derek_cdi

Just so that everyone knows, (I didnt) the cost of the B service at 37K was a little more than double what I paid for my last B service (~$400). Needless to say this wasnt explained to me when I dropped the car off that day, so I was shocked when they told me it would be $847.

Also, I filled up my windshield washer fluid to the top before I dropped it off that morning, and they STILL tried to charge me $6.00 to "refill"

Make sure you read your service details folks!

Vik888

What else did they do exactly to rack up a $847 bill?

fmanfrank

daggggg

mspaul

$847???

I have to go for a B+ service at 60k, and I will have to be prepared for it.

But, Why the hell are they charging $847

That makes me ask a question.

How can a person be prepared for the cost of servicing before going to the dealer??

JRAMGV8

Thanks for the info... since I have the car lease for 33months I will only have to do its A service... but $800!!! wow...

bigmel

You are probably going to pay even more for B+ service @ 60K bc at 60k its not just a oil change. all filters (air and fuel), coolant, (4matic...gearboxs, trasfer case), transmission oil, etc... also you may need brakes too.

Can Drive 55

One SA told me that the fuel filter alone in the 60K service is about $800. It usually totals $1,200. Now we know why they don't include service any more.

GDawgC220

Honestly, if you feel like tackling services on your own, you would save hundreds. Its not very hard to change out your own air filters, cabin filters, oil filters and oil change. Most of the services are "check this, check that" and they'll bill you for what the book says for hours @ $115+ (depending on dealership and area).

$800, are they crazy?! You could probably do it for half that (if it really is $800) at a MB independent shop with just as qualified techs, if not better.

Untertürkheim

I don't really see how $847 is too much for a major service. Since you only have 37k miles, everything before this should have been minor and relatively inexpensive. Considering how infrequently the new MBs have to go in for service, the higher cost per service should be expected. After 100k miles you will probably find the ownership cost of the CDI to be on par with most lesser cars. Also, try to keep in mind how expensive the OEM parts are, even just filters and fluids.

GDawgC220

MB differentiates the services by minor and major. They charge $200 for a "minor" service and upwards of $400 for a "major" service. A minor service is really nothing more than an oil change and topping fluids...$200 for an oil change?! That is kind of ridiculous in my book when it can be done for half the price, even with a OEM filter and synthetic oil. I can do an oil change for my parent's ML430 and S500, $60 each with filter, oil and 20 minutes of my time.

Their "major" service is a glorified oil change, they check this and check that and bill you for the hours listed in the book, usually not by how much time they actually spent on it. $400 for an oil change plus to look at the filters, change if necessary, etc? Even more absurd. If they did more than that during major services, then maybe it'd be worth it but really it is just over charging for simple services.

At what point do you draw the line and say enough is enough with the over charging of services. Just because it is a Mercedes doesn't mean you should pay through the nose on services that should cost much less than what is being charged.

My $0.02

GDawgC220

Bend over and be prepared

knbcpab

My 07' E350 has 15,000 Miles... Going to take to Easy Lube for Oil Change only... other service stuff is just checks at Mercedes.
Cost Question: Easy Lube w/ Coupon 58.99 for up to 5 quarts 0/40w synthetic... additional 7.50 per quart...e350 holds 7 quarts im told?. Plus additional 8.00 for Filter Cartridge?... about 90 bucks total. good deal?.

GDawgC220

Honestly, I would not take it to one of those quik lube places (Jiffy Lube, Valvoline, etc). Their workers are generally not that technical. I've seen stripped oil pan bolts, missing belly pan cover screws, over filling oil, not even changing the oil, etc.

It is really easy to do it yourself with an extractor. You'll make the money back in one change, extractors are about $50-$60. Do it in your own driveway, take about 20 minutes without having to put a knee to the ground. Since the oil filter is right on top of the engine, no need to stick yer hands into the engine bay anywhere and you get the satisfaction of doing it right. You can do your own change for about $60 with filter and oil.

knbcpab

Where do I buy... what kind?. Do I need an oil filter wrench...details please..
also easy lube you can stand and watch what they do - unlike regular oil in the tanks - with mobil synthetic they use - they have to pour right from the containter in front of you... no stipped bolts if they are extracting..

vettdvr

1) My guess is you had a B+ service when you went in and the + indicates your brakes needed repair.

2) My dealer charges about $450 to do a 2 wheel brake job w/o rotor replacement to clear the +

3) You can do an oil change at jiffy lube but most probably will void you warranty if you don't use a Mercedes Oil filter for extended life.

4) If you have oil changed at jiffy lube the oil must meet MB 229.51 specs or it will void the warranty

5) If you do a search on this site you will find specific info on how to do a brake job and change oil/filters.

6) I just did my B+ service at home and the cost

8 qts of 229.51 oil $48.00
Merecedes filter $40.00
Mercedes brake pads $75.00

Total You do the math,, Is it less than $825?

After doing the service at home I reset the FSS using the procedure in the owners manual.

Hope this helps. Jim

bigmel

lmao very funny

However I think $200--$300 is not bad for service that only once a yr. Why buy a Benz if u want to go cheap on maintance.

I was at the dealer a few mpnths ago for service and i saw a older guy bring in a old Benz in for service in think it was later 1970s or early 1980s model.

barrafp

Just dropped off my 2006 E350 at MB Escondido for it's first service (SERVICE C 13250 miles). I went into the FSS and it showed Service 3, 9, 13, and 14, but when I was given the invoice, it only showed 13 and 14. On top of that, the estimate invoice showed Valvoline Synthetic oil and not the Mobil I expected. Will my car be okay with what they say on the invoice or is that just some generic name they type on there but they will use the better stuff? I was estimated $255 for Service C. What do you guys think.

GDawgC220

I'm not saying cheap out on maintenance, not at all. I believe in maintaining cars properly. However, that does not mean shelling out money when it can be saved doing it yourself or going to an independent mechanic who specializes in European cars. Why pay $800 for a service when you can do it for $200 or a indy mechanic for $300 when the services performed are the same. Driving a Benz or a Kia, doesn't make a difference. Maintenance is maintenance. Driving Benz doesn't mean you should throw money out the window when it is not necessary.

GDawgC220

As long as they used stuff that meets MB specs, I wouldn't worry about it.

GDawgC220

You can get a Mity Vac extractor pump (I think that's how its spelled). Do a quick search as quite a few people on the boards use extractors.

The oil filter wrench is available at Autozone, not sure of the cap size. Or you can use a RoboGrip wrench and open it, not very hard to do.

I understand that you can watch them but I wouldn't feel safe leaving them to do the job.

Tom F.

I agree.

As a point of reference, the major service for a Volkswagen Jetta is over $600.

The major service on a Porsche turbo is over $1,500. The oil change alone is $400 (two oil filters, 11 quarts of oil and three hours of labor to remove underbody panels for access).

ohlord

hey,over here on the 210 forum ,look at the diy over on benzworld.org w210 forum,same procedure on the 211,hope this helps someone save the stealership screwing.

"GOT CODES?"
you can do it yourself,record it in your manual,dealer has to accept it if any warranty issues.

GDawgC220

The 60k major service for my A4 costs $650. I performed it myself for a little over $100.

My point is that the dealerships do tend to overcharge for these things when a qualified independent mechanic who specializes in Euro cars can do it for much less and the same quality job if not better. Maybe some people like paying $115/hour when it can be done for $70/hour

KA8

I try to do what I can to maintain my cars also... this is the best thing you can do to your car if you know what you're doing of course. Better than a stranger working on your car.

mspaul

did you say $1200 for the full B service at 60k?

And I would assume if its B+ then the charge should be $1200 + Brake charges.