rjdoc74

Moved to a new area recently (OC in SoCal) and took my 2019 G550 to Fletcher Jones today to do a few recalls. While there, dealer offered to do service A (I am due in a few months). I did have somewhat of a sticker shock- $510 for service A. I asked about service B price - $800+. I paid significantly less (like 40% + less) a year ago. I know inflation and all, but still. I called around a few indy shops, they want half of that. Is there a downside to using an indy shop vs dealer? Thanks for your opinions.

Highline-Autos.com

It depends on where you see value. If you do not value a vehicle history report that reads all dealer services, then by all means go with the indy, half of the indy shops these days are started by previous dealership techs that break out on their own anyways.

streborx

I've posted these service schedule docs previously, but they seem to deserve resubmitting. I do as much of my own service as possible and maintain my own records. My cost for Schedule A service is $122.

rjdoc74

Thank you! Very helpful.

RedPill

@streborx thanks! does it work the same for the g63?

streborx

This checklist of service items is sufficiently generic to apply to most vehicles. AMGs might have additional items. Check your OM and/or ask your dealer's SM.

084runnerltd

I second this method 100%. My car binders have more details in them than any CarFax.

fabbrisd1

Remember that you need Dealer Contact or Mercedes Customer Care Contact to :

1. Make sure your correct Ownership Info with Contact Email and Cell# is correctly entered with Mercedes "VMI" record for your G by VIN#
You need Dealer/Service Contact or Mercedes Customer Care to check that.
A. Especially important for anyone who has changed Email or Contact # since purchased from a Dealer (or updated if VMI shows your "wifes" info)
B. Also important if purchased your G at a non-MB dealer or from Private Party.
C. Also use Dealer Service Contact or Mercedes Customer care with your Vin# to check your VMI periodically for "Campaigns" or "Recalls"
"Recalls" are supposedly emailed from MBUSA (if VMI is accurate) - any Recall will be listed in the VMI - however that MBUSA/email alert can be lagging.
"Campaigns" are not emailed - and show on VMI

2. Ownership Miles can alter "perspective" a bit - going forward the # of New Gen G's 19's/20's/21's with "mileage" will increase.
A. At 10K-20k-30K - yes, you have G-Standard A-B-C maintenance schedule
B. Tranny Service at 4Yrs/40K and again 80K
C. Spark Plugs 4-1/2-5Yrs/45K-50K miles
Owners approaching that 40K-(45K-50K) mile mark might consider a MB Prepaid Maintenance Pack - which covers both MB Required AND MB Recommended Factory Service.
On a New Gen G63 off hand averages out "about" $700 each for the 40K & (45K-50K) & 60K for Dealer Service kind of a bang-for-the-buck for those (2) Extended Service Requirements & 60K B

chassis

General practice is to use the dealer while the vehicle is in warranty.

Out of warranty I suggest DIY. If you don't DIY then use an indy.

Regular maintenance on any MB is not rocket science. Anyone with vehicle maintenance skills can do it. A special tool here or there is needed (air filter housing band clamp pliers, for example).