c63canada

I just went in for my first service on my c63 2009 at 15 000km or roughly 10 000 miles. Price was 350$ plus tax for the service wich was what the dealer said it would cost me. When I got to the dealer, they also had changed the rear differential oil at a cost of 170$ plus tax. They told me that because of the limited slip diff. they needed to change the rear diff. oil at the first service and they had just learned that.
I told the dealer that my car did not have the limited diff because it only comes on c63s with the performance package option (if I'm not mistaken at least in canada according to the web site MB canada 4000$ option). When I told that to the service guy he looked suprised and puzzled and told me that all AMG needed the rear diff. oil changed at the first service.
When I got home I checked in the service manual and it actually states that the rear diff fluid should be changed at "2000 miles (3000 km)" on "AMG Performance Packages vehicles only"

So basically I think that the rear diff. oil should not have been changed on my c63 since I don't have the performance pack but it's probably not a bad idea or MB did in fact change the directive to the dealers or the dealer did in fact make an error. And is 170$ for the rear diff. oil change too much?

Thanks for the input.

dmyrick

if it's not in your service book, the guy is ripping you off.

lomita

Rear diff oil only changed at 1875 miles on P/P LSD. Our dealer hit us up only once, $225. That won't be happening ever again. They charged us for three quarts of oil, and a fill and a drain plug. The oil was $22/quart, the plugs $25 each. I would request a refund as well as contact corporate MB and voice a complaint.

c63canada

so just to make sure I understand, unless you have the Performance pack with the LSD the oil should not be changed?

patrickkc

$350 sounds right.. my friend took his for service and it costed him $350 too..

lomita

correcto mundo for the 1875 mile initial service on the P/P with LSD

the sticker was on the inside of our windshield as a reminder when we bought our car

bhamg

Check to make sure the correct fluid (part number) was put in the diff...I just had the LSD fluid and engine oil changed at 1860 miles and called parts with the numbers to make sure. BTW my dealer uses only the M1 ESP 5W-40 for engine oil fills...a good thing IMO.

Sincity

Lomita: I'm surprised you didn't DIY the diff fluid since you and your son are tearing into the C32 and this would have been a "piece of cake" for you.

eagle_lex

James Mercedes in Lexington told me the same thing! "ALL AMGs need a diff change at 2k miles." i said "you sure about that Mr. AMG tech? I read that only P pack cars need that due to the clutches in the limited slip."

this type of stupidness makes me want to take my car to the local independent service provider in my area because obviously James doesnt know what they are talking about.....

lomita

Yeah, this was a transitionary process for us, trying a dealership for service. We had a cricket in the rear deck, so under warranty, we decided to give the dealership a try at fixing it, and while there, have them change the diff oil too. It was a one time event. Anyhow, the dealership totally screwed up the visit. We'll never do any work with MB dealerships again, unless it is a significant warranty item. So yes, the diff oil change is a piece of cake and we will accomplish all servicing of the vehicle in our backyard or over at Evosport. I spoke with Simon yesterday. Am entertaining modifying my exhaust system next.