labguy

So I am trying out a new Indy mechanic. He is not a Euro Specialist much less a MB specialist. But he says he has done maintenance on MBs before. I bought all the oil, brake fluid, and filters that he will need.

My question is, what is an acceptable price to expect to pay for this Labor Only Schedule B service?

Rudeney

The basic B service is just an oil change plus some extra inspections and fluid checks. Personally, I prefer not to get hung-up on the A vs. B service. Do the work prescribed in the Maintenance Manual based on time and mileage.

labguy

Actually I am just asking what would one expect to pay for labor only for a schedule B?
To include:
Routine inspection/checks
oil
oil filter
engine air filter
cabin filter
and brake fluid flush.

Thanks

Louie D

$325.00 US at my dealer.

Rudeney

My dealer charges over $300 for an A service. They charge almost $500 for a B, and anything other than the additional inspections is extra - that means extra charges for tire rotation and balance, air filters, brake fluid, wiper blades, etc. A "full" B service where it's time for spark plugs, air filters, brake fluid and tire balancing will cost about $1000.

labguy

Thanks guys. But these prices seem very high for Labor only - even from a MB dealership.

Rudeney

An A service is basically just an oil change. But at retail prices, the oil itself is around $90 and the filter is $20. Most dealers' labor rates are around $120/hr. The oil change and A-service inspections take around 2 hours, so there's you ~$300.

longslim

Wow $325 in San Diego, that seem high for "A" service even at the dealer. Local shop here in the IE quoted me $145/$225 for A&B services. They do mostly European cars and have a good reputation. I have awhile before my first service. Now that I've found out you don't have to go to a dealership for service, I plan on going there.

labguy

Well in the end, I paid $170 - labor only and that's without the brake fluid flush. He tested it and said my fluid was at 1% and it didn't need changing until it read 2%. With the fluid flush it would have been $250 - again, labor only.

CLK350_ATX

Wow.. glad that I see this post, called Austin, TX dealer the other day, and quote me $650 ish for "A", and $850 ish for "B"... I was like.... HELL NO. , But then I check other indie shop, still quote me like $450 for "A"...

Looks like I'll need to check either Dallas or Houston's price...

Rudeney

$50 for an A service is still highway robbery! That is just an oil change and a few visual inspections. IMHO, those inspections should be free as most shops offer such "free" safety checks as a way to drum up business.