Jun 24, 2015, 02:37 PM
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Important information to help you understand your Mercedes-Benz
Maintenance Costs
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
If you lease your car, the owner of the car (Mercedes Finance) can require you to have the car serviced at a Mercedes dealer..which they apparently do.
If you own the car, then a manufacurer can not require you to use a specific service facility....they can require that you follow the maintenance they require to maintain your warranty....but you can have the car serviced whereever you want, or do it yourself. If you have a problem that should be covered under warranty, you need to be able to show that you followed the required service related to whatever failed. Certainly you would want to have receipts that show you changed fluids and what was used. It's a little more problematic with the maintenance items that say "inspect".
OK...so those are the "rules". In actual fact, you often get better service for less money using an independent service place. I would avoid the $19.95 oil and lube shops...or a general independent service facility. I'd find a Mercedes service specialist who has the right tools and knowledge, if I were having a purchased car serviced.
If you own the car, then a manufacurer can not require you to use a specific service facility....they can require that you follow the maintenance they require to maintain your warranty....but you can have the car serviced whereever you want, or do it yourself. If you have a problem that should be covered under warranty, you need to be able to show that you followed the required service related to whatever failed. Certainly you would want to have receipts that show you changed fluids and what was used. It's a little more problematic with the maintenance items that say "inspect".
OK...so those are the "rules". In actual fact, you often get better service for less money using an independent service place. I would avoid the $19.95 oil and lube shops...or a general independent service facility. I'd find a Mercedes service specialist who has the right tools and knowledge, if I were having a purchased car serviced.
You have the right to have the car serviced where you like. The only requirement is that you follow the maintenance schedule and use the appropriate parts and fluids that meet MB specs. If you do your own maintenance, then keep a journal and attach all receipts for parts and fluids. If the receipt merely says "x# of quarts of oil" then you'll want to keep a label from the bottle or photograph the bottles to be able to fend off any "you didn't use proper parts or fluids" issues.
I keep a journal in my car in a ziploc bag. I annotate any services and toss receipts into the bag. I also use the journal to record gas station stops to monitor gas mileage but that is obviously separate from warranty or maintenance.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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2010 E350, 2010 GMC 2500HD
Thanks CEB, and I stand corrected, never heard that saying before. As far as the rotors which are my main concern since I just completed my Service A at 30K, has anyone else with a 2010 that has a similar level of miles observed any grooving on the front rotors. The rears look just fine. They are still within specs from the inspection and they’re not making any noise and the brake lights are not on. From what everyone else is saying I'm going to start looking for a decent independent shop that can provide my service from now on. I tried to cite the lack of rotation as a reason for warranty replacement of the worn down rear tires but since I move around so often I've done each of my 10K services at different dealers and the last dealer wouldn’t take responsibility for another dealer's work. How important is it to do the recommend services?
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Thanks CEB, and I stand corrected, never heard that saying before. As far as the rotors which are my main concern since I just completed my Service A at 30K, has anyone else with a 2010 that has a similar level of miles observed any grooving on the front rotors. The rears look just fine. They are still within specs from the inspection and they’re not making any noise and the brake lights are not on. From what everyone else is saying I'm going to start looking for a decent independent shop that can provide my service from now on. I tried to cite the lack of rotation as a reason for warranty replacement of the worn down rear tires but since I move around so often I've done each of my 10K services at different dealers and the last dealer wouldn’t take responsibility for another dealer's work. How important is it to do the recommend services?
Grooving on a rotor is quite normal and as long as everything is withinspec there is no problem. Small stones or other road debris often get lodged in brakes and score a rotor.
You may just need to chalk the worn tires up to experience but keep an eye on your new tires. If the old ones wore unevenly then you may have an alignment issue (not covered under warranty but generally required once a year or so depending on your roads and driving style.)
Edit: If you are referring to dealer "recommended services" then you should skip them entirely, but depending on what the dealer recommends, you may actually want to skip the dealer.
Many dealers will recommend "wallet lightening services" whose sole purpose is to transfer money from your wallet into theirs. These start with a variety of paint and interior protection packages that cost $25 to apply and sell for several hundred, to the gas and oil additives that are not only overpriced but may actually harm your engine.
If a service is required in your owner's manual, then it needs to be done. If it isn't in there then it isn't required and most likely unnecessary. Most service advisors are paid extra for every extra bit of crap they sell you.
Come back here an ask when in doubt about a specific "recommended" service.
Last edited by CEB; Oct 11, 2011 at 03:44 PM. Reason: Added edit.
Member
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From: Wilmington NC
2004 CL500
I'm glad that you finally started posting in English.
Just as an aside, I volunteered for a holiday assignment last year and spent from October to Feb there so that some other guy could spend their holidays with their kids. Others may call your service an incredible sacrifice but I find it offensive that you do - as would everyone else who has been there, done that. Oh, and yeah, I got shot at too.
Just as an aside, I volunteered for a holiday assignment last year and spent from October to Feb there so that some other guy could spend their holidays with their kids. Others may call your service an incredible sacrifice but I find it offensive that you do - as would everyone else who has been there, done that. Oh, and yeah, I got shot at too.
REALLY? Wow
MBWorld Fanatic!
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
...I just completed my Service A at 30K...I tried to cite the lack of rotation as a reason for warranty replacement of the worn down rear tires but since I move around so often I've done each of my 10K services at different dealers and the last dealer wouldn’t take responsibility for another dealer's work...
You may want to go back to those dealers and say "wazzup with dat?" as they seem to have charged you for a service not completed.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
MB also has a maintenance contract but that appears to be overpriced at $699 (first two services) $805 (three) $1839 (four) or $2035 (Five) or the same number of years. OK I guess for someone who racks up the miles and wants to know exactly what they'll pay for maintenance. I guess it is negotiable like any other option but there are no refunds if not used as it is considered an "option" like an upgraded audio or parktronic.
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2011 E550 Sport (traded), 2012 SLK 350; 2013 GL450 on order for OCT delivery
Wow, I wrote on a blog, which as far as I know is a very informal version of communication. Yet I was inappropriately judged for my desire to maintain that level of informal communication? I think all of you "older" individuals might what to learn some respect for others. Furthermore, if you think there’s a problem with the "youth" you might want to look to yourselves for the answer to that problem because we are only a product of our upbringing and the level of respect that adults, much like all of you, show to others. Moreover, I may be younger than most of you but I own the things I do by making incredible sacrifices for my country with multiple combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan... what do yall do? So if all of you "older" individuals that spend their time on a virtual boards, trolling around for posts to mock others are done with your childish comments, I would like to get back to the topic at hand. I’ve done my maintenance on all of my previous vehicles but they were all American. Are there any significant differences? My SA told me that the rotors can’t be turned and must be replaced once it’s time to service the brakes. I haven’t been told its time yet but the rotors are developing groves that concern me. Lastly, should I have any apprehensions when using other shops or myself vs authorized dealers when it comes to the warranty?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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2010 E350, 2010 GMC 2500HD
Thanks scfishnman, I and everyone serving appreciate the support individuals like you constantly provide us. CEB the owner’s manual has a large list of recommended maintenance that includes things like the flush and fill of the brake fluid and the radiator fluid every 20K miles and other things I can’t remember at this time but how important is it to do such things, my instinct is they are just a waste of money but like I said this is my first Mercedes and don’t want it to turn out to be a bad experience because of my own ignorance.
Super Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 655
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Mercedes e350 BlueTec
Ahhh, but you can get one of those very confusing maintenance contracts (confusing because they seem to have two different maintenance schedules with a third tacked on for good measure) for about $800 for 80k miles that would cover all maintenance costs.
MB also has a maintenance contract but that appears to be overpriced at $699 (first two services) $805 (three) $1839 (four) or $2035 (Five) or the same number of years. OK I guess for someone who racks up the miles and wants to know exactly what they'll pay for maintenance. I guess it is negotiable like any other option but there are no refunds if not used as it is considered an "option" like an upgraded audio or parktronic.
MB also has a maintenance contract but that appears to be overpriced at $699 (first two services) $805 (three) $1839 (four) or $2035 (Five) or the same number of years. OK I guess for someone who racks up the miles and wants to know exactly what they'll pay for maintenance. I guess it is negotiable like any other option but there are no refunds if not used as it is considered an "option" like an upgraded audio or parktronic.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 14
1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
Thanks scfishnman, I and everyone serving appreciate the support individuals like you constantly provide us. CEB the owner’s manual has a large list of recommended maintenance that includes things like the flush and fill of the brake fluid and the radiator fluid every 20K miles and other things I can’t remember at this time but how important is it to do such things, my instinct is they are just a waste of money but like I said this is my first Mercedes and don’t want it to turn out to be a bad experience because of my own ignorance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
But if you lease, mercedes (for some reason, unknown and unexplainable by me) allows you to treat maintenance as a standard feature on the car so if you have a 2 year lease and the maintenance is $699, they assume it has a residual value of lets say 60% (same as your entire car) so you only actually pay 40% of that $699. Crazy, but that's what Mercedes does. If you lease, it's a must do.
Last edited by CEB; Oct 11, 2011 at 07:42 PM.
Super Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 672
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From: So. Cal.
Current: 2011 W212 Previous: 2008 W211 2006 550 2001 Rover 1997 W210
This is my first germen/MB I've owned (W212 E350) so excuse me for being a lil ignorant on the matter but is MB for realz... first I have to pay $230 for Service A's and $340 for Service B's but then, they dont rotate my tires so I have to buy a set of rears. After all that is said n done I find out that there is all kinds of other maintance I should be doing like flush n fill the brake fluid for $150 and then I'm told my brake calbiers and pads are only good for around 30K-40K miles and I'll prob have to take care of that soon to the tune of around $700. Am I crazy or am I gettin raped by MB? Oh well, I should just stop 
and give MB some more money haha.
and give MB some more money haha.OP, if you think you are getting a bad deal, you probably are. Take it to a different service location if you can. See what they come back with. Get that 2nd opinion. I know regular maintenances are not that costly, but all the recommended work can run into the thousands quick.
I know some dealers screw customers by saying it is recommended to change this and that. Most people that can afford this car, usually take the recommendation of the service advisor and trust them. I for one am not one of those people. I hate MB dealerships and service.
OP, correct usage of punctuation is your friend. Just makes things easier to read to ultimately allow us to be able to help you.
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
So I tried to read this thread. Got up to KA's post and decided, F the nonsense and try to help the OP. Scrolled back to the first post and trying to read it is... a bit difficult.
OP, if you think you are getting a bad deal, you probably are. Take it to a different service location if you can. See what they come back with. Get that 2nd opinion. I know regular maintenances are not that costly, but all the recommended work can run into the thousands quick.
I know some dealers screw customers by saying it is recommended to change this and that. Most people that can afford this car, usually take the recommendation of the service advisor and trust them. I for one am not one of those people. I hate MB dealerships and service.
OP, correct usage of punctuation is your friend. Just makes things easier to read to ultimately allow us to be able to help you.
OP, if you think you are getting a bad deal, you probably are. Take it to a different service location if you can. See what they come back with. Get that 2nd opinion. I know regular maintenances are not that costly, but all the recommended work can run into the thousands quick.
I know some dealers screw customers by saying it is recommended to change this and that. Most people that can afford this car, usually take the recommendation of the service advisor and trust them. I for one am not one of those people. I hate MB dealerships and service.
OP, correct usage of punctuation is your friend. Just makes things easier to read to ultimately allow us to be able to help you.
Can you check your owner's manual to see these "recommended services" the OP is talking about? A coolant flush at 20k miles would make no sense on a modern car and brake fluid is time based - usually two or three years.
Super Member
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From: Chicago and NorCal
Titleist
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...212-sedan.html
Konigstiger posted the recommended service actions by mile in the sticky thread with link above. 212maint[1].pdf
Konigstiger posted the recommended service actions by mile in the sticky thread with link above. 212maint[1].pdf
MBWorld Fanatic!
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1953 300 Adenauer, 1971 300 SEL 6.3, 1975 600, 1978 450 6.9
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...212-sedan.html
Konigstiger posted the recommended service actions by mile in the sticky thread with link above. Attachment 220072
Konigstiger posted the recommended service actions by mile in the sticky thread with link above. Attachment 220072
Brake fluid seems to be due as a required service every two years like most other cars and coolant looks like it is due at 150k miles (or 15 years)
Accordingly, I'd do all the required maintenance at the dealer/indy and do the recommended checks myself.
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
If you read the Operators Manual carefully, you will find many, many notations where it states that warranty is invalid if not maintained to M-B Service Center (dealership) standards. I have never seen statements such as that in any of the American or Asian cars I have owned. So, I take mine to the dealer until warranty expires and then shop around. Will probably continue to use dealer unless his prices are way out of line. Have had some bad experiences with independents and will never, ever use the quick/cheap oil change places.
BTW, I had a Mazda Rx7 and never replaced any part of brakes (other than fluids), even though had 150,000 miles on it. Same with a Ford Taurus. In fact, have not had pads or rotors replaced on last several cars I have had owned.
Course I did a whole lot of interstate and highway driving and tend to drive conservatively. Those factor in to when brake work needs to be done.
Bottom line is that European cars, M-B in particular, historically have cost much more to maintain and that has resulted in successes of Asian and American cars.
BTW, I had a Mazda Rx7 and never replaced any part of brakes (other than fluids), even though had 150,000 miles on it. Same with a Ford Taurus. In fact, have not had pads or rotors replaced on last several cars I have had owned.
Course I did a whole lot of interstate and highway driving and tend to drive conservatively. Those factor in to when brake work needs to be done.
Bottom line is that European cars, M-B in particular, historically have cost much more to maintain and that has resulted in successes of Asian and American cars.
Senior Member
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E350
I took my E350 to the dealer for my first "A Service" this morning. I was quoted $289. After reviewing everything that was covered (inspect horn, inspect lights, etc.) - I opted for just an oil change @ a relatively high price of $125.
When I pulled out of the service bay I flashed my lights and tooted my horn. Both worked just fine.
When I pulled out of the service bay I flashed my lights and tooted my horn. Both worked just fine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
Warranty issue?
I took my E350 to the dealer for my first "A Service" this morning. I was quoted $289. After reviewing everything that was covered (inspect horn, inspect lights, etc.) - I opted for just an oil change @ a relatively high price of $125.
When I pulled out of the service bay I flashed my lights and tooted my horn. Both worked just fine.
When I pulled out of the service bay I flashed my lights and tooted my horn. Both worked just fine.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
E350
I inspected my own horn, lights, and misc.
MBWorld God!
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
if they're really 'inspecting' things or just texting theirgirlfriends or whatever......
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 566
Likes: 5
2012 E350 4matic
oil change for 125 isnt all that bad when you consider the cost of the oil. i know in my C63 thats 9 quarts of Mobil 1 that i can never find at walmart. i did an oil change at A service and a full B when it was due.... felt the B wasnt necessary but did it anyway just to check things out. at my next service ill just do oil again and check the air filters. the brake fluid IMO isnt needed for a low mileage 2 year old car. for example i only had 12k miles on it. i know it absorbs moisture but it looked fine and even the dealer said it was good. if you have the cash and you want to change it then do so... i just didnt feel it was going to blow my brakes off the car if i didnt! ha ha
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
From: Olathe, KS
2011 E-350, 2010 GL-450
If you lease your car, the owner of the car (Mercedes Finance) can require you to have the car serviced at a Mercedes dealer..which they apparently do.
If you own the car, then a manufacurer can not require you to use a specific service facility....they can require that you follow the maintenance they require to maintain your warranty....but you can have the car serviced whereever you want, or do it yourself. If you have a problem that should be covered under warranty, you need to be able to show that you followed the required service related to whatever failed. Certainly you would want to have receipts that show you changed fluids and what was used. It's a little more problematic with the maintenance items that say "inspect".
OK...so those are the "rules". In actual fact, you often get better service for less money using an independent service place. I would avoid the $19.95 oil and lube shops...or a general independent service facility. I'd find a Mercedes service specialist who has the right tools and knowledge, if I were having a purchased car serviced.
If you own the car, then a manufacurer can not require you to use a specific service facility....they can require that you follow the maintenance they require to maintain your warranty....but you can have the car serviced whereever you want, or do it yourself. If you have a problem that should be covered under warranty, you need to be able to show that you followed the required service related to whatever failed. Certainly you would want to have receipts that show you changed fluids and what was used. It's a little more problematic with the maintenance items that say "inspect".
OK...so those are the "rules". In actual fact, you often get better service for less money using an independent service place. I would avoid the $19.95 oil and lube shops...or a general independent service facility. I'd find a Mercedes service specialist who has the right tools and knowledge, if I were having a purchased car serviced.
Don't let MB or any other dealership scare you. It is not only against the law to force you to use their service plans by threat of voiding your warranty, the law states that if a part fails, the manufacturer has the burden to prove that you DIDN'T maintain the failed part.
