online
Brake flush??? (full system flush with all new fluid????) - $15 in fluid (has anyone posted a thread on this, or is it the same as every other car)
Bascially, in addition to the oil change (they charge $90 just for that), you get the following done: Complimentary MVP Car Wash (full detail available for $169), Tire Rotation, Replace Engine Air Filter, Replace A/C Dust Filter, Brake Flush
My guess on what it would cost me, feel free to chime in with your own estimates:
Car wash - $0
Tire Rotation (assuming the balance them also) - $20 at Discount Tire
Engine Air Filter (manual says not needed until 40,000) - $50 online
Dust Filter - $50 online
Brake flush??? (full system flush with all new fluid????) - $15 in fluid (has anyone posted a thread on this, or is it the same as every other car)
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 720
Likes: 0
Saab 900 SE
Thanks, this is what I thought. Told the wife she could take it to the dealer this time, from now on I can handle the rest.
Bascially, in addition to the oil change (they charge $90 just for that), you get the following done: Complimentary MVP Car Wash (full detail available for $169), Tire Rotation, Replace Engine Air Filter, Replace A/C Dust Filter, Brake Flush
My guess on what it would cost me, feel free to chime in with your own estimates:
Car wash - $0
Tire Rotation (assuming the balance them also) - $20 at Discount Tire
Engine Air Filter (manual says not needed until 40,000) - $50 online
Dust Filter - $50 online
Brake flush??? (full system flush with all new fluid????) - $15 in fluid (has anyone posted a thread on this, or is it the same as every other car)
Bascially, in addition to the oil change (they charge $90 just for that), you get the following done: Complimentary MVP Car Wash (full detail available for $169), Tire Rotation, Replace Engine Air Filter, Replace A/C Dust Filter, Brake Flush
My guess on what it would cost me, feel free to chime in with your own estimates:
Car wash - $0
Tire Rotation (assuming the balance them also) - $20 at Discount Tire
Engine Air Filter (manual says not needed until 40,000) - $50 online
Dust Filter - $50 online
Brake flush??? (full system flush with all new fluid????) - $15 in fluid (has anyone posted a thread on this, or is it the same as every other car)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
Likes: 57
From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
My favorite story about why I go to the dealer:
First A service, and I'm waiting in the showroom. The SA comes over to tell me that their battery analyzer picked up on a weakness in one cell. They replaced it under warranty, before it deteriorated or had to cope with winter in the single digits. That alone made the trip worthwhile. How many of you have battery analyzers? It could be that, or something else they discover. There is value in expertise!
First A service, and I'm waiting in the showroom. The SA comes over to tell me that their battery analyzer picked up on a weakness in one cell. They replaced it under warranty, before it deteriorated or had to cope with winter in the single digits. That alone made the trip worthwhile. How many of you have battery analyzers? It could be that, or something else they discover. There is value in expertise!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,134
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte, NC
2015 BMW M235i 6MT
I was just about to comment on that, because I went by the dealer earlier this month and asked for a quote for service B if I supplied the parts, and the only parts they told me were the oil filter and the cabin filter. Thank you for clearing that up for me and future readers!
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
Thanks, this is what I thought. Told the wife she could take it to the dealer this time, from now on I can handle the rest.
Bascially, in addition to the oil change (they charge $90 just for that), you get the following done: Complimentary MVP Car Wash (full detail available for $169), Tire Rotation, Replace Engine Air Filter, Replace A/C Dust Filter, Brake Flush
My guess on what it would cost me, feel free to chime in with your own estimates:
Car wash - $0
Tire Rotation (assuming the balance them also) - $20 at Discount Tire
Engine Air Filter (manual says not needed until 40,000) - $50 online
Dust Filter - $50 online
Brake flush??? (full system flush with all new fluid????) - $15 in fluid (has anyone posted a thread on this, or is it the same as every other car)
Bascially, in addition to the oil change (they charge $90 just for that), you get the following done: Complimentary MVP Car Wash (full detail available for $169), Tire Rotation, Replace Engine Air Filter, Replace A/C Dust Filter, Brake Flush
My guess on what it would cost me, feel free to chime in with your own estimates:
Car wash - $0
Tire Rotation (assuming the balance them also) - $20 at Discount Tire
Engine Air Filter (manual says not needed until 40,000) - $50 online
Dust Filter - $50 online
Brake flush??? (full system flush with all new fluid????) - $15 in fluid (has anyone posted a thread on this, or is it the same as every other car)
Today's prices:
Cabin air filter $16.58
Engine air filters (2) $28.99
Oil filter kit $12.60
If you buy two oil filter kits to get the price over $50, shipping is free.
And six months ago NAPA was selling Mobil 1 0W-40 on sale for $4.99.
Shopping around saves big money.
Super Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 555
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, SC
W204 2010 C300 Sport/6M
My B service is coming up and I got quoted 285 for the oil (Motul equivalent), brake fluid flush and fill, gauge the rotors and brake pads, test the battery and check all the suspension components for wear. This was at a very reputable Inde shop in Charlotte. The charge 65 just for the oil change though. So I'm guessing most of the cost is the labor time and the flush of the brake system.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 3
From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
GMTK,
Get a quote from Star Motors. Ask to speak to Guy. As dry and dusty as Texas has been this year, I am changing both air filters on my XC70 with the next oil change.
Good luck!
Wayne
Get a quote from Star Motors. Ask to speak to Guy. As dry and dusty as Texas has been this year, I am changing both air filters on my XC70 with the next oil change.
Good luck!
Wayne
Last edited by venchka; Nov 1, 2011 at 03:20 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 392
Likes: 16
GLE 300d (v167)
Isn't one of the key benefits to receive any software upgrades?
At least in my case, all services (A/B) and pick up/drop off/loan car are included in corporate pack which was included in the price when I bought the car in the first place.
At least in my case, all services (A/B) and pick up/drop off/loan car are included in corporate pack which was included in the price when I bought the car in the first place.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 352
Likes: 12
From: Worcester, MA
15' CLS400
NEVER pay for service A&B... What a rip-off. Ask service for a printout of the services needed by your car and they will give you one. It will tell you at what milage to get things done like the fuel filter, coolant, spark plugs, etc. When it comes time just go have it done with your oil change. There is no need to pay inflated prices for things you can do yourself (tire pressure, wipers, car wash, etc.)
OH.. and no it does not void the warranty if you don't have them done. I've had warranty work done on mine and I've never gotten any As or Bs
OH.. and no it does not void the warranty if you don't have them done. I've had warranty work done on mine and I've never gotten any As or Bs
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
2012 C350 Sport - Iridium Silver w/Ash
How about an early A?
Just bought a c350. I recently read in the WSJ where their auto guy said he advised changing the oil after 2000 miles in a new car. I know all the usual reasons not to change - engines are better these days, etc. but this is a nice car, want to take good care of it. Better than good actually. What do you think about changing it early?
Also I'm a little concerned that I can't check the oil. The C250 had a dipstick but the c350 doesn't. I mean how do you know for sure it was filled to right level to begin with? I read in this forum where one guy's was low but the oil check light didn't notify. So getting the oil changed early would get this checked (doesn't mean they'd fill it up right the second time tho).
Also I'm a little concerned that I can't check the oil. The C250 had a dipstick but the c350 doesn't. I mean how do you know for sure it was filled to right level to begin with? I read in this forum where one guy's was low but the oil check light didn't notify. So getting the oil changed early would get this checked (doesn't mean they'd fill it up right the second time tho).
Last edited by wireless200; Nov 2, 2011 at 03:18 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 720
Likes: 0
Saab 900 SE
and Ive never heard of a corp pack, there is pre paid maint which is prob what you got and picking up and dropping off cars is a rare optional thing that done dealer by dealer for either VIP clients or whiney customers
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 720
Likes: 0
Saab 900 SE
My favorite story about why I go to the dealer:
First A service, and I'm waiting in the showroom. The SA comes over to tell me that their battery analyzer picked up on a weakness in one cell. They replaced it under warranty, before it deteriorated or had to cope with winter in the single digits. That alone made the trip worthwhile. How many of you have battery analyzers? It could be that, or something else they discover. There is value in expertise!
First A service, and I'm waiting in the showroom. The SA comes over to tell me that their battery analyzer picked up on a weakness in one cell. They replaced it under warranty, before it deteriorated or had to cope with winter in the single digits. That alone made the trip worthwhile. How many of you have battery analyzers? It could be that, or something else they discover. There is value in expertise!
