10K/1 Yr Service Today
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Austin TX Area
2020 E450 Wagon
10K/1 Yr Service Today
This morning took my 2020 E-450 wagon in for its first service despite only having just over 5K miles on the clock but it was due time wise. It is primarily an engine oil and filter change and a dozen or more inspections. The SA after chatting for a few minutes offers me a 'Premium" A service. So I said what makes it premium (thinking other than the price)? He said they do a high pressure flush to the whole induction system for an hour and it cleans out carbon from the engine block and heads. I thought how in the hell could it clear carbon out of the engine block? Wouldn't there only be carbon build up in the heads? Long story short, it was an extra $225 for this service add-on which is nuts. I said my car only has just over $5K miles so I really doubt any carbon build up. So he says, 'yeah you're right, we can do it on your next service'. I said, we can certainly discuss then. I figured if MB thought it was needed it would be part of the regular service program. Anyway, the A service came to $287 with taxes.
I noticed after I got home, they had replaced the battery in my key FOB for $12.75 without me asking or telling me. I have recently been having issues where my key FOB has not been recognized while trying to lock it from the outside so figured the battery change couldn't hurt. I'll certainly be keeping a closer eye on what else they think I need. They also suggested I replace front and rear wiper blades for a total of $79 but I said the car is kept in my garage and its got 5K miles on it, no way it needs new wipers yet. Anyone else been getting the up sell drill?
I noticed after I got home, they had replaced the battery in my key FOB for $12.75 without me asking or telling me. I have recently been having issues where my key FOB has not been recognized while trying to lock it from the outside so figured the battery change couldn't hurt. I'll certainly be keeping a closer eye on what else they think I need. They also suggested I replace front and rear wiper blades for a total of $79 but I said the car is kept in my garage and its got 5K miles on it, no way it needs new wipers yet. Anyone else been getting the up sell drill?
Last edited by fleuger99; Sep 11, 2021 at 10:59 PM.
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They are clearly trying to sell you unnecessary services and items. A 5K miles car already needing new wiper blades? What are they smoking. Unless you left it dry scrapping all the time, I don't see how is it possible to be worn enough to be in need of replacing.
That key fob battery is overpriced as well, in Canada it is $9 CAD so about 7 USD (CR 2032)... the battery you can get almost anywhere. It doesn't sound like you got PPM (prepaid maintenance otherwise the battery is included).
Usually, if the car detects if the key battery is low, it will alert well in advance.
That key fob battery is overpriced as well, in Canada it is $9 CAD so about 7 USD (CR 2032)... the battery you can get almost anywhere. It doesn't sound like you got PPM (prepaid maintenance otherwise the battery is included).
Usually, if the car detects if the key battery is low, it will alert well in advance.
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2021 E63S Wagon 2019 S63 AMG Coupé 2015 S Coupé Edition 1 1970 Chevelle LS5
Damn dude. I feel for you brother… Your SA must see dollar signs and big “I’m a sucker” sign on your forehead. There are upsells, but what you said is outright unethical.
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Austin TX Area
2020 E450 Wagon
They are clearly trying to sell you unnecessary services and items. A 5K miles car already needing new wiper blades? What are they smoking. Unless you left it dry scrapping all the time, I don't see how is it possible to be worn enough to be in need of replacing.
That key fob battery is overpriced as well, in Canada it is $9 CAD so about 7 USD (CR 2032)... the battery you can get almost anywhere. It doesn't sound like you got PPM (prepaid maintenance otherwise the battery is included).
Usually, if the car detects if the key battery is low, it will alert well in advance.
That key fob battery is overpriced as well, in Canada it is $9 CAD so about 7 USD (CR 2032)... the battery you can get almost anywhere. It doesn't sound like you got PPM (prepaid maintenance otherwise the battery is included).
Usually, if the car detects if the key battery is low, it will alert well in advance.
Where in Canada are you from? I'm heading up to Toronto at the end of the month for a twelve day visit, to visit family and friends, I'm driving up to get some use out of my wagon.
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Austin TX Area
2020 E450 Wagon
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Power wash the induction system: I live in the NYC area and we have a bridge between Brooklyn and Manhattan for sale! Glad you did not fall that.
I have PPM: (I lease and it is in the lease so the cost is residualized) that includes wiper blades but not the battery. My SA said the battery was $11.70 + tax.. I said I get them on EBay for $1.50. No thanks. BTW, there is a test for the battery. Check your manual. The lights no longer flash on the FOB. Also when the battery goes bad you will get a message on the dash.
There must have been an OTA update recently: for the first two years I was able to start my car with the key in my pocket. Now once every 10 times I get the message "Put Key in Slot" to start car. Battery is fine, but I do get this message.
Your next service is the "B" service which is basically the "A" service plus brake flush and cabin filter change. The cabin filter is time changed not mileage: ditto with brake flush. Next year if you only have 10,000 miles I would just do the "A" service again.
My dealer periodically runs specials on both the "A" and "B" services:
see: https://www.rallyemotors.com/service-specials/
I have PPM: (I lease and it is in the lease so the cost is residualized) that includes wiper blades but not the battery. My SA said the battery was $11.70 + tax.. I said I get them on EBay for $1.50. No thanks. BTW, there is a test for the battery. Check your manual. The lights no longer flash on the FOB. Also when the battery goes bad you will get a message on the dash.
There must have been an OTA update recently: for the first two years I was able to start my car with the key in my pocket. Now once every 10 times I get the message "Put Key in Slot" to start car. Battery is fine, but I do get this message.
Your next service is the "B" service which is basically the "A" service plus brake flush and cabin filter change. The cabin filter is time changed not mileage: ditto with brake flush. Next year if you only have 10,000 miles I would just do the "A" service again.
My dealer periodically runs specials on both the "A" and "B" services:
see: https://www.rallyemotors.com/service-specials/
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2012 CLS63
That is some shameful stuff man, guess it shows the mentality of this particular dealer. I'd search for an indy shop if it were me. There is no rule saying you must use the dealer for service. I'd also write a detailed review about your experience there.
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No, I didn't get PPM, I'd rather hold on to my cash and pay as I go. I had a good chuckle on 'what are they smoking' lol! I walked around their lot today while waiting for my car, which is usually packed and they only had about 5 new cars (3 C-class, 1 GLB and 1 GLE) on their lot, it was a ghost town. Also, they have a big show room, only two C-class and that was it. They must be hurting which explains all the up selling in service. Service was super busy though.
Where in Canada are you from? I'm heading up to Toronto at the end of the month for a twelve day visit, to visit family and friends, I'm driving up to get some use out of my wagon.
Where in Canada are you from? I'm heading up to Toronto at the end of the month for a twelve day visit, to visit family and friends, I'm driving up to get some use out of my wagon.
As for PPM, I had it on my car when new and the prices of the services did go up every year while paying in advance locks the "savings". Honestly it wasn't worth it unless it was a lease which it wasn't, I could had done the service myself easily but oh well I was busy all the time. The M276 oil change is relatively easy and straight forward but a special oil filter socket is required which can be purchased locally or on amazon. The rest of the filters are easily obtainable. As for the "checks" as part of Service A like headlight function, windshield wiper function, etc. everyone can do in the comfort of their home. In Canada, the key battery (both keys), (they will give you a battery sealed if you don't bring both keys) is included in the PPM not sure about USA.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Sep 12, 2021 at 08:31 AM.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Battery not included in my PPM: As I posted, because the PPM is in my lease, the cost is residualized which means it cost roughly 40% as the residual is 60%: if not for the lease I would not pay in advance: as posted my dealer runs service specials and I would probably take it to my local shop for service "A" oil and filter and save $100 and have the dealer do service "B".
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Battery not included in my PPM: As I posted, because the PPM is in my lease, the cost is residualized which means it cost roughly 40% as the residual is 60%: if not for the lease I would not pay in advance: as posted my dealer runs service specials and I would probably take it to my local shop for service "A" oil and filter and save $100 and have the dealer do service "B".
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2017 E300 - 2018 GLS450
I’m surprised to hear that you guys get charged for replacement batteries, I’ve never been charged for them before even when my older vehicles were out of warranty hence the surprise.
I will tell you that I once drove to a MB dealer and asked for a free car wash and they told me they didn’t offer that service. I guess my facial expression told them everything because they said to me “we know that MB in San Antonio and Austin give these free but we don’t. However since you’re visiting Laredo we can do it this one time.”
I will tell you that I once drove to a MB dealer and asked for a free car wash and they told me they didn’t offer that service. I guess my facial expression told them everything because they said to me “we know that MB in San Antonio and Austin give these free but we don’t. However since you’re visiting Laredo we can do it this one time.”
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2021 c300 Cab. Arrived 7/28/21 . 24 GLE 450e.
I’m surprised to hear that you guys get charged for replacement batteries, I’ve never been charged for them before even when my older vehicles were out of warranty hence the surprise.
I will tell you that I once drove to a MB dealer and asked for a free car wash and they told me they didn’t offer that service. I guess my facial expression told them everything because they said to me “we know that MB in San Antonio and Austin give these free but we don’t. However since you’re visiting Laredo we can do it this one time.”
I will tell you that I once drove to a MB dealer and asked for a free car wash and they told me they didn’t offer that service. I guess my facial expression told them everything because they said to me “we know that MB in San Antonio and Austin give these free but we don’t. However since you’re visiting Laredo we can do it this one time.”
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2015
Posts: 567
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From: Austin TX Area
2020 E450 Wagon
I’m surprised to hear that you guys get charged for replacement batteries, I’ve never been charged for them before even when my older vehicles were out of warranty hence the surprise.
I will tell you that I once drove to a MB dealer and asked for a free car wash and they told me they didn’t offer that service. I guess my facial expression told them everything because they said to me “we know that MB in San Antonio and Austin give these free but we don’t. However since you’re visiting Laredo we can do it this one time.”
I will tell you that I once drove to a MB dealer and asked for a free car wash and they told me they didn’t offer that service. I guess my facial expression told them everything because they said to me “we know that MB in San Antonio and Austin give these free but we don’t. However since you’re visiting Laredo we can do it this one time.”
Many years ago when I was living in MA, took my Golf R32 in for service and I'd washed and waxed it the night before so told them not to wash my car. After the service they brought it around and it was dripping wet. I was furious and let them know it
Last edited by fleuger99; Sep 14, 2021 at 12:40 PM.
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From: Austin TX Area
2020 E450 Wagon
I don't think that will be a problem, the turnover of SA's seems to be high. I took my car in there in Jan 2021 to get my state inspection done as I bought the car in Ohio and drove it home to TX. I dealt with a really nice SA. Then in Apr I took it in for some accessories to be installed and he was gone. Dealt with a new SA who loved wagons and we chatted a long while, while my car was having accessories installed. When I scheduled this first service I asked for him and was told he is gone. Hopefully this person will also be gone in twelve months.
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I wouldn't want the dealer to wash my car. I don't think they do a good job and I have PPF on my entire hood, front end including head lights and fenders. I'd rather wash it myself.
Many years ago when I was living in MA, took my Golf R32 in for service and I'd washed and waxed it the night before so told them not to wash my car. After the service they brought it around and it was dripping wet. I was furious and let them know it
Many years ago when I was living in MA, took my Golf R32 in for service and I'd washed and waxed it the night before so told them not to wash my car. After the service they brought it around and it was dripping wet. I was furious and let them know it
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
In the summer I wash my car. In the winter I have it done at the local car wash.
So far after nearly three years, water still beads up on the surface, the car looks great.
So far after nearly three years, water still beads up on the surface, the car looks great.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 567
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From: Austin TX Area
2020 E450 Wagon
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 3,048
Likes: 905
From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 567
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From: Austin TX Area
2020 E450 Wagon
That sounds good, I'd think halfway through winter those brushes have lots of crud on them that then the brushes hit your car with. Touchless car wash is much better for your paint.
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From: Long Island, New York
2018 E400 4matic Wagon
I look up what is required in each service, get the parts and the oil myself online and take it to a local independent shop that I've been using for years. I do the dust filter (in the engine compartment), wiper blades, service indicator reset and key fob batteries myself and do all the "check" items myself. That way the car's maintenance is up to date and I save a lot of money. I learned this after paying the local Jaguar dealer $500+ years ago for a service that was basically an oil change and a bunch of "check" items. Plus I have the satisfaction of having done some of the easy stuff myself. This forum is great at providing instructions on how to do some of the maintenance items.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 567
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From: Austin TX Area
2020 E450 Wagon
I look up what is required in each service, get the parts and the oil myself online and take it to a local independent shop that I've been using for years. I do the dust filter (in the engine compartment), wiper blades, service indicator reset and key fob batteries myself and do all the "check" items myself. That way the car's maintenance is up to date and I save a lot of money. I learned this after paying the local Jaguar dealer $500+ years ago for a service that was basically an oil change and a bunch of "check" items. Plus I have the satisfaction of having done some of the easy stuff myself. This forum is great at providing instructions on how to do some of the maintenance items.
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From: Los Angeles, California
2020 MB E450, 2007 VW GTI
I usually print out in giant letters a sign that reads "DO NOT WASH", fold it in threes so it forms a triangle with a piece of tape to keep it in a triangular shape, and place it on top of my dashboard. That way, anyone who enters the car has a very visual warning not to wash the car. Of course, I also tell the SA the same thing. So far, it's worked out great.
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From: Austin TX Area
2020 E450 Wagon
I too am very particular about how my car is washed. I've heard the SA at my local dealer use the term 'complementary auto wash' before. I haven't asked if that meant 'automatic' wash or 'automobile' wash.
I usually print out in giant letters a sign that reads "DO NOT WASH", fold it in threes so it forms a triangle with a piece of tape to keep it in a triangular shape, and place it on top of my dashboard. That way, anyone who enters the car has a very visual warning not to wash the car. Of course, I also tell the SA the same thing. So far, it's worked out great.
I usually print out in giant letters a sign that reads "DO NOT WASH", fold it in threes so it forms a triangle with a piece of tape to keep it in a triangular shape, and place it on top of my dashboard. That way, anyone who enters the car has a very visual warning not to wash the car. Of course, I also tell the SA the same thing. So far, it's worked out great.
