Scheduled maintenance: dealer vs indy shop
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 26
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Audi Q5
Scheduled maintenance: dealer vs indy shop
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.
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Joined: Apr 2021
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From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2001 E55AMG
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.
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Joined: Oct 2019
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From: Colorado
G550
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,155
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From: Colorado
G550
@streborx thanks! does it work the same for the g63?
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Joined: Apr 2020
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From: North Dakota
2021 G550, BMW X5M, 2020 Toyota Supra LE
I second this method 100%. My car binders have more details in them than any CarFax.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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A gaggle of MB's
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
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
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
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).
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).
