A & B Service...
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 308
Likes: 22
From: Houston TX
2015 E400
A & B Service...
Just got an Advertising mailer from a local MB shop which has Service A special at $160 & Service B at $290.
Looks like a reputable shop.
So how does this compares to pricing & service from local MB dealership...?
& is it worth it, or just go to dealer for my next B service?
Thanks,
Looks like a reputable shop.
So how does this compares to pricing & service from local MB dealership...?
& is it worth it, or just go to dealer for my next B service?
Thanks,
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 308
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From: Houston TX
2015 E400
Sorry, yes, it's a local indy MB shop inside Houston metro area.
Working garage is as large, clean, & professional as MB dealer.
They only work on MB, & their sign says: "Your Mercedes Repair Experts"
Working garage is as large, clean, & professional as MB dealer.
They only work on MB, & their sign says: "Your Mercedes Repair Experts"
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Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Bay Area, CA
2010 E550
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From: SOUTHWEST OHIO
2016 E350 2015 ML250 2002 Z06 CORVETTE
Most don't call it a "stealership". Mostly just those uninformed.
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From: New Jersey
2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
That really is not true. The quality of both the dealer's shop and the independent can vary greatly. For the majority of the cases, the dealership technicians will have better current training, better equipment, far more exposure to current problems, and far more technical resources.
Most don't call it a "stealership". Mostly just those uninformed.
Most don't call it a "stealership". Mostly just those uninformed.
I'm sorry but there is no reason that a B service should be $600. I pay it and keep it moving but something feels icky about the process. I rather pay what OP is being offered and give the difference to someone who really needs it, not MB
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 308
Likes: 22
From: Houston TX
2015 E400
That really is not true. The quality of both the dealer's shop and the independent can vary greatly. For the majority of the cases, the dealership technicians will have better current training, better equipment, far more exposure to current problems, and far more technical resources.
Most don't call it a "stealership". Mostly just those uninformed.
Most don't call it a "stealership". Mostly just those uninformed.
But seriously, how much value added of using dealership's overpriced/overqualified "technicians" vs a indy shop's techs who do basic oil changes everyday...?
Oh, I forgot, dealership gives us a "free" car wash...
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
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2008 Mercedes C300
Although you have some valid points. I think it's 50/50 on who considers it a stealership lol.
I'm sorry but there is no reason that a B service should be $600. I pay it and keep it moving but something feels icky about the process. I rather pay what OP is being offered and give the difference to someone who really needs it, not MB
I'm sorry but there is no reason that a B service should be $600. I pay it and keep it moving but something feels icky about the process. I rather pay what OP is being offered and give the difference to someone who really needs it, not MB
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Bay Area, CA
2010 E550
My dad worked at a big Mercedes dealership for 25 some years and he owns his own independent shop now. I'm not uninformed. The reason simple tasks cost so much is because of the overhead at a dealership. EVERYONE needs to get paid for your oil change, the mechanics, the shop foremen, the valet, the carwash guys, the service advisers, the managers, the supervisors, etc. At an independent shop like two people need to get paid, the mechanic and the boss. Sometimes they're the same person, so they can charge a lot less.
If you have a serious issue then taking it to a dealership will make sense since they're better equipped for it and have the support of the Mercedes engineers from Germany. Otherwise, stay away unless you're rich.
If you have a serious issue then taking it to a dealership will make sense since they're better equipped for it and have the support of the Mercedes engineers from Germany. Otherwise, stay away unless you're rich.
Last edited by Peachy; Aug 3, 2016 at 09:20 PM.
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From: New Jersey
2010 E550 P2 w/AMG Sport Package + Pano, 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
I agree 100% there is absolutely no reason that a B service should cost $600, that's absolutely insane. I called my local MB dealer (Tampa, Florida) last month for a quote on A service and it was $239 plus tax, I decided that even that was such a waste of money. So being technically savvy I changed the oil myself for less then $100 for the oem oil and filter from the dealer. I don't need to pay someone 2x what's it's worth to do the same damn job that I can do myself and doing it myself ensures me that it is done right. I also don't need to pay someone extra money to do "checks" throughout the car as it only has 6k miles the first year. I have had problems in the past with these technicians forgetting to tighten stuff. But to each there own!
I was thinking he hasn't because the bulk of the customers either have a maintenance plan or are too naive to look for a discount. Every time before I go I peek to see if there are any discounts to be had. Plus I get a loaner every time so that I'm not forced to hang around and sip lattes as my overpriced oil change is done
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From: Southeastern USA
2010 E350 Luxury Sedan, Engine 272 (V6)
I do not use independents, been burned too many times with low quality work and parts. Also, damage to other systems in the car. Then you complain to the "owner" and he denies it was him or his tech. You are SOL.
In addtion, the dealership technicians are the highest trained with the latest technology and have access to ALL of MBUSA's information services. The indys' might have worked at an MB dealership, but how long ago?
Regardless, somebody has to pay for the Wi-Fi, nice lounge, free coffee and other stuff, loaner cars, etc.
The dealership will be there next year, will the indy?
My SA has spontaneously provided discount coupons when I check in.
In addtion, the dealership technicians are the highest trained with the latest technology and have access to ALL of MBUSA's information services. The indys' might have worked at an MB dealership, but how long ago?
Regardless, somebody has to pay for the Wi-Fi, nice lounge, free coffee and other stuff, loaner cars, etc.
The dealership will be there next year, will the indy?
My SA has spontaneously provided discount coupons when I check in.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2016
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E350
Can you give the name of this place? I need to get my B0 (40k) service done soon.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 255
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From: Las Vegas
2012 E350 sedan
You guys have it cheap. My stealer wants a mere $1100 for my 40K B service
I'm assuming it includes a tranny filter/flush that my 2012 E350 does not need until 70K (a useful factoid I learned on this board). They get $250 for the A service. Fact is, most of the stuff they do on the A gets done with just an oil change which they charge $60 if I bring the oil. I'm comfortable replacing cabin and air filters and changing spark plugs myself.
Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 206
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From: Southern
2014 E-350
I'd also like to know what shop this is...just in case I ever need something. I do all of my own maintenance. I like working on my own stuff - but it's good to have a dealership and an indy picked out for repairs requiring expensive/specialized equipment (or more labor than I'd like to donate). My dealer of choice is MB of The Woodlands.
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2004 Mercedes-Benz SL600
Doing it right?
it can happen to anyone.
