It's time for Service A on my 01 CLK. I received a notice in the mail from Germantown, MD Euro Motors advertising $495.95 for Svc A which includes detailing the car, which I'm not interested in. I take my other automobile to a Certified Auto Mechanic who tells me he also works on Mercedes. He is the proud owner of an AMG 55. He says he will do Service A for much less. I keep my service log current and the dealership documents the work I have done in the log. My question is: By having someone other than Mercedes do the work will the service record still be recognized for say a mercedes trade in or selling the vehicle out right? Is there anything else I need to be aware of when taking the CLK elsewhere?

I don't think it should be an issue. Lots of people service their cars at independent shops. You won't be able to advertise "all work done at dealership," but I'm not sure how important that is to a buyer. I know I wouldn't care...as long as the work was done somewhere.

Ms CLK, I think it is a great idea to seek asistance from the certified mechanic--especially since you say that you already take your other vehicle there...I also received that quote from Euro in G-town...I go to Mitch Carr's in the Kensington/Rockville area--much cheaper and they are recommended by many "experienced" membors on this forum...good luck

CLK430girl & Ms CLK,

can i ask roughly how much the independents are charging for A & B services? are most services like 10-20% lower than local dealers?

thx in advance.

As long as the maintenance work is done (and on time), where the car is serviced, assuming they are a quality shop, is not important IMO.

Complete and detailed service records by a qualified tech are much more important to me than splotchy records for a dealer maintained car.

Thanks for your response, I appreciate it.

Magma Silk, I do not have an exact quote as yet for Svc A, but will let you know when I do. Ms CLK

Thanks for the info CLK430girl. I'll be going to Certified Auto Repair in Rockville. Greg is the mech. Nice guy, very honest and my experience with his repairs have been excellent. His shop was rated high by Check Book Magazine.