NickTH

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,

jahquan3

My service B is $600 at the dealer. So that is an awesome price. Is that a local dealership or a indy that services MB's?

NickTH

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"

tmurphy25

Hi nick, when I bought my 2011 GL550, they charged me $1089 for 3 services, a/b/a, at 10k intervals. Your guy seems to have great pricing.

beejAMG

if theyre using oem parts, then those prices are really good! id get it prepaid if i could.

Raymond Lee

Getting B service for $395 with MBZ coupon with my e250 Bluetec.

Peachy

As long as they use oem parts they'll do the same job as a dealership. There's no point in getting ripped off there. They don't call it a stealership for no reason.

JALLEN4

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.

jahquan3

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

NickTH

Yes, even different prices between MB dealerships for A & B services.

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...

jdawg21

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!

Peachy

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.

jahquan3

Service A cost me $290+ at my dealer I go to. I actually brought in a 10% off coupon I found online at MBUSA and my SA said I never seen one of these before.

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

El Cid

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.

et350

Can you give the name of this place? I need to get my B0 (40k) service done soon.

VegasE

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.

fosterelli

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.

TXDaveSki

my neighbor changed his oil to be sure it was ‘done right’ and promptly poured 4 quarts of fresh oil onto his garage floor because he forgot to install the drain plug.
it can happen to anyone.