mirkee1

Just bought a prepaid service plan. 2017 c-300 bought as a used dealer loaner car with 8k miles at the end of 2017. Now has 14k miles. Bought the prepaid service plan from Jeff Jackson at Tafler. Very happy with Jeff and his service.

My question is: What will my B service cover? If all I have are regular maintenance items, should I pay extra? Is the brake fluid flush extra? Is it necessary?

fabbrisd1

If you have Prepaid Service - your B-Service will be due - whichever comes 1st - at 1yr (max 12 months) or at 18K miles (max 20,500) .

Your Pre-paid Service will include Brake Fluid Flush..

mirkee1

I still don't have a clear picture of whether I should have to pay extra for the break fluid flush. I don't have a lot of faith with this dealer, after they quoted me a price of $940 for a B service including the brake fluid flush. I've decided I'll go there and pay whatever they want. I wish this whole servicing thing were more transparent. I will use my prepaid service contract and see how it goes. This is my 10th Mercedes and I fell the dealers have become more mercenary with time. Do they want to keep selling cars, long term? I would like more opinions on whether the brake flush is included in the B service or whether I should have to pay extra.

fabbrisd1

The fact is YES - paid out of pocket is getting more and more expensive - especially as you go up to 40K and 60K.

Which in turn offers a greater prepaid service "savings" when purchasing a 3-pack/3yrs-30K when approaching 20K (or 40K) IF you plan to own your MB for 3yrs/30K more - which gets you B+A+B - frankly that's killer savings.

Please understand the 20K/2Yr brake fluid flush recommendation originated with the brake fluid manufacturer's spec/recommendation.

If you need to "stress less" - and I don't feel insecure about you felling concerned - I would recommend you do (2) things which are quite straightforward : (1) download your maintenance schedule for your Mb from mbusa.com under the Owner's Section (2) with that schedule - and your VIN# - call MB Customer Care (800) 367-6372 and review with them BEFORE you go to your dealer.

For those with pre-owned Mercedes with mileage - or those planning to own/drive their new Mercedes out past 40K-50K - you also should consider having Pre-Paid maintenance to cover Transmission Service and Spark-Plug change at the mileage/interval those are called for - which again ARE covered by Prepaid Maintenance - to maximize your savings on those services as well.

Please understand you CAN'T buy Pre-Paid maintenance after a Service Check-In - you can buy it immediately BEFORE Check-In if you know it gives you savings..

mirkee1

Thanks fabbrisd1. I have bought the prepaid service plan, B-A-B. I would like to know if it is customary for the prepaid B service to include the brake flush for no additional charge. We do keep our cars a long time. The last one we sold was my wife's 1997 SL320, original owners with 107K. Full service records. Cherry. Not worth a damn here in Central Coast CA. 20 years! We'll probably keep the C300 for another 10 years as my wife puts around 6k per year on her car. I only do about 9K or so. I drive a Toyota Venza because it's the only thing the dog would approve. I think there is another E car in my future, though.

fabbrisd1

I used to have a friend whose family owned a coffee-shop/souvenir-shop on Santa Claus lane in Carpenteria - enjoy your Mercedes - you will be very fine.

Please remember - with low mileage like your's - to use up the service's based on the recommended 1yr - at most 14 months - or you "lose"/expire that Service.

Keep the beat !

ygmn

My understanding is:
Pre-paid service is suppose to cover everything your maintenance manual states for the car for the next particular service and mileage.

SO say you have coming up 60,000 mile B service - Read maintenance manual for 60k and this is what should be covered by pre-paid service.

If it says brake fluid change then they do it as part of what you paid already.
IF it says SPark plug change they change plugs and you paid already.

you can buy these pre-paid plans from any dealer - shop around...

2012 merc amg

Ya the second service normally at 20K miles covers brake fluid flush and cabin filter change. 1st service which is "A" is pretty much just a oil change and checking things out.

MBE550

So A Service is basically Oil change with inspection
B Service is Oil, filter, brake fluid change with inspection (plus wiper blade??)
It really doesn't add up to the price the dealers are charging.
Most reputable indy shops in my area charges about the same as dealers as well.

Only 10 years ago, MB dealer used to charge $200 for A and $400 for B. Now, it's double which translates to 7% increase annually.

This is directly from a Dealer's website on B service.

1. Synthetic Motor Oil Replacement
2. Oil Filter Replacement
3. Cabin Dust/Combination Filter Replacement
4. Brake Fluid Exchange
5. All Fluid Level Checks & Corrections Are Dependent On Factory-Recommended Service Intervals For Your Vehicle's Year & Model.
6. Tire Inflation Check & Correction
7. Brake Component Inspection
8. Reset Maintenance Counter

It looks to me $500 should be more than enough for the listed work even with dealer's high hourly rate.