Service C by Independent...void warranty?
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Ellicott City, MD
I Drive whichever has gas
Service C by Independent...void warranty?
I am sure this has been discussed before, so don't blast me, but I couldn't find anything on this using the search button:
- Service C due on my car (21k miles)
- Cost at a dealership runs appx. 500-700 depending on the car's needs (let's assume 700+ as my luck runs high usually)
- Cost for Svc C at an Indi in South OC - $100
- Asked the Indi if it would void my warranty, he said in no way would it do that, that by law, I could use whomever I wanted to for services.
- Then he also told me he was in line to be a certified indi svc center...
Was he telling me the truth? He was a very nice and knowledgeable man, but as I've been told "trust with verification" - so I'm asking for verification.
This is my first MBZ since the 300SL Devil buyback of 1995 (dealership queen...thank goodness for a warranty), so I want to maintain the warranty; but there is a 400-600 cost difference...this is enough to blip on my radar!
It's not that I'm cheap, well...yes I am cheap...but 600 can buy alot of racing parts, or other stuff.
Thanks everyone in advance!
Jeffrey2
- Service C due on my car (21k miles)
- Cost at a dealership runs appx. 500-700 depending on the car's needs (let's assume 700+ as my luck runs high usually)
- Cost for Svc C at an Indi in South OC - $100
- Asked the Indi if it would void my warranty, he said in no way would it do that, that by law, I could use whomever I wanted to for services.
- Then he also told me he was in line to be a certified indi svc center...
Was he telling me the truth? He was a very nice and knowledgeable man, but as I've been told "trust with verification" - so I'm asking for verification.
This is my first MBZ since the 300SL Devil buyback of 1995 (dealership queen...thank goodness for a warranty), so I want to maintain the warranty; but there is a 400-600 cost difference...this is enough to blip on my radar!
It's not that I'm cheap, well...yes I am cheap...but 600 can buy alot of racing parts, or other stuff.
Thanks everyone in advance!
Jeffrey2
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 112
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From: Ellicott City, MD
I Drive whichever has gas
It actually cost me $300.00 in Orange County from a Dealership. I got gunshy with the pricing difference the indie had to offer and thought i'd better play it safe. Nothing beyond an oil change from what I can tell though...Geez I'm in the wrong biz if someone can charge me $300 for an oil change!
Last edited by jeffrey2; May 13, 2009 at 11:41 AM.
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06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
No voidage just make sure the indie notates in your MB service book that is with your manual and staple (or keep file) reciepts to book...
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Ellicott City, MD
I Drive whichever has gas
Well, live & learn, the next service that comes up, I'll be at an Indie's front door. I was happy with the tag of $300 after reading horror stories of 700+; and the 300 even included the paintless dent removal of a door ding from the Queen Mary in my garage.
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Service by an Independent won't void your warranty but be sure your "independent" has Mercedes factory training, the Mercedes STAR system, and a subscription to WIS. If not, you might as well go to Jiffy Lube or Pep Boys.
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Then there are the inspection checkychecks. The look see will cost $$.
However service at an independant won't void your warranty IF:
1) USE OE MB PARTS
2) USE OE APPROVED LUBRICANTS, BRAKE FLUID AND COOLANTS
3) MB Manuals and Procedures are used for the repairs
4) PROOF OF SERVICE RECORDS
If you try to get by on the cheap
using the wrong oil/filters etc that will void the warranty. Be sure to reset the FSS to reflect the service.
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If a good independent (which by definition would include the right equipment) is around they are certainly not over their head doing a C service.
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because I do my own MB work in my own shop.
But then I do use the MB service manual, MB parts and lubricants and have never had an issue with warranty. I also use the MB owners website to track the maintenance for records.
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03 E500 and Corvette
It is on the official MBUSA website but I dont' think the dealers use it. However It does record and keep the information. I suppose you could print it or log on to laptop if necessary to show a doubter.
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something doesn't sound right. My indi shop quoted me last week $485 for service C.... he said it's a major service.
Anyone in the bay area knows of a cheaper place for this?
Anyone in the bay area knows of a cheaper place for this?
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
QUOTE=dannieboiz;3558452]something doesn't sound right. My indi shop quoted me last week $485 for service C.... he said it's a major service.
Anyone in the bay area knows of a cheaper place for this?[/QUOTE]
Why not just check the fss and see what service is actually required.
My guess
Inspect paint
Check running gear for leaks
Lube the sunroof
change oil
inspect tires
inspect brake.
Now doesn't that should like major work.
UMMMM sounds like a lot of expensive checky checks you can do yourself.
Anyone in the bay area knows of a cheaper place for this?[/QUOTE]
Why not just check the fss and see what service is actually required.
My guess
Inspect paint
Check running gear for leaks
Lube the sunroof
change oil
inspect tires
inspect brake.
Now doesn't that should like major work.
UMMMM sounds like a lot of expensive checky checks you can do yourself.
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