mb dealer vs other auto shops
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: indiana
98 e320 , 99 lexus rx300
mb dealer vs other auto shops
Hey, I have heard so many different opinions on the subject of should you always have the car serviced at the MB dealer. I need my brakes done and a couple of other minor things and wanted to know if I take it to another place besides the MB dealer, will I have problems with the computer, parts, etc. I don't want to go to another service shop and save $100 to have problems in the future. I am leary of going to any place outside of the MB dealer due to a bad experience of getting my oil changed at a non MB dealer. I also don't want to get ripped by the MB dealers costs. Please give me an honest opinion. Thanks alot!
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 112
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From: DC/VA/MD
C230 Kompressor Sport
I have the same concern. I just bought my first MB. There are a couple MB specialists nearby that seem well regarded. I've heard mixed reviews about my local dealer's service shop. However, I believe that all dealer completed service is under warranty. For example, if I got a water pump replaced in my town then drove to another town on business and it failed, you could get it fixed free at the dealer--as all the MB dealers recognize each other's service warranties. Whereas you wouldn't get that national network from an independant place. Paying a premium for that could be worth it if you travel out of town a lot.
However, I'm still interested in hearing others' experience.
-DL
However, I'm still interested in hearing others' experience.
-DL
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: indiana
98 e320 , 99 lexus rx300
brakes
I am located right on the the Illinois/Indiana border (20 minutes from downtown Chicago). I recently took my car to the local dealer for the brakes and received an estimate for $685 for front brake pads and rotors and a brake flush. I called 3 foreign car specialists and got prices anywhere from $285 to $480 for the exact same work. Every time I take my car to the dealer for service they tell me that I should get this or that done and give me an estimate for $2000. Last time they told me that I had a small leak in my differential ($785 at the dealer). I took my car to 3 other places and they said that there was nothing wrong with my car!! I know that I own a benz and should expect to pay higher service prices but I also don't want to be ripped off. My car currently has 81,000 miles on it with no warranty so I want to keep the car running well but at the same time not get ripped off. Thanks for replying
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John Deere
If you are out of warranty, do the routine service at your local independant. Any decent shop can handle a brake job, although you should have them order MB parts.
Ask the shop if they are capable of resetting the sensors and such. If so, go for it.
Ask the shop if they are capable of resetting the sensors and such. If so, go for it.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 13
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1995 E320
I think it depends on the mechanics that the dealer has working for them. During my last service I asked them to align the front doors. The dealer's service manager told me that it was not possible to align a door. Arguing that the mechanic that used to work on my car always aligned the doors didn't do me any good.
In the MB manual it's procedure RA 72.7-050. Btw, does anyone know where the tools for this and other specialty jobs can be found?
In the MB manual it's procedure RA 72.7-050. Btw, does anyone know where the tools for this and other specialty jobs can be found?
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Find yourself a good indi to do the work. They are many out there which I would let do the work over a dealer anyday. I took my car to the local dealer here last week for a simple oil change. I haven't been there other than to buy parts in years because I knew they were terrible. Anyhow thought I would try them again. Asked them to check on a vibration and do a simple oil / filter change. It took two hours (was told 45min. max) They felt the vibration but had no idea what it is. I checked the oil yesterday before leaving on a small trip and found that the oil was over by a quart. I took it back and asked them to pull the overage out. They put 8.4 quarts in and the book calls for 7.4. When asked why (it was listed on my receipt that they put 8.4 in, no accident) he answered " we put that in all of them". I replied not this one....my manual calls for 7.4 not 8.4...that's how seals get blown. Anyhow you get the picture.....find yourself a good indie, I've found that if you get the right one they are more passionate about what they do. The dealers are in it for the money only. My 2 cents 
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
As a rule dealer mechanics are better trained and work only on MB's. They also have all sorts of info available to do the job right. Parts are also in stock and available as is the correct test equipment. Its the old story, you get what you pay for. I believe that in the long haul the dealer is the most economical also.
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Member
Joined: Oct 2004
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1997 E320 (silver/black)
Try a Balanced Approach
Find a good independent who is experienced with M-B cars of your type. Use them for jobs like brakes, motor mounts, cooling system flush and refill, etc. But make sure they use M-B parts and materials and pay attention to where they buy them. If the independent buys them from the M-B dealer down the street, you'll probably pay more. Have him use somebody like phil@mercedesshop.com (who is a fantastic parts guy) or maybe the indie will let you furnish parts. Probably he'll want to do a markup on the parts and that's okay, but just start with a low initial cost. On something hairy like a transmission diagnostic or electronics debug, I'd say go to the dealer.
True story: last summer, the AC evaporator on my 1997 E320 sprang a leak.
Dealer said $3900 to repair. My indie did the job perfectly for $2400 total. He charged me $550 for the evaporator which he got from Phil for like $450 and for which my local dealer wanted to charge him $690. I got a first class job, saved a bunch of money and my indie now has a source of M-B parts which make his total bill less to his customer but allow him to make a reasonable profit.
True story: last summer, the AC evaporator on my 1997 E320 sprang a leak.
Dealer said $3900 to repair. My indie did the job perfectly for $2400 total. He charged me $550 for the evaporator which he got from Phil for like $450 and for which my local dealer wanted to charge him $690. I got a first class job, saved a bunch of money and my indie now has a source of M-B parts which make his total bill less to his customer but allow him to make a reasonable profit.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Wausau, Wis.
'04 CL500 '08 ML320CDI
If anyone is near Milwaukee, there's a fabulous resourse there: Black Forest; he works on nothing but Benzes from '60 onward, and he does great work at 1/2 - 2/3s what a dealer would charge. I'm 190 miles north of there, but it's worth my while to make the trip.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'84 911 Carrera & '01 E320
FWIW, I take my Porsche to a local independant instead of the local dealer for service. He is factory trained, does better work for less money and he CARES about me & my car.
When I need service for the e320 that is not covered under warranty, I will take it to a recommended independant as well, for hopefully the same reasons.
By all means, check out your options and be sure to take it to a shop that specializes in MBZ vehicles rather than a shop that can service MBZ vehicles.
Get estimates AND referrals first.
When I need service for the e320 that is not covered under warranty, I will take it to a recommended independant as well, for hopefully the same reasons.
By all means, check out your options and be sure to take it to a shop that specializes in MBZ vehicles rather than a shop that can service MBZ vehicles.
Get estimates AND referrals first.
