Is there a core fee on a new ignition switch
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 32
Likes: 3
2008 GL550 (X164)
Is there a core fee on a new ignition switch
Hi there, the dealership changed the ignition switch at my GL550 (besides other parts). I was a bit suspicious and asked that they hand me over the old, broken ignition switch.
They talked me out of it, telling me it would cost quite some money because I would have to pay the core fee. Is that true?
I know core fees from shock absorbers etc. - just never thought they would also have it for ignition switches and that kind of electronic stuff. So I am wondering if they told me the truth.
Cheers
Seppone
They talked me out of it, telling me it would cost quite some money because I would have to pay the core fee. Is that true?
I know core fees from shock absorbers etc. - just never thought they would also have it for ignition switches and that kind of electronic stuff. So I am wondering if they told me the truth.
Cheers
Seppone
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 625
Likes: 82
From: Germantown, MD
'07 GL450
I call BS....
Ask the Dealer to at least show you the one that came out of YOUR car. If the dealer charged your for a "NEW" ignition switch, but all they did was 'reprogram' your old one, then.... wtf!
Does your invoice say ANYTHING about a core fee? Does this dealer charge a core fee for ALL replacement parts and work performed (air compressors, tailgate latch, door handle, etc.)? They should tell you all costs up-front before they do any work. And REPLACING is not the same as REPROGRAMMING.
Call a different Dealer's parts department, ask them to quote you a price for an ignition switch. Tell them that you just need the part and are having the work done by an Indy (don't ask if there's a core fee). Once you get the quote, ask for a separate quote to reprogram your current one instead. Compare their price to the dealer who is mentioning the core fee.
Ignition switches (alone, no programming) can be found for US$200 on eBay, maybe less:
- https://www.ebay.com/itm/192916645762
Repair services will reprogram YOUR inoperable ignition switch for under US$300:
- https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-20...-/263162508967
Note the price differences above. Replacement + reprogramming would come out to about US$500.
Ask the Dealer to at least show you the one that came out of YOUR car. If the dealer charged your for a "NEW" ignition switch, but all they did was 'reprogram' your old one, then.... wtf!
Does your invoice say ANYTHING about a core fee? Does this dealer charge a core fee for ALL replacement parts and work performed (air compressors, tailgate latch, door handle, etc.)? They should tell you all costs up-front before they do any work. And REPLACING is not the same as REPROGRAMMING.
Call a different Dealer's parts department, ask them to quote you a price for an ignition switch. Tell them that you just need the part and are having the work done by an Indy (don't ask if there's a core fee). Once you get the quote, ask for a separate quote to reprogram your current one instead. Compare their price to the dealer who is mentioning the core fee.
Ignition switches (alone, no programming) can be found for US$200 on eBay, maybe less:
- https://www.ebay.com/itm/192916645762
Repair services will reprogram YOUR inoperable ignition switch for under US$300:
- https://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-20...-/263162508967
Note the price differences above. Replacement + reprogramming would come out to about US$500.
