Service B
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Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,150
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From: DMV
AMG GTBS, AMG GTR Pro, AMG GT, C63 AMG, Porsche Panamera 4S, RX-7 FC Turbo II
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,717
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From: San Jose, CA
2007 E63 w/P30 and Eurotech CF Diffuser
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,699
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From: Tucson, AZ
C63 AMG
Yeahh.. sure..shop around. What if you live in a place where the only dealer is like at 100 miles away. I am just saying. I only have one dealer in town and is very expensive, close to $600 for service B.
Some people are luckier than others, it comes down to how lucky you are to be near a dealer that charges you less, that is it, end of the history.
Some people are luckier than others, it comes down to how lucky you are to be near a dealer that charges you less, that is it, end of the history.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
C63 & Mustang Mach1(s)
Had my B-service done a few weeks ago, rip off. Told them I didn't want the new air filters, knocked off $120. So $265.
But 4 miles for a road test! My mileage upon arrival was 21.4, 22 mile highway drive, and when I picked it up it was 15.1, took it for a joyride???
But 4 miles for a road test! My mileage upon arrival was 21.4, 22 mile highway drive, and when I picked it up it was 15.1, took it for a joyride???
Last edited by Vegas_AMG; Aug 5, 2011 at 11:48 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,860
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From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2010 C63 AMG, 2009 ISF , 2002 L-Tuned IS300, 2011 ML350
I have never driven my car in the rain... they are better not replacing my windshield wipers. The tire rotation is too funny... it just show this service B is a rip off.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,860
Likes: 39
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2010 C63 AMG, 2009 ISF , 2002 L-Tuned IS300, 2011 ML350
BTW, I have 4 000km on my car... and expect to have 6 000km (more or less) next spring for my service B... should I let them change my air filter? TIA
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,717
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From: San Jose, CA
2007 E63 w/P30 and Eurotech CF Diffuser
Gents,
I thought about ranting but decided to be "fatherly".
It would be my advice for the attentive owner to ignore the specific A through H of the indicator. Instead, read your service manual and use the computer as a gentle reminder. But never let it define for you the service you want done on the car. There are various services that are functions of time and mileage. Know what they are. YOU decide if you want the dealer to do all the checks on things like batteries and water drain openings and the lot.
So many of these things you can do yourself with no skill other than a set of eyes.
For instance, replacing rear tires is not in the service manual. Some of us on this forum get 6k out of the rears and some get 12K. YOU are the one paying attention. Just do it for all items on the car. Do you wait on the service indicator to tell you to wash your car? Nope. So don't use it for the other stuff.
How much is service B??? A lot more than an oil change and an air filter replacement, which is typically the meat of a service B.
I thought about ranting but decided to be "fatherly".
It would be my advice for the attentive owner to ignore the specific A through H of the indicator. Instead, read your service manual and use the computer as a gentle reminder. But never let it define for you the service you want done on the car. There are various services that are functions of time and mileage. Know what they are. YOU decide if you want the dealer to do all the checks on things like batteries and water drain openings and the lot.
So many of these things you can do yourself with no skill other than a set of eyes.
For instance, replacing rear tires is not in the service manual. Some of us on this forum get 6k out of the rears and some get 12K. YOU are the one paying attention. Just do it for all items on the car. Do you wait on the service indicator to tell you to wash your car? Nope. So don't use it for the other stuff.
How much is service B??? A lot more than an oil change and an air filter replacement, which is typically the meat of a service B.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 344
Likes: 5
From: Battle Ground WA
C63AMG, NIssan NX2000, Pontiac Fiero GT
Sickening charges...but look at the numbers for a minute. Oil is $8/qt, filter $15 . Labor on hydraulic hoist : 1/4 hr. Sub=$87 + (.25 x ? $125?) or $87+$31 for oil change. I have not yet done the cabin filter but ballpark $25 for filter + .5 labor=$87. All up expected B service : $200. Based upon (my)estimate shop rate + retail material costs.
Those obtaining B service @ $250-$300 may be dealing with "reasonable" figures. Indies should have much lower shop rate.
DIY'ers (me) must spend more time hoisting the fat (lovable) piggie up to access the drain etc. I will confess to extreme cost shock as a new M B owner.
Those obtaining B service @ $250-$300 may be dealing with "reasonable" figures. Indies should have much lower shop rate.
DIY'ers (me) must spend more time hoisting the fat (lovable) piggie up to access the drain etc. I will confess to extreme cost shock as a new M B owner.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
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From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
I think that is all according to location...location. That they can justify some of these prices. In Northern VA, my dealer charges $120 for man-hour, other areas may charge more of less. But cost of living has something to do with it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
guys, mb's must be some of the easiest cars in the world to perform routine maintenance on.
Air filters and oil changes are stupid easy and take practically no special tools. The rest is a simple look around, which I'm betting most dealers hardly do unless they can find something to charge you more for.
If you live near nj, I'll do a B service for you for $100 over the cost of parts.
Air filters and oil changes are stupid easy and take practically no special tools. The rest is a simple look around, which I'm betting most dealers hardly do unless they can find something to charge you more for.
If you live near nj, I'll do a B service for you for $100 over the cost of parts.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
C63
Dealership in San Diego just emailed me the following quote. I would be willing to pay $400 if it included rear diff (i have P30) and brake fluid change but judging from this quote it looks like its just lots of "inspecting"... I will probably end up taking it to an independent shop so I can make sure I am paying for actual service.
--------------------
Service B $400
*Engine oil and filter change with Premium Synthetic engine oil and Mercedes Benz specialized filter
*Inspect windshield wiper inserts
Ensure the parking brake, steering play, headlamps, and exterior headlamps, warning and indicator lamps, horn, windshield/headlamp wiper and washer systems, seat belts, and backrest lock (S-Class only) are functioning correctly
*Inspect tires and check tire pressure (including spare)
*Inspect brake pad thickness and disc condition
*Inspect front axle ball joints and Poly-V-belt
*Check and correct all fluid levels
*Reset your vehicle's FSS counter
*
***Menus are based on (but not identical to) Manufacturer's Suggested Maintenance***
----------------------
This sounds like a $400 oil change to me.
--------------------
Service B $400
*Engine oil and filter change with Premium Synthetic engine oil and Mercedes Benz specialized filter
*Inspect windshield wiper inserts
Ensure the parking brake, steering play, headlamps, and exterior headlamps, warning and indicator lamps, horn, windshield/headlamp wiper and washer systems, seat belts, and backrest lock (S-Class only) are functioning correctly
*Inspect tires and check tire pressure (including spare)
*Inspect brake pad thickness and disc condition
*Inspect front axle ball joints and Poly-V-belt
*Check and correct all fluid levels
*Reset your vehicle's FSS counter
*
***Menus are based on (but not identical to) Manufacturer's Suggested Maintenance***
----------------------
This sounds like a $400 oil change to me.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 512
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
2009 C63 AMG
I just found a MB service shop this week. The owner and the mechanics look like stand-up, no BS guys. B service costs around $200. Bye-bye dealers! I mean,,,stealers!
Last edited by balthaser; Feb 7, 2012 at 11:41 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 396
Likes: 15
From: Montreal Quebec
2016 C63S, 2012 ML350
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
C63s now in the garage. Sold-GLA45 AMG Edition 1, Sold-2010 Mercedes C63
Was just quoted $610 in Vancouver for service B. Any dealers on here want to bid for my business? I'm willing to drive. Can I get this service done in Washington State even though I bought my car in Canada??? I can make it a shopping trip/service B
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 832
Likes: 3
From: Melbourne
(a)'12 C63 P/P, LSD, 19" m/spoke,comfort pack. (b)Astra SRI.
I believe M.B. Service costs are on the high side, but not dramatically so....and sure, outside of a Dealer, & certainly by doing them yourself, it is going to be cheaper.....and I can understand the satisfaction one would get from doing the work yourself.
However, I prefer to have the Dealer do the work, I then have my Service book stamped by the Dealer...all M.B. authorized etc etc, ra ra ra,.....all that sort of stuff.....but that's me.
Cheers, Pickles.
However, I prefer to have the Dealer do the work, I then have my Service book stamped by the Dealer...all M.B. authorized etc etc, ra ra ra,.....all that sort of stuff.....but that's me.
Cheers, Pickles.
Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
C63s now in the garage. Sold-GLA45 AMG Edition 1, Sold-2010 Mercedes C63
Can a Canadian bought C63 have service B done by an American dealership? Just found a sale at a dealer not too far from me in the US. It would make my service B less than half price.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,648
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2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
I am doing my own so I don't know but don't see why not. Keep your receipts and make sure you complete and get credit for a full service B.
