Brake Flushed by Stealership
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: NJ
E300-4matic
Brake Flushed by Stealership
Last week I brought my E300-2019 to the local MB stealership for a brake fluid flush. I asked them what they charge to which they replied $300!
Two years ago they charged me about $170 and I knew immediately I was getting my pocket picked.
I called the MB dealer in NYC, NY and asked them what they charged, $200. I confronted the service advisor about the price differential and he told me if it was only $200 at the NYC dealership he’d take the car there. Implying I was lying and the jerk even called them to make sure I wasn’t lying, which I wasn’t.
I have been buying cars from them for over 25 years so because of a moronic service advisor they just lost a lifelong customer. Do yourself a favor, before you take your car to the stealership ask them what the service will cost and then call another dealer to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.
Two years ago they charged me about $170 and I knew immediately I was getting my pocket picked.
I called the MB dealer in NYC, NY and asked them what they charged, $200. I confronted the service advisor about the price differential and he told me if it was only $200 at the NYC dealership he’d take the car there. Implying I was lying and the jerk even called them to make sure I wasn’t lying, which I wasn’t.
I have been buying cars from them for over 25 years so because of a moronic service advisor they just lost a lifelong customer. Do yourself a favor, before you take your car to the stealership ask them what the service will cost and then call another dealer to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.
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From: Long Island, NY
2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Last week I brought my E300-2019 to the local MB stealership for a brake fluid flush. I asked them what they charge to which they replied $300!
Two years ago they charged me about $170 and I knew immediately I was getting my pocket picked.
I called the MB dealer in NYC, NY and asked them what they charged, $200. I confronted the service advisor about the price differential and he told me if it was only $200 at the NYC dealership he’d take the car there. Implying I was lying and the jerk even called them to make sure I wasn’t lying, which I wasn’t.
I have been buying cars from them for over 25 years so because of a moronic service advisor they just lost a lifelong customer. Do yourself a favor, before you take your car to the stealership ask them what the service will cost and then call another dealer to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.
Two years ago they charged me about $170 and I knew immediately I was getting my pocket picked.
I called the MB dealer in NYC, NY and asked them what they charged, $200. I confronted the service advisor about the price differential and he told me if it was only $200 at the NYC dealership he’d take the car there. Implying I was lying and the jerk even called them to make sure I wasn’t lying, which I wasn’t.
I have been buying cars from them for over 25 years so because of a moronic service advisor they just lost a lifelong customer. Do yourself a favor, before you take your car to the stealership ask them what the service will cost and then call another dealer to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.
Similarly, the price of an oil, change and filter, brake fluid change and cabin filter vs. the "B" service?
I do my own fluid inspections and air pressure in tires and other visual inspections so I do not need either the "A" or "B" service.
In my lease I put in the prepaid maintenance. I bought my car at lease end and now have to pay for each service. I realize that I can go to an independent, but for resale value when a carfax report is done, I think there is value to having a dealer do the service vs. an independent.
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From: NJ
E300-4matic
I’ve been doing all the work on my MB’s for the past 25 years. Firstly, if you do your own “A” service you’d know it’s nothing more than an oil and filter change and doesn’t include a brake fluid flush or even an air filter change. Secondly the “B” service is done every 2 years and includes the “A” service plus the 3 air filters are changed and the brake fluid flush and that’s it. After 5 years or 100,000 miles the spark plugs are changed as well as the transmission fluid. Also you’ll need new front brake pads after about 25,000 to 30,000 miles. There is no formal time line for any brake work except that the fluid should be changed every 2 years. If you read my post it was all about getting ripped off by a dealer that I have bought more than 35 cars from, not the maintenance my car requires. Lastly if you bought prepaid maintenance sorry to tell you it adds nothing to the resale value of the car. Go to any of the resale value websites and you’ll see none of them ask you whether you have prepaid maintenance or not. Even if you have an extended warranty that adds nothing either simply because once you are no longer the owner of the car MB doesn’t let the next owner take title to the extended warranty.
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2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
The engine air filter is not every 2 years, but at 50,000 miles. It is only the cabin filter every 20,000 miles or two years.
Lastly if you bought prepaid maintenance sorry to tell you it adds nothing to the resale value of the car. Go to any of the resale value websites and you’ll see none of them ask you whether you have prepaid maintenance or not. Even if you have an extended warranty that adds nothing either simply because once you are no longer the owner of the car MB doesn’t let the next owner take title to the extended warranty.
I noted that you priced out the brake fluid change and found your dealer of 25 years had attempted to "ripped you off" with a quote of $300 vs. $170 from another dealer.
All I was asking was had you or anyone else priced out the cost of an oil and filter change, vs. the cost of the "A" service , or the cost of oil and filter change, brake fluid change and cabin filter change vs. the cost of the "B" service.
Finally I stated that I know I could save money by going to an independent shop. However, in my opinion, when I go to sell my car, if the Carfax reports shows that all required has been done by a Mercedes dealership my car will be worth more than in the service was done by an independent shop or DIY. There is value in having your car serviced by Mercedes vs. an independent shop of DIY.
Last edited by JTK44; Sep 17, 2022 at 10:14 PM.
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Last week I brought my E300-2019 to the local MB stealership for a brake fluid flush. I asked them what they charge to which they replied $300!
Two years ago they charged me about $170 and I knew immediately I was getting my pocket picked.
I called the MB dealer in NYC, NY and asked them what they charged, $200. I confronted the service advisor about the price differential and he told me if it was only $200 at the NYC dealership he’d take the car there. Implying I was lying and the jerk even called them to make sure I wasn’t lying, which I wasn’t.
I have been buying cars from them for over 25 years so because of a moronic service advisor they just lost a lifelong customer. Do yourself a favor, before you take your car to the stealership ask them what the service will cost and then call another dealer to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.
Two years ago they charged me about $170 and I knew immediately I was getting my pocket picked.
I called the MB dealer in NYC, NY and asked them what they charged, $200. I confronted the service advisor about the price differential and he told me if it was only $200 at the NYC dealership he’d take the car there. Implying I was lying and the jerk even called them to make sure I wasn’t lying, which I wasn’t.
I have been buying cars from them for over 25 years so because of a moronic service advisor they just lost a lifelong customer. Do yourself a favor, before you take your car to the stealership ask them what the service will cost and then call another dealer to make sure you’re not getting ripped off.
of the automotive retail barrel. They are the scum that accumulates at the bottom of the barrel.
Another reason to avoid the MB brand, as if more reasons are needed.
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From: Hong Kong, China
2021 S450 4Matic
For the past 35 years, OP has bought more than 35 cars from the dealership, averaging 1.x cars every year. Obviously, OP is happy with the sales department, explaining the 25-year continuous bringing business there. Sales department must have and still are treating OP like a VIP. Salesman are happy with their commission.
But, the problem ( a big one) that I see is this:- for these 35 years, OP did all the maintenance work himself and brought zero business to the service department. So, the service manager does not know OP at all and OP (in his eyes) is hardly a VIP. This could easily explain why giving a high quote.
Anyway, if I were OP, I would continue to buy from this dealership as there is already a 25-year relationship with the sales department, despite this misfortune with the service department.
But, the problem ( a big one) that I see is this:- for these 35 years, OP did all the maintenance work himself and brought zero business to the service department. So, the service manager does not know OP at all and OP (in his eyes) is hardly a VIP. This could easily explain why giving a high quote.
Anyway, if I were OP, I would continue to buy from this dealership as there is already a 25-year relationship with the sales department, despite this misfortune with the service department.
Last edited by bishop64; Sep 18, 2022 at 07:48 AM.
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2019 E300
With so few new car available for sales coming out of Germany, the US car dealers that are in trouble financially are trying to make more money from the service dept to make up the difference. Your NJ car dealer might be one of those dealers not doing well, usually, the high volume car sales dealers suffer the most from the pandemic slow down.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: NJ
E300-4matic
Yes I know: That is why I asked have you or anyone else priced at a dealership the cost of an oil change and filter vs. the cost of the "A" service?
Again yes I know: that again is the reason I asked have or anyone else anyone priced an oil and filter change, brake fluid change + cabin filter change vs. the price of the "B" service?
The engine air filter is not every 2 years, but at 50,000 miles. It is only the cabin filter every 20,000 miles or two years.
Mercedes recommends the spark plug change and transmission change at 50,000 not 100,000 miles
This really depends on how you drive. I have 29,000 miles and more than half my brake pads left.
Again you missed my point: I said I had the PPM in my lease and I have bought my car at lease end and I now must pay for maintenance.
I noted that you priced out the brake fluid change and found your dealer of 25 years had attempted to "ripped you off" with a quote of $300 vs. $170 from another dealer.
All I was asking was had you or anyone else priced out the cost of an oil and filter change, vs. the cost of the "A" service , or the cost of oil and filter change, brake fluid change and cabin filter change vs. the cost of the "B" service.
Finally I stated that I know I could save money by going to an independent shop. However, in my opinion, when I go to sell my car, if the Carfax reports shows that all required has been done by a Mercedes dealership my car will be worth more than in the service was done by an independent shop or DIY. There is value in having your car serviced by Mercedes vs. an independent shop of DIY.
Again yes I know: that again is the reason I asked have or anyone else anyone priced an oil and filter change, brake fluid change + cabin filter change vs. the price of the "B" service?
The engine air filter is not every 2 years, but at 50,000 miles. It is only the cabin filter every 20,000 miles or two years.
Mercedes recommends the spark plug change and transmission change at 50,000 not 100,000 miles
This really depends on how you drive. I have 29,000 miles and more than half my brake pads left.
Again you missed my point: I said I had the PPM in my lease and I have bought my car at lease end and I now must pay for maintenance.
I noted that you priced out the brake fluid change and found your dealer of 25 years had attempted to "ripped you off" with a quote of $300 vs. $170 from another dealer.
All I was asking was had you or anyone else priced out the cost of an oil and filter change, vs. the cost of the "A" service , or the cost of oil and filter change, brake fluid change and cabin filter change vs. the cost of the "B" service.
Finally I stated that I know I could save money by going to an independent shop. However, in my opinion, when I go to sell my car, if the Carfax reports shows that all required has been done by a Mercedes dealership my car will be worth more than in the service was done by an independent shop or DIY. There is value in having your car serviced by Mercedes vs. an independent shop of DIY.
I’d like to buy an American car but American car companies don’t build sedans anymore.
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2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
It seems you didn’t understand what I said. My dealer quoted me $300, they did the same service for $185 two years before so I called a different dealer who told me they charge $200. The Service Advisor may well be paid by the amount of money he charges for a given service, who knows but if that’s the case that’s a slimy way to do business. MB is nothing more than a monicker, after my 2010 W212 the quality went to hell.
I’d like to buy an American car but American car companies don’t build sedans anymore.
I’d like to buy an American car but American car companies don’t build sedans anymore.
In other words no "B" service, just do the brake fluid change.
I am inquiring that instead of the "A" service whether you or anyone else has priced out with Mercedes just the oil and filter change.
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From: NJ
E300-4matic
I do think I fully understand: Instead of doing the "B" service, oil and filter, cabin filter and brake fluid change you wanted just a quote on just the brake fluid change.
In other words no "B" service, just do the brake fluid change.
I am inquiring that instead of the "A" service whether you or anyone else has priced out with Mercedes just the oil and filter change.
In other words no "B" service, just do the brake fluid change.
I am inquiring that instead of the "A" service whether you or anyone else has priced out with Mercedes just the oil and filter change.
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Finally I stated that I know I could save money by going to an independent shop. However, in my opinion, when I go to sell my car, if the Carfax reports shows that all required has been done by a Mercedes dealership my car will be worth more than in the service was done by an independent shop or DIY. There is value in having your car serviced by Mercedes vs. an independent shop of DIY.
Thread Starter
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From: NJ
E300-4matic
Originally Posted by Hundens;[url=tel:8637297
8637297[/url]]The industry is full of larceny from the boardroom to the dealers. No wonder used car dealer is a pejorative.
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From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
I had a express lube service A Oil change and FOB battery replacement in my 2018 S560 a couple weeks ago. Was $335.00 and I was out in 30 minutes or so. It was very convienent and they seemed to do a good job and I watched the oil drain but very expensive. Next time I might just try the local indy shop, a oil change is really not all that hard on these cars, I know the oil alone costs around 90 buck with the proper synthetic oil and the car taking over 8 quarts but $335 seemed kinda excessive even though I was happy to get it done at the dealer right on the spot and not have to drop the car off or wait too long.
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
I had a express lube service A Oil change and FOB battery replacement in my 2018 S560 a couple weeks ago. Was $335.00 and I was out in 30 minutes or so. It was very convienent and they seemed to do a good job and I watched the oil drain but very expensive. Next time I might just try the local indy shop, a oil change is really not all that hard on these cars, I know the oil alone costs around 90 buck with the proper synthetic oil and the car taking over 8 quarts but $335 seemed kinda excessive even though I was happy to get it done at the dealer right on the spot and not have to drop the car off or wait too long.
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The key fob batteries I buy on eBay for about $10-$12 for a 20 pack of Energizer cells. They use Mobil 1 for the oil change and you can get a 5 quart jug of Mobil 1 0w40 at Walmart for $27.47. For the filter, Mann is a good brand, it's $13.78 at rockauto to $18.99 at FCPeuro. My local indy changes the oil for $20 if you bring them the oil/filter. FCPEuro gives you a lifetime warranty so you could also just buy the oil and filter from them once and just keep sending back the old oil/filter and it'd just cost you the price of postage and not even that if you use Paypal which will reimburse you up to $30 to return items. So maybe around $80-$90 for an oil change at an indy. Mobil 1 also used to do $10-$12 rebates on oil once in a while, but I think their latest rebates seem to excluded Euro oils so 0w40 isn't included.
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2008 E350 4Matic, 2011 E350 4matic
the problem is the Indy dealer around here is booked for months and they’d probably laugh at me if I asked them to do it for 20 dollars and bring my own parts. I can picture them saying do you bring a steak to a restaurant and ask them to cook it lol. I may take my chances on the local quick lube next time although I’ll probably chicken out and just pay the dealers price. I really worry about them screwing up my car. I’d do it myself if I could as I use to be a good mechanic many moons ago but I’m now confined to a wheelchair.
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Guess you must have a shortage of mechanics out there. Plenty around here and I've heard of a few other places that will do oil changes in the $20-$40 range as part of local oil change special. As for the steak, depends on the restaurant, some places allow you to bring your own wine. Some places allow you to bring your own parts, some don't. I was actually surprised that there are Mercedes dealers out there that will let you bring Mercedes parts to the dealer and they'll install them. Some will just price match you so you don't have to buy it cheaper from an online Mercedes dealer.
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2019 E300
The Germans and the Japanese sure have different philosophy toward brake fluid change out. Seems to me one is too conservative and the other is almost neglect. Brake fluids will take in water sooner or later, changing it based on time will keep the brakes at top performance. Skipping the brake fluid service will increase braking distance.
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2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
The Germans and the Japanese sure have different philosophy toward brake fluid change out. Seems to me one is too conservative and the other is almost neglect. Brake fluids will take in water sooner or later, changing it based on time will keep the brakes at top performance. Skipping the brake fluid service will increase braking distance.
Again, you are always worrying about water whether it is in the oil or the brake fluid. As I pointed out, the real problem is not water, but multiple deceleration (braking) from high speeds that Germans encounter on the Autobahn and the possibility of the brake fluid boiling. this is a situation unique to Germany.
Can almost every other maker, who recommend either no changing or changing at 100K miles, be wrong and the German's right? I think not.
I would tend to give more credence to the Germans if they used some exotic brake fluid unique to their cars: but from what I can tell and have read the brake fluid in German cars is the same as all other cars.
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Throw in the Americans as well: do not change.
Again, you are always worrying about water whether it is in the oil or the brake fluid. As I pointed out, the real problem is not water, but multiple deceleration (braking) from high speeds that Germans encounter on the Autobahn and the possibility of the brake fluid boiling. this is a situation unique to Germany.
Can almost every other maker, who recommend either no changing or changing at 100K miles, be wrong and the German's right? I think not.
I would tend to give more credence to the Germans if they used some exotic brake fluid unique to their cars: but from what I can tell and have read the brake fluid in German cars is the same as all other cars.
Again, you are always worrying about water whether it is in the oil or the brake fluid. As I pointed out, the real problem is not water, but multiple deceleration (braking) from high speeds that Germans encounter on the Autobahn and the possibility of the brake fluid boiling. this is a situation unique to Germany.
Can almost every other maker, who recommend either no changing or changing at 100K miles, be wrong and the German's right? I think not.
I would tend to give more credence to the Germans if they used some exotic brake fluid unique to their cars: but from what I can tell and have read the brake fluid in German cars is the same as all other cars.
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2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
Not really the same. They use Super Dot 4 which isn't really a spec, but it's basically DOT 4 with higher boiling points than regular DOT 4. Most cars are DOT 3 although many other cars now also do DOT 4 or Super DOT 4. I think the flip side is that the two fluids have different specs, I think Dot 4 actually takes less moisture to boil than Dot 3. So that's why you're supposedly supposed to flush dot 4 more often than dot 3. But 2 years may still be overkill.
DOT 3 and 4 are glycol-based brake fluids, and the main difference between them is the boiling point: DOT 4 boils at a higher temperature, which can be beneficial if your brakes see very heavy use, or if you participate in motorsports. Of course, you should check your owner’s manual first to make sure DOT 4 can be used in your vehicle.
DOT 5 fluid is silicone-based: It doesn’t absorb moisture like DOT 3 and 4 fluids do, and it has a higher boiling point. However, DOT 5 fluid should never be added to vehicles that specify DOT 3 or 4 fluid, as brake system damage can occur.
see: https://www.ford.com/support/how-tos...d-brake-fluid/
For example, Chevrolet calls for a brake fluid change on most models every 45,000 miles, but Honda says to do it every three years regardless of the vehicle’s mileage. Three years is also the recommended interval for most Volkswagens, but Mercedes-Benz vehicles typically call for fresh fluid every two years or 20,000 miles. In contrast, on the Ford Escape, Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Camry and other models from those manufacturers, there are no recommendations for replacing the brake fluid, only instructions to inspect it periodically.
see: https://www.cars.com/articles/how-of...1420680336417/
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From: Austin TX Area
2020 E450 Wagon
I just had my 20K mile/2 year service done, I only have 11K miles on my E-450 wagon. The B service was $638 including the brake flush which was $170 less a $100 coupon off service. I thought it was pricy for what it is but I'm not at all surprised considering my 2019 BMW R1250RT small service the weekend before was $426 for an oil and filter change and several inspections. Everyone is trying to separate us from our cash these days. I plan on keeping my wagon 'forever' so I do want to maintain it well.
