Frustrating dealer service experience

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Old 04-13-2024, 12:48 AM
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Frustrating dealer service experience

I have had my EQB 350 for a little over a year and have about 7k miles on it. The only problem I’ve had is the coolant issue which was resolved with the red vent cap. I love the car but had an issue at the one year service.

My wife brought the vehicle into the dealership because I was recovering from a foot surgery. They told her it would be about 30 minutes for service so she decided to wait. It took about 3 hours and they rotated the tires and did a few software updates.

I went back to the dealership today because they did not reset the service message. It was showing that service A was required. I found out that they had never performed the service because the service manager claimed that EV’s don’t require a one year service. On the MB website it lists what is covered for service A and B as well as the one year EV service. I spent about 30 minutes waiting for them to reset the reminder but had to leave for an appointment. I was able to reset the service reminder thanks to a YouTube video.

My question is has anyone else had a similar issue with the one year service? It looks like the brake flush and air filters are the most important items in the service. I plan on talking to the service manager on Monday but so far have not been impressed with the service department.
Old 04-13-2024, 05:49 AM
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you will never be impressed with MB service unless you are real lucky

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Old 04-13-2024, 05:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Johnnyroaster
I have had my EQB 350 for a little over a year and have about 7k miles on it. The only problem I’ve had is the coolant issue which was resolved with the red vent cap. I love the car but had an issue at the one year service.

My wife brought the vehicle into the dealership because I was recovering from a foot surgery. They told her it would be about 30 minutes for service so she decided to wait. It took about 3 hours and they rotated the tires and did a few software updates.

I went back to the dealership today because they did not reset the service message. It was showing that service A was required. I found out that they had never performed the service because the service manager claimed that EV’s don’t require a one year service. On the MB website it lists what is covered for service A and B as well as the one year EV service. I spent about 30 minutes waiting for them to reset the reminder but had to leave for an appointment. I was able to reset the service reminder thanks to a YouTube video.

My question is has anyone else had a similar issue with the one year service? It looks like the brake flush and air filters are the most important items in the service. I plan on talking to the service manager on Monday but so far have not been impressed with the service department.
There is a one year service, although there is very little to do on an EV. I do not believe a brake flush would be included, because typically MB brake fluid calls for replacement every two years. Your treatment at the dealership was very poor...they could have made things much better with better communication. Windshield wiper blades, rotating the tires, and a general check should have only taken a half hour once in the service bay, but updates can be tedious and I'm guessing that's where things went wrong. Why they couldn't have provided some updates to explain the extended time...who knows. It seems like good service in general is tough to find, as turnover is so high, and employers can't lean on employees to do better because they can't afford to lose any more employees. My solution to dealership problems was switching service advisors...things got much better once I got with an effective advisor.
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Old 04-13-2024, 09:13 AM
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"Frustrating dealer service experience" -- a redundant statement if there ever was one (lol).
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Old 04-13-2024, 02:35 PM
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This is what I found on the MB website for the first year EV service.
Old 04-14-2024, 11:52 AM
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Great service from my MB dealer Mercedes Benz of Kansas City

Sorry you had a bad experience. I'll just say that, while expensive, I've had GREAT service from Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City MB-KC.com. Communication, service, speed... all good.
Old 04-14-2024, 12:24 PM
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Why does an EV need a brake flush every year versus every 2 years like ICE MB's?
Old 04-14-2024, 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by hyperion667
Why does an EV need a brake flush every year versus every 2 years like ICE MB's?
Because they don't get the opportunity to complete a $70.00 oil change for $300.00.
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Old 04-14-2024, 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by hyperion667
Why does an EV need a brake flush every year versus every 2 years like ICE MB's?
I don't think they do. The list is a suggestion of the work that can be performed not what will be performed according to the schedule of work required at the time.
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Old 04-15-2024, 05:16 AM
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Mine just went in today for its A (first) service, with around 9K on the odo. Only part getting replaced is the AC Fine Dust Filter (Part no. A2478307203). Rest just mandatory checks and Hydraulic lines and Coolant bleed. Was a little surprised by the estimate of charges, maybe its standard fare for a Mercedes. They are keeping it for 2 days - not sure why they need so much time.

Last edited by EQBFan; 04-15-2024 at 05:18 AM.
Old 04-15-2024, 06:34 AM
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Originally Posted by EQBFan
Mine just went in today for its A (first) service, with around 9K on the odo. Only part getting replaced is the AC Fine Dust Filter (Part no. A2478307203). Rest just mandatory checks and Hydraulic lines and Coolant bleed. Was a little surprised by the estimate of charges, maybe its standard fare for a Mercedes. They are keeping it for 2 days - not sure why they need so much time.
Hmmm, 2 days for a filter seems asinine! It seems the bean counters at MB have devised way to still make their money on an EV, a car that is supposed to be better for the environment huh??
GL to ya
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Old 04-15-2024, 12:36 PM
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Originally Posted by EQBFan
Mine just went in today for its A (first) service, with around 9K on the odo. Only part getting replaced is the AC Fine Dust Filter (Part no. A2478307203). Rest just mandatory checks and Hydraulic lines and Coolant bleed. Was a little surprised by the estimate of charges, maybe its standard fare for a Mercedes. They are keeping it for 2 days - not sure why they need so much time.
If you in the US, the first 2 years of service are complimentary. Seems very strange they need a couple days. I hope they gave you a loaner. Let us know how it works out.
Old 04-15-2024, 12:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Johnnyroaster
If you in the US, the first 2 years of service are complimentary. Seems very strange they need a couple days. I hope they gave you a loaner. Let us know how it works out.
This seems to be the service department policy dealerships are adopting. You schedule an appointment for service, and it's really only an appointment to park your vehicle in the dealer's back lot until the service department finds it convenient to work on. This ensures a steady stream of work for the service techs so that nobody is standing around waiting for something to do. Maximum efficiency for the dealer / maximum inconvenience for the customer. This is why I do my own A and B service -- I'm not going to wait 48 hours for a 30 minute oil change.
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Old 04-16-2024, 06:18 AM
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a few of my local MB dealers have this EXPRESS SERVICE to get you in and out without appt.

Express Service

Available with or without an appointment, Express Service is dedicated vehicle care in about 60 minutes or less. With two diagnostic technicians working on your Mercedes-Benz using the latest tools and tests, it’s a comprehensive and complete way to get thorough service – in less time than you think. Services Offered in Mercedes-Benz Express Service include:
  • Service A/B
  • Air/Cabin Filter Replacement
  • Wiper Blade Replacement
  • Tire Rotation and Replacement
  • Battery Replacement
  • Brake Pads/Rotors Replacement
  • Warranty and Recall Work
  • AMG 2,000 Mile Break-In Service
**Service B may take longer than 60 minutes. Speak to your Service

Find a Mercedes-Benz Dealer w/express service | Mercedes-Benz USA (mbusa.com)

Old 04-16-2024, 08:30 AM
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Originally Posted by ygmn
a few of my local MB dealers have this EXPRESS SERVICE to get you in and out without appt.

Express Service

Available with or without an appointment, Express Service is dedicated vehicle care in about 60 minutes or less. With two diagnostic technicians working on your Mercedes-Benz using the latest tools and tests, it’s a comprehensive and complete way to get thorough service – in less time than you think. Services Offered in Mercedes-Benz Express Service include:
  • Service A/B
  • Air/Cabin Filter Replacement
  • Wiper Blade Replacement
  • Tire Rotation and Replacement
  • Battery Replacement
  • Brake Pads/Rotors Replacement
  • Warranty and Recall Work
  • AMG 2,000 Mile Break-In Service
**Service B may take longer than 60 minutes. Speak to your Service

Find a Mercedes-Benz Dealer w/express service | Mercedes-Benz USA (mbusa.com)
Has worked for Jiffy Lube for over 50 years -- maybe more MB dealers will try it.
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Old 04-18-2024, 05:03 AM
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Got the car back day before. Here is a summary of all that they did. Only item that they replaced was the cabin air filter. Rest everything seems to have gone to the dealership's pocket.

Old 04-18-2024, 06:36 AM
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This makes me wonder how much research one does before buying an EV.
Old 04-19-2024, 01:27 PM
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What did you pay for this service visit?
Old 04-21-2024, 12:47 PM
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Originally Posted by Tennis Dad
What did you pay for this service visit?
The equivalent of approximately USD 350.

I was expecting that they would be topping off the battery coolant during this service but they did not touch that. According to them, Mercedes Benz HQ has advised that coolant topping is not part of Service A and needs to be only performed if an error shows up on the dashboard. Am traveling currently but shall post pics of the coolant levels in the two reservoirs when I am back.
Old 04-24-2024, 07:43 AM
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Here is what my current coolant level looks life. Its below the max indicated on the container but not by much and the dealership did not feel a coolant top up was needed.


Old 04-24-2024, 08:11 AM
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When dealers are calling MB HQ for advice on fluid levels, periodic maintenance has plunged to a new all time low. Are we talking about maybe 50 cents worth of coolant and 3 minutes of time?
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Old 04-24-2024, 08:20 AM
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Originally Posted by EQBFan
Here is what my current coolant level looks life. Its below the max indicated on the container but not by much and the dealership did not feel a coolant top up was needed.

What's the story with all the spillage too?
Old 04-24-2024, 08:26 AM
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Originally Posted by streborx
When dealers are calling MB HQ for advice on fluid levels, periodic maintenance has plunged to a new all time low. Are we talking about maybe 50 cents worth of coolant and 3 minutes of time?
For sure...not rocket science for a dealer to top off a fluid level. It is hard to imagine something more routine. And what is up with the mess around the cap? Unlikely being new, but could it be a bad cap leaking fluid out, or just a clumsy fill?
Old 04-24-2024, 12:10 PM
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Originally Posted by nath_h
For sure...not rocket science for a dealer to top off a fluid level. It is hard to imagine something more routine. And what is up with the mess around the cap? Unlikely being new, but could it be a bad cap leaking fluid out, or just a clumsy fill?
Originally Posted by hyperion667
What's the story with all the spillage too?
That's actually my fault. Opened the hood a couple of months back to check the coolant level after a long trip over several days. Noticed the levels in the two tanks was unbalanced with the one in the reservoir with the black cap significantly higher and closer to the cap. So ended up loosening the black cap first. Rookie mistake. Should have loosened the Red cap first to release the pressure The pressure forced a little bit of the coolant to leak out. Tightened it immediately and made a mental note to myself to never loosen/ open the black cap first.
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Old 07-26-2024, 08:26 AM
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MB Service in South Florida Sucks the big one.

I agree on all the notes above. I have now driving Mercedes for 5 years coming from VW. Compare to VW Service, MB is far behind today’s technology. Your car gets video scanned at entrance of any damages at VW and the Service Attendant has a Tablet to check your appointment and is clearly technically trained to answer questions a sugesting recomended work to be done to eliminate the problem. At MB your just a Number. The attendant is taking your keys and checking your appointment on a printed paper. Not more than an Valet.
I‘m happy with the Cars, both Makes. But MB Service is not representing the Name as advertised. Had an Service A appointment at 10 am Friday. Put down as waiting customer. Sat there until after 4pm beeing told after frequent checks they working on it. After 5pm I checked again and found out all Service Personnel went home already and Service is closed. Had no car over the weekend. Had to make a big stink to get it before 8 am delivered to my house on Monday to not miss Work hours. Done just Oil change and some magic wand swapp to charge over 1000$.
Today,Friday I had an Appointment with my new EQB for 7 am. Been told Im not on the list for today but marked for Monday 7 am.
That’s it, I never going to spend my time with MB Service again. Going to a free Mechanic in my neighborhood. Cost less and is all done in 2-3 Hours.


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