jeffrey2

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

MJ50

service at indy shop won't void the warranty...
100 seems too low for service C...
if u r in OC, go to hyevon motors

CLEK500

usually service C would cost about 150 to 200. you should ask the shop owner what he is gonna perform on your car

jeffrey2

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!

AMGfan

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...

TPAbnz

Exactly correct . . and enjoy up to 50% savings.

jeffrey2

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.

lkchris

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.

vettdvr

I agree. The oil will be around $60 + filter around $25 = $85 parts no labor.

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.

Boulder GT3

Your Mercedes can only be understood by genius level wizards rhetoric is ridiculous. Many of the line mechanics at dealerships are box swappers. Yes, there are many good techs at MB dealers but an increasing number have never had an engine or transmission apart. They are trained in a world of fault codes and lack the practical experience of some of the old timers that might be independent. I've been less than dazzled by Benz factory service on many occasions.

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.

vettdvr

Wow for a minute there I was beginning to think I was a genius level wizard 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.

Long Islander

Does this mean that the service shows up as having been done on the computer that dealers use?

vettdvr

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.

dannieboiz

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?

vettdvr

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.

dannieboiz

according to the mechanic, spark plugs will also be changed along with all the filters in the car.

konigstiger

FSS_04maint sheet - “A” service (A, B, A...) + additional work calculated by time/mileage elapsed:
https://mbworld.org/forums/3294991-post83.html