CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Mercedes Dealership Rip-off?

Old Nov 25, 2008 | 03:18 PM
  #1  
jasonowens32's Avatar
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Clk 320
Mercedes Dealership Rip-off?

Are these prices reasonable? Everything includes install. My car is at the MB Dealership right now. The first thing I need is the motor mounts done. Should I let them do it?

Motor Mounts installed $830.00

Valve Cover gaskets $600.00
Intake hoses $160.00

Spark Plugs & Wires $1160.00
12 Wires @ $39.00 $468.00
12 Plugs @ $15.00 $180.00
$512.00 in labor
$648.00 in parts

Trans Flush $360.00
Fuel Filter $330.00
Air filter $70.00

Total $3,510.00

Last edited by jasonowens32; Nov 25, 2008 at 03:20 PM.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 03:28 PM
  #2  
clkwork's Avatar
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CLK63 Black Series
wow.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 03:52 PM
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From: Baltimore, Md
2016 C450 AMG
I needed almost the exact same list of work done on my car. Mu local MB dealer here in Maryland quoted me the following (parts and labor)

Replace left engine Mount = $567.95
Replace Spark plugs (only plugs) = $601.16
Replace Front wheel bearings = $725.20
Reseal Rear Diff = $741.50
Transmission Service (with gasket/ connector) = $532.78

Doesnt sound like your dealer is any worse than mine.... which is why most of us try to stay clear of them at all costs....
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 05:18 PM
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From: Florida
Clk 320
Originally Posted by chem1441
I needed almost the exact same list of work done on my car. Mu local MB dealer here in Maryland quoted me the following (parts and labor)

Replace left engine Mount = $567.95
Replace Spark plugs (only plugs) = $601.16
Replace Front wheel bearings = $725.20
Reseal Rear Diff = $741.50
Transmission Service (with gasket/ connector) = $532.78

Doesnt sound like your dealer is any worse than mine.... which is why most of us try to stay clear of them at all costs....
I went ahead and told them to install the motor mounts (3). I'm still waiting on feedback on the rest. Thanks for your imput.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 06:11 PM
  #5  
sfclk's Avatar
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1999 CLK320
air filter...$70...no.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 10:05 PM
  #6  
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From: New York
2010 C300 4MATIC
HELLZ NO!!! WAY TO MUCH $$$ THE STEALERSHIP IS TAKING YOU FOR A RIDE
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 11:22 PM
  #7  
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From: New York City
2000 CLK 430
Originally Posted by jasonowens32
Are these prices reasonable? Everything includes install. My car is at the MB Dealership right now. The first thing I need is the motor mounts done. Should I let them do it?

Motor Mounts installed $830.00

Valve Cover gaskets $600.00
Intake hoses $160.00

Spark Plugs & Wires $1160.00
12 Wires @ $39.00 $468.00
12 Plugs @ $15.00 $180.00
$512.00 in labor
$648.00 in parts

Trans Flush $360.00
Fuel Filter $330.00
Air filter $70.00

Total $3,510.00
I changed spark plugs in less than a day (very leisurely pace)
paid 100+change for all 16 plugs (NGK iridium plugs)
Air filter is a 15 minute job! and the filter costs way less than 70 bucks if you go with stock oem type filters from autozone, pep boys etc.
Fuel Filter - We have how to's on that and the to reach the fuel filter just remove two screws on a plastic panel and your basically half way there.

I would have a trans flush done by a recommended indie shop. spark plug wires are a cinch as well. Please tell me your in the NYC area and pay me to do this for you haha

all the best
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 11:36 PM
  #8  
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From: Virginia
2002 CLK55 AMG cabriolet
Spark Plugs & Wires $1160.00 - very high. spend a day in the garage and do it yourself for $100.
Trans Flush of $360.00 - very high. I paid $210 at MB dealership
Fuel Filter $330.00 - high. Part costs $30 and 2 hours worth of labor
Air filter $70.00 - high. $20 worth of parts and 20 min worth of labor.

Nobody is saying you shouldn't get the maintainence, your just getting scammed on price.

Last edited by clk430convert01; Nov 25, 2008 at 11:39 PM.
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Old Nov 26, 2008 | 12:09 AM
  #9  
charliev68's Avatar
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2000 CLK430
are times this hard where dealerships rip off their customers this bad?
the parts that you listed would cost about 800 max off an online source. the rest is pure labor profit.
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Old Nov 26, 2008 | 01:45 AM
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Why are are they recommending plug wires? Are the originals bad? If not, I'd leave the originals in place.

Are both valve cover gaskets leaking? If not, why are they doing both?

Motor mounts on a 320 are $105 each, so they're charging $600 for labor. What's the book time on motor mounts?

List on a dealer fuel filter is $125. They're charging over $200 for the install. I doubt it books for over an hour, so I wonder why they're marking up the labor.

That's the right price on a "flush". It's a little high for a 4 quart transmission fluid change. You may want to confirm which service they're doing.

Basically, they're charging you at or above rate for each "individual" service. These services should be bundled and at a discount. I have serious doubts that all the work is necessary. Then again, I've never seen the car. I'd tell them "no" and ask how much for the work with an MBCA discount. If they pretend not to give Mercedes-Benz Club of America discounts, just tell them "no". They'll call back with a lower price. If they do, you can join MBCA and enjoy an enormous discount. If they don't, you can join MBCA, get on their website, and find a recommended Indy for your area. You may want to at least get pricing from the recommended Indy in your area. That $45 MBCA annual fee make knock $1K off your bill.
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Old Nov 26, 2008 | 09:23 AM
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From: Florida
Clk 320
Wow.... sounds like I'm getting ripped off a little.... thanks for everyone's opinion/facts. I will be picking my car up today. I want to wait and respond to your question's Marcus until I see my paper work and actually talk to them in person. I need to join that membership. I think I will do that today. Thanks again.
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Old Nov 26, 2008 | 02:17 PM
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Run, don't walk from that dealer. Find a good indie, easily will be half that price.
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