lpolo

Hi All, I have 2004 E500. Warranty expired and I serviced my car. The local shop quoted me the following. Let me know if this price is reasonable.

Price includes parts + labor:

1. Change all spark plugs $461.00
2. Breaks (front) $405.00
3. Service D $621.00
4. Air filter $54.00
5. Break fluid flush $81.00

steveberde

As a comparison you might contact some local MB independent's - I"m sure the Bay Area has many high quality ones to choose from. My guess is they will be 20% less maybe more. I was a strong (and still am on some things) supporter of my local dealer, but decided to check out one of the independent's in my area that always has received great reviews (even from some that work at the MB store). I found on the transmission service at 39K (and the drive train service too) they were nearly half the price using the identiacal oil. It is a very simple job for those that are knowledgeable. The dealer was overcharging for the service.

It's worth double checking those items you need done at a local independent. None of that is very difficult for a competent tech.

Steve

SZMB

Nothing is cheap in the Bay Area, except food. The dealer always over charges doing anything. The spark plug job seems too expensive. It's a very easy DIY. You probably can find an indy shop that can do it for $200 (~$100 for parts & ~$100 in labor).

CLEK500

i believe i get a much lower cost. try Star Auto Service at 1555 S 10th st. San jose. go there and ask for Joe Nguyen. Tell him Duy sends you. I just got my e500 front brake done too, rotors and pads, $320.
Good luck bro.

CharlyE500

I did my 4 breaks for $500 labor and parts......
So for the front breaks shouldnt be more than $300

maffie

No way the spark plugs should cost that much...

vettdvr

I did all this on my E500

Plugs ................... $75.00
Brake pads FR........ $85.00
Air filter................ $30.00... Don't remember exact cost
Brake fluid flush.........$30.00 My estimate, mine was done with SBC replacement

So total cost of DIY.. $210 vs. $1568. So labor in your estimate is $1358 at $100/hr about 13 1/2 hrs.

After doing the plugs myself, (there are 16 in the E500) I think $461 is about right.

Brakes at $405 is probably also in line.

Air filter is not excessive I paid for my 1st one $75 at the dealer

Service D is mostly inspections and look at for issues. Sounds high.

So if you are having to pay for the service that is about par with what it cost. You also see why I do it myself in many cases.

Best of luck with your decision. I don't think your prices are really too high exclusive of the Service D charge.


My opinion only of course.

Dema

Where did you find the shop? I am in SFBA too. My dealer sharges twice for all these services, so I wish to use your shop.

topspin4hand

FWIW, my indie MB mechanic in PA is charging me in that neighborhood for an 04 E320. Also around $550-600 to replace both batteries

My Service D was at least $100 less than the price you were quoted though ...

vettdvr

My cost to replace both batteries is $250. Both AGM batteries the aux and main.

n0n0tme

There is a shop called Independent Mercedes in Walnut Creek. They have reasonable prices and have been in business for a while. May be a little cheaper.