diagnostic fee by dealer
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: California
E300
diagnostic fee by dealer
My 2017 E 300 with 55,000 miles is showing the check engine light. There are no noticeable problems with how it performs. I took it to the dealer who charged a $475 diagnostic fee and
determined the fuel pump needs replacing for another $1200. I’ve never heard of such a diagnostic fee. Is that normal/common?
determined the fuel pump needs replacing for another $1200. I’ve never heard of such a diagnostic fee. Is that normal/common?
Last edited by Tiburonsteve; Oct 22, 2024 at 07:57 PM.
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
A HPFP failing at 55,000 miles is a bit unusual.
You need to get your own Mercedes scan tool. There are Mercedes-specific scan tools on Amazon for $150-$200. That way you don't have to pay $475 to a dealer that sounds like a rip-off. Alternatively, and ideally, you would want to get XENTRY and set up a Star Diagnosis System (SDS). The best place for that is from BenzNinja, a sponsor on this forum. You not only get all the tools the dealer has, but you also get his diagnostic services.
You need to get your own Mercedes scan tool. There are Mercedes-specific scan tools on Amazon for $150-$200. That way you don't have to pay $475 to a dealer that sounds like a rip-off. Alternatively, and ideally, you would want to get XENTRY and set up a Star Diagnosis System (SDS). The best place for that is from BenzNinja, a sponsor on this forum. You not only get all the tools the dealer has, but you also get his diagnostic services.
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Yes diagnostic fees are normal. Yours is a bit high, though, but don't know how many hours they spent on it. It takes time to diagnose an issue and the techs don't work for free. Normally you get the diagnostic fee back if you approve the repair. They just don't wanna diagnose a problem for free and then have you go somewhere else with the diagnosis.
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W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
Blind Guestimation...
Hopefully this Factory trained MB Dealer will deliver the right fix your car needs as expected.
Can you share the troubleshooting information (fault code) you received so we may figure what this is about...
I am going to guess the ECU complains of low pressure or lean misfires with laggy accelerations.
Can you share the troubleshooting information (fault code) you received so we may figure what this is about...
I am going to guess the ECU complains of low pressure or lean misfires with laggy accelerations.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 22, 2024 at 11:56 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 180
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From: California
E300
diagnostic fee
I did take the car to a trusted independent mechanic before going to the dealer. He ran the codes (for no charge). He came up
with several. He said there may have been Mercedes recalls for some of them and advised going to the dealer. After doing the $475 diagnosis, the dealer advised there were no applicable recalls. I thought about taking it back to the mechanic but it was just too big a hassle. The problem is with a fuel pump sensor which supposedly requires replacing the entire pump. Codes my mechanic reported are:
P1463-00, P1462-00, P008A-00, P06DA-00
with several. He said there may have been Mercedes recalls for some of them and advised going to the dealer. After doing the $475 diagnosis, the dealer advised there were no applicable recalls. I thought about taking it back to the mechanic but it was just too big a hassle. The problem is with a fuel pump sensor which supposedly requires replacing the entire pump. Codes my mechanic reported are:
P1463-00, P1462-00, P008A-00, P06DA-00
Out Of Control!!
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
I did take the car to a trusted independent mechanic before going to the dealer. He ran the codes (for no charge). He came up
with several. He said there may have been Mercedes recalls for some of them and advised going to the dealer. After doing the $475 diagnosis, the dealer advised there were no applicable recalls. I thought about taking it back to the mechanic but it was just too big a hassle. The problem is with a fuel pump sensor which supposedly requires replacing the entire pump.
Codes my mechanic reported are:
P1463-00, P1462-00, P008A-00, P06DA-00
with several. He said there may have been Mercedes recalls for some of them and advised going to the dealer. After doing the $475 diagnosis, the dealer advised there were no applicable recalls. I thought about taking it back to the mechanic but it was just too big a hassle. The problem is with a fuel pump sensor which supposedly requires replacing the entire pump.
Codes my mechanic reported are:
P1463-00, P1462-00, P008A-00, P06DA-00
As for the first two may be a fluke caused by marginal voltage control. I'd say it's urgent not to rush at throwing parts at these borderline faults.
Ensure ALT/BAT voltage are stable then troubleshoot pressure control
not rushing at pump nor sensor as directed by misguiding code.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 12,091
Likes: 6,868
From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
I did take the car to a trusted independent mechanic before going to the dealer. He ran the codes (for no charge). He came up
with several. He said there may have been Mercedes recalls for some of them and advised going to the dealer. After doing the $475 diagnosis, the dealer advised there were no applicable recalls. I thought about taking it back to the mechanic but it was just too big a hassle. The problem is with a fuel pump sensor which supposedly requires replacing the entire pump.
Codes my mechanic reported are:
P1463-00, P1462-00, P008A-00, P06DA-00
with several. He said there may have been Mercedes recalls for some of them and advised going to the dealer. After doing the $475 diagnosis, the dealer advised there were no applicable recalls. I thought about taking it back to the mechanic but it was just too big a hassle. The problem is with a fuel pump sensor which supposedly requires replacing the entire pump.
Codes my mechanic reported are:
P1463-00, P1462-00, P008A-00, P06DA-00
As for the first two may be a fluke caused by marginal voltage control. I'd say it's urgent not to rush at throwing parts at these borderline faults.
Ensure ALT/BAT voltage are stable then troubleshoot pressure control
not rushing at pump nor sensor as directed by misguiding code.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 23, 2024 at 12:23 AM.
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Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
You should clear the codes with a Mercedes-specific scanner (the P06DA00 won't clear) and see what comes back. IF you really have a HPFP problem, you WILL notice problems with how the car runs.
Not all faults cause a DEL, but the CEL is most likely from the oil pump solenoid (P06DA00).
Not all faults cause a DEL, but the CEL is most likely from the oil pump solenoid (P06DA00).
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What is with these oil pump solenoids failing all of the sudden, I mean I haven't heard reports of it before until lately. I understand MB has a XENTRY TIPS document advising technicians to just ignore it which probably means it is a common issue but I haven't hear about it reported much?
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
What is with these oil pump solenoids failing all of the sudden, I mean I haven't heard reports of it before until lately. I understand MB has a XENTRY TIPS document advising technicians to just ignore it which probably means it is a common issue but I haven't hear about it reported much?
Since the newer cars are now showing a CEL with P06DA00 and they have the new MercedesMe features, you gotta wonder if something nefarious isn't going on. Why is a CEL showing up on a M276 engine when it hasn't before?
Last edited by JettaRed; Oct 23, 2024 at 08:27 AM.
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Effing curious, isn't it? Especially since customers are getting hit with nonsensical estimates of $10k to replace them. Think how many Benz owners are going to fall for that scam because they don't know any better. If the dealers would just be honest, go by the ASRA hours, and be transparent with customers, I would say that is the cost of Dealer vs. DIY and pay up. But when charging 4x to 5x the amount the should, that's simply thievery and betrayal of customer trust.
Since the newer cars are now showing a CEL with P06DA00 and they have the new MercedesMe features, you gotta wonder if something nefarious isn't going on. Why is a CEL showing up on a M276 engine when it hasn't before?
Since the newer cars are now showing a CEL with P06DA00 and they have the new MercedesMe features, you gotta wonder if something nefarious isn't going on. Why is a CEL showing up on a M276 engine when it hasn't before?
Ya exactly, they fail to understand that customers can just go elsewhere if they do this, or are they banking on that customers won't shop around prices or get a second opinion? I don't know about you but that cup of coffee in the lounge isn't worth 4x-5x the mark up.
In that particular case in the other thread, CEL always show up on the W222 S-Class for some reason regardless of engine version and type.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Oct 23, 2024 at 08:30 AM.
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
Ya exactly, they failure to understand that customers can just go elsewhere if they do this, or are they banking that customers won't shop around prices or get a second opinion? I don't know about you but that cup of coffee in the lounge isn't worth 4x-5x the mark up.
MOST Benz owners have probably never looked under the hood since the day they took delivery and the sales guy was doing his thing. Why do you think there is no inside release to the fuel door? Benz people don't get their hands dirty. I am curious if the dealer charges the A-Class owner the same as the S-Class owner. Of course, they'll say one is front-wheel drive and one is 4matic and one has a 4-cylinder and one has a 6- or 8-cylinder car. But we know what's going on.
I have a good dealer that I go to. My SA knows I know cars and especially my Mercedes, so he never tries to snow me. Same for his predecessor. Of course, I bring him some good German beer or Riesling around the holidays. I think also most of the folks in the service department don't own NEW Mercedes, so they kinda relate when I bring in a 10-year-old car.
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You forget the donuts and orange juice!
MOST Benz owners have probably never looked under the hood since the day they took delivery and the sales guy was doing his thing. Why do you think there is no inside release to the fuel door? Benz people don't get their hands dirty. I am curious if the dealer charges the A-Class owner the same as the S-Class owner. Of course, they'll say one is front-wheel drive and one is 4matic and one has a 4-cylinder and one has a 6- or 8-cylinder car. But we know what's going on.
I have a good dealer that I go to. My SA knows I know cars and especially my Mercedes, so he never tries to snow me. Same for his predecessor. Of course, I bring him some good German beer or Riesling around the holidays. I think also most of the folks in the service department don't own NEW Mercedes, so they kinda relate when I bring in a 10-year-old car.
MOST Benz owners have probably never looked under the hood since the day they took delivery and the sales guy was doing his thing. Why do you think there is no inside release to the fuel door? Benz people don't get their hands dirty. I am curious if the dealer charges the A-Class owner the same as the S-Class owner. Of course, they'll say one is front-wheel drive and one is 4matic and one has a 4-cylinder and one has a 6- or 8-cylinder car. But we know what's going on.
I have a good dealer that I go to. My SA knows I know cars and especially my Mercedes, so he never tries to snow me. Same for his predecessor. Of course, I bring him some good German beer or Riesling around the holidays. I think also most of the folks in the service department don't own NEW Mercedes, so they kinda relate when I bring in a 10-year-old car.
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2019 E 450, 2016 E350 4matic (retired), 2018 Ford Edge Sport, 2008 Porsche Boxster
You forget the donuts and orange juice!
MOST Benz owners have probably never looked under the hood since the day they took delivery and the sales guy was doing his thing. Why do you think there is no inside release to the fuel door? Benz people don't get their hands dirty. I am curious if the dealer charges the A-Class owner the same as the S-Class owner. Of course, they'll say one is front-wheel drive and one is 4matic and one has a 4-cylinder and one has a 6- or 8-cylinder car. But we know what's going on.
I have a good dealer that I go to. My SA knows I know cars and especially my Mercedes, so he never tries to snow me. Same for his predecessor. Of course, I bring him some good German beer or Riesling around the holidays. I think also most of the folks in the service department don't own NEW Mercedes, so they kinda relate when I bring in a 10-year-old car.
MOST Benz owners have probably never looked under the hood since the day they took delivery and the sales guy was doing his thing. Why do you think there is no inside release to the fuel door? Benz people don't get their hands dirty. I am curious if the dealer charges the A-Class owner the same as the S-Class owner. Of course, they'll say one is front-wheel drive and one is 4matic and one has a 4-cylinder and one has a 6- or 8-cylinder car. But we know what's going on.
I have a good dealer that I go to. My SA knows I know cars and especially my Mercedes, so he never tries to snow me. Same for his predecessor. Of course, I bring him some good German beer or Riesling around the holidays. I think also most of the folks in the service department don't own NEW Mercedes, so they kinda relate when I bring in a 10-year-old car.
So while it might make sense to have a new S Class, worth $80,000 plus worked on at the dealer, it is a whole different ballgame with a 7 year old E Class worth $20,000. 10 hours labor on a 7 year old Mercedes represents over 10% of its value. Ditto the cost of parts. Parts have seen an incredible escalation in costs.
Consumer reports finds that one of the prime reasons for the rapid decline in values of high end cars, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Range Rover, etc. is the extraordinary cost of maintenance vs. value of the cars.
As your car ages, it is almost a necessity to have an Indy shop work on your car. If the Indy shop cannot fix your car, you go to the dealer have it done and hold your breath until the next repair or just get a new one.
PS: Just checked: In August 2021 labor rate was $190 an hour. In April, 2024 labor rate was $265 an hour: That is a 40% increase is less than 3 years: Rally Motors Mercedes
Last edited by JTK44; Oct 23, 2024 at 10:04 AM.
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
One of the considerations that most people forget, is that regardless of their car value, a new S Class vs. a 7 year old E Class, the labor rate, presently at my dealer, $265 an hour is the same. (the labor rate for the Maybach is different and higher)
So while it might make sense to have a new S Class, worth $80,000 plus worked on at the dealer, it is a whole different ballgame with a 7 year old E Class worth $20,000. 10 hours labor on a 7 year old Mercedes represents over 10% of its value. Ditto the cost of parts. Parts have seen an incredible escalation in costs.
Consumer reports finds that one of the prime reasons for the rapid decline in values of high end cars, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Range Rover, etc. is the extraordinary cost of maintenance vs. value of the cars.
As your car ages, it is almost a necessity to have an Indy shop work on your car. If the Indy shop cannot fix your car, you go to the dealer have it done and hold your breath until the next repair or just get a new one.
PS: Just checked: In August 2021 labor rate was $190 an hour. In April, 2024 labor rate was $265 an hour: That is a 40% increase is less than 3 years: Rally Motors Mercedes
So while it might make sense to have a new S Class, worth $80,000 plus worked on at the dealer, it is a whole different ballgame with a 7 year old E Class worth $20,000. 10 hours labor on a 7 year old Mercedes represents over 10% of its value. Ditto the cost of parts. Parts have seen an incredible escalation in costs.
Consumer reports finds that one of the prime reasons for the rapid decline in values of high end cars, Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Range Rover, etc. is the extraordinary cost of maintenance vs. value of the cars.
As your car ages, it is almost a necessity to have an Indy shop work on your car. If the Indy shop cannot fix your car, you go to the dealer have it done and hold your breath until the next repair or just get a new one.
PS: Just checked: In August 2021 labor rate was $190 an hour. In April, 2024 labor rate was $265 an hour: That is a 40% increase is less than 3 years: Rally Motors Mercedes
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 180
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From: California
E300
diagnostic fee-what to do next
I’m the O.P. Thanks for all the information. I am not very knowledgable about this and have to admit I’m confused.. My car is at the dealer and they have ordered the parts-the fuel pump. I’m driving a loaner. I’m trying to sort out all the suggestions and decide what to do—cancel the parts order? ask the dealer to run more tests? clear the codes? drive it with the check engine light and see if it goes away? go ahead with the repair? Thanks in advance for any guidance.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I would definitely put the brakes on this little stunt. There are Bosch OEM parts for a little over $200 from FCPEuro. I don't know what your dealer's labor rate is, but the ASRA states the removal and installation of the HPFP is 1.1 hours.
Can you confirm what engine you have or the full model designation. Your model should be something like 213.XXX and can be found by entering your VIN at www.lastvin.com.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/Mercedes~Ben...&b=5&d=5156&v=
Is your car FlexFuel?
Can you confirm what engine you have or the full model designation. Your model should be something like 213.XXX and can be found by entering your VIN at www.lastvin.com.
https://www.fcpeuro.com/Mercedes~Ben...&b=5&d=5156&v=
Is your car FlexFuel?
Last edited by JettaRed; Oct 23, 2024 at 01:07 PM.
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Posts: 7,847
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I would want a breakdown of parts, procedures and LABOR HOURS before giving them the go-ahead.
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
OK, that's the engine that comes up when I use 213.049 as your model number. (Do you have 4matic?). So, the labor is actually 2.8 hours. Here are the reference documents if you were going to follow their exact procedures. ASRA-1 is the labor estimate.
I'm not an expert with ASRA, so maybe I got it wrong. But it is certainly good info to start a discussion with.
I'm not an expert with ASRA, so maybe I got it wrong. But it is certainly good info to start a discussion with.
Last edited by JettaRed; Oct 23, 2024 at 02:27 PM.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
DECISIONS...
If we recap a bit... you're driving a free loaner while the dealer has "parts on order".
> OPEN ENDED...
-- Do you have a workorder QUOTE or do they have a blanket agreement to fix the $10k solenoid everyone happily disconnects in 10mn ?
> Missing INFO:
-- You do have a nagging CEL (caused by lucky solenoid)
-- We dont know that fuel codes are ACTIVE or STORED!
-- I would not spend a dime fixing a **STORED** fuel code but that could cost you thousands for zero result using the parts-canon blindly.
-- Get to a ballpark agreement up-front else they'll have you over a barrel with your holiday shopping budget wasted on fluff.
🤞
+++ meaning this could well be a complete waste of ressource. The key being what codes are active/stored.
+++ Whatever you do about this repair....
keep your M274 ENGINE OIL CLEAN and hopefully replaced at 5kMi intervals... NOT the 10kMi reminder.
> OPEN ENDED...
-- Do you have a workorder QUOTE or do they have a blanket agreement to fix the $10k solenoid everyone happily disconnects in 10mn ?
> Missing INFO:
-- You do have a nagging CEL (caused by lucky solenoid)
-- We dont know that fuel codes are ACTIVE or STORED!
-- I would not spend a dime fixing a **STORED** fuel code but that could cost you thousands for zero result using the parts-canon blindly.
-- Get to a ballpark agreement up-front else they'll have you over a barrel with your holiday shopping budget wasted on fluff.
🤞
+++ meaning this could well be a complete waste of ressource. The key being what codes are active/stored.
+++ Whatever you do about this repair....
keep your M274 ENGINE OIL CLEAN and hopefully replaced at 5kMi intervals... NOT the 10kMi reminder.
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 23, 2024 at 04:07 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 180
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From: California
E300
OP again. Some corrections to the earlier
CaliBenz post. . The dealer quoted $1600 for replacing the fuel pump, including $450 for diagnosis. He has ordered the parts and i have a loaner. I can always cancel. There’s no open ended amount. If I cancel, he’ll probably
want at least the $450 diagnosis charge.
CaliBenz post. . The dealer quoted $1600 for replacing the fuel pump, including $450 for diagnosis. He has ordered the parts and i have a loaner. I can always cancel. There’s no open ended amount. If I cancel, he’ll probably
want at least the $450 diagnosis charge.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
everything all right
OP again. Some corrections to the earlier
CaliBenz post. . The dealer quoted $1600 for replacing the fuel pump, including $450 for diagnosis. He has ordered the parts and i have a loaner. I can always cancel. There’s no open ended amount. If I cancel, he’ll probably
want at least the $450 diagnosis charge.
CaliBenz post. . The dealer quoted $1600 for replacing the fuel pump, including $450 for diagnosis. He has ordered the parts and i have a loaner. I can always cancel. There’s no open ended amount. If I cancel, he’ll probably
want at least the $450 diagnosis charge.
You're signed in, they can not let you run out.
🤞
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Oct 23, 2024 at 08:42 PM.
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,498
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
OP again. Some corrections to the earlier
CaliBenz post. . The dealer quoted $1600 for replacing the fuel pump, including $450 for diagnosis. He has ordered the parts and i have a loaner. I can always cancel. There’s no open ended amount. If I cancel, he’ll probably
want at least the $450 diagnosis charge.
CaliBenz post. . The dealer quoted $1600 for replacing the fuel pump, including $450 for diagnosis. He has ordered the parts and i have a loaner. I can always cancel. There’s no open ended amount. If I cancel, he’ll probably
want at least the $450 diagnosis charge.
Let's round up to 3 hours. That means their labor rate is around $300/hour. Ridiculous, but not unusual. They should fully credit the diagnostic fee to keep you as a customer. I would look for some independent Mercedes shops in your area. Check www.benzshops.com. The check reviews for the best. If nothing else, find out what their labor rates are.
