hyperion667

Hello........


well it isn't the cheapest......but I've heard and read many stories and tales of the overcharged tendencies dealers have......

well, this isn't any different: service B (at my dealer)......gets you an oil change, an air filter, and a brake flush (if that's even needed) and the other 'checklist' of items for a mere 499.95! and that's for a regular one! Add 210 for a diesel fuel filter, and up to 315 for diesel ad-blue!

So how about that??
In light of these prices I have settled on an excellent indy shop for my service B (20K miles) for 550. At less than half that price.......and HAPPY to pay that you know?

B - SERVICE $219

Correct Fluid Levels
Inspect Tires
Set Pressures
Change Oil and Filter
Check Wipers, Lights, Spare
Inspect Brakes
Reset Service Counter
Replace Dust Filter
Load Test and service Battery
Inspect Suspension & Steering
Rear Differential
Interior Function Check
Tire Rotation
Short Test
Function Test Parking Brake
Lubricate Sunroof
Check Engine Mounts
Check Drive-train
Check Antifreeze corrosion protection
Inspect Belts & Hoses
Inspect major components for leaks

aeggroup

Smart move. I did the same thing ...

stemags

Got a topnotch Indi in my area I found 4 yrs ago,,,does the same thing for 40 % off the dealers price,,same work,,better care and more personalized svce..

hyperion667

personalized service is right!!
I always knew the dealer would be more but wow!
it isn't like I'm cheap, at least IMO, haha,
I want to do the best thing for my car you know?
but being gouged isn't my idea of a good one

ghstudio

$315 for adblue It's like topping off your oil....and you can buy the stuff at a VW dealer, walmart or a truck stop for $5 a gallon and the most you should need every 10K is 8 gallons.

stemags

LOL yeah and when Im doing the right thing for the car,,at least blow in my ear and whisper sweet nuthings while you're pluggin me

togaclk55

An indy shop is a must have

SolidGranite

That's robbery. Funny thing is morons pay it all day long!

K-A

Good move. Dealer prices are no-deals.

I'll only get Warranty work done by them, and will ONLY get Services done if I have a Coupon (which is generally easy to get in my area it seems). I'm done getting price gouged after they took me to town and left me butt a$$ naked with my old '06 E350's Service.

park423

$499?? wow, glad I prepaid my service A, B & A for $600

hyperion667

yeah, it's a not a suprise, but I thought I'd share with everyone.....
someone is always whinning about the service costs......
but not everyone is resourceful I guess......
the people who pay the dealer prices? Do they deserve it?
If we could only help educate people, and screw the dealers back by removing
much needed shop work from their hands..........

Ctrl+alt+Elite

getting close to service time for me, I'd sure like to find a good indy shop in my area...

hyperion667

good idea, I also like to 'test' their willingness to be truly helpful and honest......
I have a slew of personality tests and a few other tricks to gain hidden information from humanswithout them knowing it of course

Ctrl+alt+Elite

listerone

I'd do the brake fluid as well.Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time...it has a very finite lifespan.And as for AdBlue...about $30 and 10 minutes of your day will allow even the most clueless driveway "mechanic" to refill it on his own.

CEB

Correct. Brake fluid flush is generally recommended every two years regardless of mileage. Some manufacturers (VW/Audi for example) require the first flush at the three year mark and every two years thereafter.

clmulli

I'm approaching 40k. I need to locate one in my area. I also think that you'll develope a more personal relationship going to a indy shop.

afaedC63

When I bought my E550 I got the "service plan" that covers all required and recommended maintenance. I paid 1985 for it which was like 50 off what they quoted me (thanks to that cali dealership). I figure that should pay for itself and plan on keeping my receipts to see if I made a smart choice or not.

Edward

DoubleA

Wow thats not surprising from the dealers. I'm glad I got service included in my lease deal.

BM2BZ

has anyone ever asked discounts from the service adviser? i know most of us don't like to do it because of the ego thing but every penny counts in this kind of economy nowadays. i haven't tried in the mb dealer yet but i did when i was in the bmw dealer. the service adviser did give me a pretty good discount which i forgot how many perfect but at least 20-30% off.

hyperion667

yes! I always ask, and am not worried about looking thrifty you know?
it's being a smart consumer if you ask me, no harm in asking!

BM2BZ

but they didn't give you a penny off ? that's lame .

GermanCars

Great to hear this! Just make sure they have made the investment in tools and training to do the right job. We have the same level Mercedes- purchased diagnostic computer as our local dealer and receive updates on line all the time, as well as discs monthly, just as the Merc service departments do. And the ability to talk to the tech who worked on your car is priceless. The right independent garage will give you peace of mind and value you will rarely receive at a dealer.

Indy in Sarasota

hyperion667

they have, and the pro shop(boutique) used to match prices I'd find online, but they won't do THAT anymore either........
haha, whatever you know?
I just got a service reminder email from them too for B service, it's always a pleasure
to tell them that I had it done elsewhere! LOL

BM2BZ

if i were u, i wouldn't even bother to tell them craps. they might put couple bananas inside your exhaust next time you stop by there for whatever reason .