Getting my feet push to the fire by the dealer!
 

Helloooo Gents! I was wondering if I can get some feedback from members in the community with some higher mileage on their cars. I recently crossed the 40K mile mark and was due for service. I called my SA at the stealership, which I have a good relationship with, informed me the 40K service on my car is $1279.05! After quickly realizing I wasn’t day dreaming at my desk :slap: I began to ask my SA what this included.

Seems like the major things serviced at 40K is an oil and filter change. Brake fluid flush. Transmission oil and filter change. The rest is a bunch of inspections across the chassis. Also I think my SA quoted me also for the removal of the LSD fluid, which my car wasn’t equipped with. Not to mention this service includes new engine air filters which I don’t want since I have my Carbonio air intake less then a year on which include new intake filters.

Bottom line what has everyone been quoted for this service? I had to put a few back the other day:cheers: pondering this estimate as I am seriously considering a good independent dealer (plus I wanted a drink anyways). I appreciate everyone's feedback!!

LMFAO

The Estimate
 

CUSTOMER QUOTE
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
OPERATION: MMENU 40,000 Mile Factory Required Service Work
*** 40,000 Mile Factory Required Service Work ***
40,000 Mile Factory Required Service Work
MB0042 Reset Service Indicator
MB0053 Inspect Condition, Leaks, Of Components, Lines & Hoses
MB0101SY Synthetic Oil & Filter Change (Reset Service Reminder)
MB0980 Replace Air Cleaner Element
MB1351 Inspect Poly-V-Belt
MB2010 Check & Correct Engine Coolant Protection
MB2702 Auto Transmission Oil & Filter Change
MB3353 Check Front Axle Ball Joints
MB4060 Check, Correct Tire Pressure Including Spare
MB4152 Inspect Drive Shaft Flex Disc
MB4210 Brake System, Check & Correct Fluid Level
MB4253 Check Brake Pad Thickness, Front & Rear
MB4280 Replace Brake Fluid
MB4290 Brake Test, Parking Brake Check
MB4611 Power Steering Fluid, Check & Correct Fluid Level
MB4650 Check Steering Play
MB6550 Change Rear Differential Fluid
C63 08/11 W/ AMG Performance Package
MB8210 Check & Correct Windshield Washer Fluid
MB8381 Replace Combination / Dust Filter
MB8821 Check Hood Catch, Safety Catch & Hinges

NOTES: *(Code 030, P30 - W/ AMG Performance Package)

LABOR $: 617.10
PARTS $: 548.28
GOG $: 0.00
MISC. $: 29.99
TAX $: 83.68
------------------------
SUBTOTAL $: 1279.05

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LABOR $: 617.10
TOTAL PARTS $: 548.28
TOTAL GOG $: 0.00
TOTAL MISC. $: 29.99
TOTAL TAX $: 83.68
--------------------------------
ESTIMATE TOTAL $: 1279.05

Have you done the 39k transmission service?

You could save a few bucks and see if they can leave this one off the service schedule:
MB8821 Check Hood Catch, Safety Catch & Hinges

Reckon you could probably get away with leaving this till next big service!!

Just wondering, when are the required service intervals for the c63 appart from this 40k miles checkup?

Check your manual but I think oil/filter is every 10K (I do it every 5K) and brake fluid ever other year (which seems the standard interval on all german cars). Air and pollen filters based on visual inspections. Looks like 40K is the big expensive one. I'd do a coolant flush at 40K too.

Judging from part of your own statement, you saw the dealer is about BS and just jacking prices. Did you get an broken down cost for each of these services?Where I live, the A service is typically $200 or less, B service around $395 at dealers that covers a big portion on that list:


Your suggestion on looking at an indy, I would do that as a comparison and check with other dealers also. From personal experience (I know yours will vary as you drive an AMG C63), when I compared several dealers the prices varied almost $500 on the same services such as the brake fluid, and transmission service. Transmission service at one dealer was $500, the other dealer was a little over $200, huge difference. When I mentioned to the dealer that charged the lesser amount about the price I was quoted from the higher dealer, the SA/SM looked totally puzzled, and said they are gouging beyond belief...just an example.

tell them EXACTLY what you want done and tell them to quote that and only do that work. if it was me.... i would tell them oil/filter, tranny flush, and depending on how the brake fluid looks (ie darker in appearance) then id have them quote that as well. they should tell you whats "recommend" and then ask you what you want done. if they dont, then look for an indy in your area.

my dealer is good about what i just said. but there are also two indys here and those guys use to work for the dealer. so there is some competition in my area. dont let them TELL YOU what they are going to do to YOUR car. you are the client.

oh and id have the coolant tested. i would probably just have it flushed if it was my car at your mileage. alll that other stuff you can pretty much do yourself or its just "fluff"

Man...they took you to wood shed on that service. Hopefully, the next service you take the car to an indie. I have only taken my cars to the dealer if it is warranty work...

As far as A and B service...I just called my indie shop and they quoted me $150-$200 for A and approx $250-$300 for B on my wifes C300 ($50 variance is for AMG model)...

Good luck in future services...

Rip-off.

For example, why do they charge you to inspect the brake fluid, and also replace it?:crazy:

Replace spark plugs. If an OEM-Level Bosch is available this is the preferred brand no matter what MBUSA is currently buying in bulk.

Comments below are based on my CL and my G500 long term maintenance. I agree with the majority of the comments above but fluids are drained and replaced, not "flushed." Make sure they use the 0-40 oil. Many MB dealers buy the 5-40 in bulk but the 0-40 is a superior oil.

Replace serpentine belt and keep old one as spare in a trunk box. Have them spin all the pulleys/tensioners and replace any that make noise. If the engine has one of those "weight saving" plastic tensioners just replace it. Keep the old ones in the trunk spare box unless that have cracks and noise.

Make sure they inspect the motor and transmission mounts. The rear end fluid should be replaced.

Make sure all the FSBs are up to date.

Use MB fluids throughout.

If the brake pads need replacement you most probably don't need new rotors no matter what the dealer says about "AMG policy."

Have an indy check the alignment - often you can get a free alignment check at one of the big tire dealers.

Make sure you you get replaced parts back. If you go to an indie get your parts from a Sponsor:

www.mymercedesparts.com

BTW, I have the dealer in NH quote me a similar service on my CL and it came to just over $700 with all the extras sans oil/filter change (add$99 for this.) Different cars and engines, but I have two belts and I had them replace the two plastic pulleys just because...

The idea mentioned above of a price breakdown is excellent! If you go to an indie for some of the service, have the dealer do some of the service, eg, oil and brake fluid change, so it is on record for warranty reasons. Sometimes the indie can't beat the dealer on this so it is false economy.

Congrats on maintaining your car.
:zoom:

Wow what a rip-off. I go to an approved mercedes garage (not dealership). I tell them what I do (brakes, oil, etc) and they verify what's on the rest of the regular check up. For half the hourly rate of MB. Also great since I have a tune.

The dealership sells it as a package to make sure you are fully ripped off!

Thats crazy! If you find a good indi in NJ, let me know as I am looking for one. The SA's at the dealers should wear ski masks. Bunch of thieves.

The only real thing you may need is a oil change, brake fluid flush and transmission service. Everything else you can do yourself.

I am going to call a few dealerships and get qoutes. I just dont have anytime as I am just able to reply to this thread as I eat lunch at my desk!:smash:

Agreed. I just want the brake fluid drained and replace. oil change. transmission oil and filter replaced. A serpintine felt shouldn't go at 40K and I can look myself to see visual the condition of the belt. My brother's 04 S4 the engine is mashed right up against the front bumper, that they need to remove the whole bumper and pull the radiator forward to work replace it. The car runs strong with no issues at all. The only a problem I had with this car was during the first month of ownership I got a bunch of CELs which eventually led to a defective purge valve.

The dfference is just the temperature spec. Living in NJ where my car is stored in a enclosed garage it should be fine.

Mike,

Call Bergen Import in Cliffside Park. Ask for Harry, he works exclusively on
MB's. He has his own MB star diagnostic system.

He just installed my CF trunk, diffuser and aprons for me last week.


Mike

I was thinking of trying Bell Mercedes in Paramus. He is a former MB certified mechanic and I always see a bunch of newer MB on his lot when I pass by. How many miles are on your car where do you take it?

Sometimes they refuse to reset your Assyst + which is OK as you can just reset it yourself.

i just did mine.
426 for the b service.
454 for the xmxn fluid and filter.
137 for the brake system flush.
so mine was 1017 if i did my cypherin right.

i did the brakes at the same time. was able to get most of the parts outside and brought them in which saved some. but it was still 3800 total for the 40k and new brakes installed all the way around.

Ive been using Globe MB in Fairfield, but im through with them. I have 12k on it.:D

Every 2 Years:
Brake fluid flush/change

Every 3 years:
Engine coolant flush/change

Every 5 years:
Fuel filter replacement
Spark Plug replacement
Transmission service
Rear differential service

If you a hands on, you could do mostly all the work yourself, have the stealer do your trans service and your oil change and look for coupons

I would let the stealership, do the trans service only, you can do the rest yourself and save yourself some money in the process.

Bit the Bullet
 

Well, I eventually had my service completed by the dealer for 40k with some minor differences. The reason I went to the dealer was the convenience of a loaner ( a must since I am commuter to work, and preceding discounts). Here is my break down. I declined the preventive maintenance options (my car has no LSD also) and just went Al Carte with service options.

Main Services Needed:

Oil Change: $199.99 had Basic A service perform to do oil change and top off all fluids.

Blake Fluid Flush: $238.60

ATF Service: $467.85

Bottom line I used my $100.00 gift card along with finding a matching coupon for Brake Fluid Flush for $89.95 minus the dealers 5% OFF. At the time I went from a bill of $1004.00 to $751.53!

I think IMO I did just as good or better with and INDY shop!

$200 for an oil change? You could've done it yourself for $90-100

True, but $200 sounds about right for a dealership. Roughly $100 for the oil and filter, and $100 for an hours' worth of labor. If you do it yourself, the labor is "free."

My service advisor only charged me for the oil, filter, and ring...did not charge for labor, came out to $107...I then proceeded to throw the $100 coupon in his face. His jaw dropped, I smirked, and all was well in The Kingdom od AMG.

Took me about an hour to do my brake fluid replacement job (and of course the $50 cash outlay for the pressure pump). Most of that time was spent taking the wheels off and jacking up the car.

Oil change took me 15 minutes.. I was wearing a nice white t shirt, and did not even get my hands dirty (okay so I cleaned around the oil cap, filter area, and wore gloves)...

Honestly, these are things you can do in relatively short periods of time. I am however getting my transmission done at the dealer, and the cost my dealer quoted me for it was about $270.. so I still think you got ripped off on that..

This is directly from my electronic invoice

J# 2 27MBZSVC ATF FLUID AND FILTER TECH(S):738 217.80
CHANGE TRANS FLUID AND FILTER AS PER CUSTOMER'S REQUEST
DUE FOR TRANS FLUID/FILTER CHANGE.
COMPLETED TRANSMISSION FLUID AND FILTER CHANGE

PARTS------QTY---FP-NUMBER---------------DESCRIPTION---------LIST PRICE-UNIT PRICE-
JOB # 2 1 PK7229 TRANS SERVICE **** **** ****
JOB # 2 1 220-271-03-80 GASKET 20.25 20.25 20.25
JOB # 2 6 004-990-35-12 SCREW 2.40 2.40 14.40
JOB # 2 1 221-277-01-95 OIL FILTER 46.50 46.50 46.50
JOB # 2 1 007603-012102 RING,GENERAL 2.40 2.40 2.40
JOB # 2 6 001-989-68-03-13 GEAR OIL 27.75 27.75 166.50
JOB # 2 TOTAL PARTS 250.05

JOB # 2 TOTAL LABOR & PARTS 467.85

Since parts alone are $250.05 you might want to double check with your dealer to make sure they are doing what your asking them to do.
Labor hours can vary to do a job, but the parts are the same for each job.

Mike, glad everything worked out

looks like you paid what you wanted and got what you wanted.

+1 on the loaner, that's one of the only reasons I still go to the dealer for my services.

You guys made me curious, just looking at my local dealership's published service schedules and rates. It looks like they combine a few that hit at 40,000 miles (I didn't ask my SA, but I suspect that is the case).

It looks like a combo of a B service -- 395.00
A transmission service, which is right at 300.00
And changing the rear differential fluid -- 70.00
(They recommend it at 40,000 for the AMG cars LSD or not; at 60,000 for the non-AMG cars -- and we only pay 55.00).

Their schedule puts off the brake fluid flush, fuel filter and some of the other things until about 60,000.

Just interesting -- I would guess they are just trying to get what they can out of you. The loaner does make taking it in more attractive, that is why I take my little car in, I got to get to work.