Serv A Pricing Difference: Dealership vs Mechanic
Looking to the community for assistance. Have a 2014 C300 that needs Service A maintenance. Got a quote from the MB dealership (on the left ~$980) vs. a quote from my mechanic (on the right ~$240). Looking at work being done, appears to be very comparable. Ideally, would like the dealership to do the work, but have a reputable mechanic and not seeing the ~$700 difference. Am I missing something?




Looking to the community for assistance. Have a 2014 C300 that needs Service A maintenance. Got a quote from the MB dealership (on the left ~$980) vs. a quote from my mechanic (on the right ~$240). Looking at work being done, appears to be very comparable. Ideally, would like the dealership to do the work, but have a reputable mechanic and not seeing the ~$700 difference. Am I missing something?
80,000 miles seems like it would be B service - A service at 10k, 30k, etc; B service at 20k, 40k, etc. You cost includes a brake flush at $192. The $978 minus $192 leaves $786 which even for B service seems high. But some dealers want to charge individual book prices for parts and labor that should be lumped together under one fixed charge. Since they’re independent, I guess MB has to allow it. A lot of things on that list are “inspect.” Whether they actually do it or just check it off the list is anyone’s guess.
As soon as my cars get out of the original warranty, I do my own routine services for $100 or so because “inspect” only costs me time and not money. The indie shop seems a bit high, too. But that may depend on prices where you live. If you aren’t equipped to do the service yourself, and you trust the indie shop, my suggestion is to go with them. But either dealer or indie, those $60 wiper blades and tire rotation should be included in these prices.



