JimBarnhart

Hi guys. I took in my 2013 GL350 for it's 2nd maintenance. This was a service B. While I was there, I talked to my SA and he asked if I had considered prepaid maintenance. I hadn't and since this was my 2nd service I said I didn't think I was eligible anymore. He said I was and quoted me $1469 for then next 3 services (he called it a 3 year plan, but it really is just then next 3 services).

He also showed me the attached chart. If I look at the diesel row, the costs for my 20K, 30K and 40K are listed as $768, $209, and $1329 for a total of $2306. That says I'd save $837 going prepaid. I realize those service prices might be exaggerated somewhat, but still seems like a decent deal to pay $1469.

What's everyone else think?

cookstar

Hmmmm, I have to check with my dealer as well for this, From what I recall when I got the car in March the prepaid and up front cost were exactly the same, only advantage with prepaid was that you did no swipe your card ( which seemed very odd at the time).

JimBarnhart

Agree Cookstar, and it also appears like the price is the same whether you do service 1,2,3 or service 2,3,4 which I am doing. As the chart shows, that's a replacing service 1 with service 4 is a major price difference.

fabbrisd1

Preapid service prices were adjusted end-Sept - which at that time made prepaid maintenance look like a "break-even" deal (although for leases a capitalized cost so for lease a GREAT deal) - however, now Mercedes maintenance services are going up now into January.

So yes - prepaid maintenance is a deal again - however for BlueTech's if you choose to do AdBlue/DEF yourself, and the other services a la carte at time of service - that would be a comparable savings

JimBarnhart

Fab, what's up with the prices in the pdf I posted? I was surprised to see a 40K checkup costing $1329?

fabbrisd1

You should check with your dealer - since the 40K service chart you posted is "old" meaning it shows tranny service - which for 7G+ tranny should be at 70K - the reason I "normally" advise when new a 3yr/30K and not 40K plan.

If purchasing at 20K if I recall correctly - need to talk to dealer Service Advisor 1st - to see what a 30K purcahsed now - which is fixed price - will include - "some" dealers will "accept" a 30K pack - same pack as 10/20/30 and cover thru a bit of slippage internally in the system in your case slide by and cover 30/40/50..

DBV

That is funny that they are going up again in Jan. Mercedes maintenance costs are already so much higher than Audi and BMW. Audi only charges $820 for their prepaid maintenance, which includes four maintenance intervals up until 45,000 miles (includes their diesel cars too). I just paid $680 for my 20,000 mile maintenance at Mercedes on my GL350.

BMW provides free maintenance until 50,000 miles (covers almost anything including free wipers). When buying a diesel, this includes more than just oil changes.

Not sure how Mercedes continues to get away raping their consumers on maintenance. I am looking at buying an E250 and their maintenance prices are giving me second thoughts on buying one. If I were leasing it would be much cheaper and more competitive to BMW/Audi to buy prepaid maintenance, but I plan on buying, like we bought our GL. I love Mercedes, but they need to get realistic and more competitive on their maintenance prices.

Just because one can afford to buy an Mercedes, does not mean you want to just give away your hard earned money to unrealistic prices.

wamochi

hey we have the same cars in the garage

we were thinking about the E250 also to replace the CT next summer but the diesel maintenance prices are very high. we might just get Tesla 60 since we just installed solar. but Tesla's maintenance plan is a joke too, and it doesn't even have an engine.

fabbrisd1

From my side - on the BMW comparison - I would 1st suggest a side-by-side MSRP comparison between brands on comp vehicles 1st - which in "most' cases I looked BMW seems about $5K higher on let's say X3/GLK - $6K higher on X5/ml, etc... I am not rapping down on BMW - but for the select comparisons I make each day - even test driving slect comparisons back-to-back.. there is a "delta" on higher MSRP of the BMW that can't necessarily be waved away in the interest to be fair... for slect example a $49K X3-4cyl/$49K V6 GLK - a $65K X5 (which is now a bit low) to a $59K ML... stuff like that.

Mercedes isn't making things easier rolling out safety tech to BMW this model year.. making "features" a bit closer... but enough said about that .

I have no comment on Audi, except that in most markets what's "hot" in Audi at whatever moment doesn't seem to hang in on value if purchase intention is 3-4 yrs..

I am not in line with MB diesel maintenance pricing - not when MB dealers are approved to buy bulk DEF in 55 gallon drums..

Just personal opinion..

doctorG

Regarding the diesel comment. Are you saying that the dealers are being unfair with the diesel maintenance? Is the prepaid maintenance the same for diesel and gasoline engines?

fabbrisd1

The maintenance costs, and resulting prepaid maintenance costs of the BlueTech models is different/higher - primarily for two reasons - 1st 10K service recommends/includes AdBlue/DEF top off at MB retail rates - which is substantially higher than DIY generic DEF (which dealers now buy in bulk 55 gal drums, like they buy oil, at generic DEF costs) and because the diesel fuel filter, kindof tricky actually, is also different schedule than gasser fuel filter.

The DEF portion can be easy DIY - anyone with a brain, on a slight incline front up, and 5 minutes tops of pour patience do DEF at 10K, I use a cutoff small DEF bottle as a funnel with a 2 1/2 gal generic DEF carton - but thats me, funnel not necessarily required - the diesel fuel filter I personally consider "advanced DIY" - meaning "Big Boy Garage" enthusiasts who enjoy a leisurely 1-2 hr job on a Sat/Sun afternoon do the job since that fracker is back there kindof deep - and frankly I have my boys do that one.

Keep the beat !

Mbenz260e

Fabbrisd are you doing the filter at 20k? I see on the charge in the OP it's 20k now, but was 40k for the 2013s?

fabbrisd1

Magically last month my BlueTech is now a E250BTsedan - frankly I don't have the Sept maintenance schedule at hand - Jim's pdf might be "new" and it might be "old" - haven't checked closely.

Mbenz260e

OK thanks anyway as always.

blittle

I did the 40K on my original 2007 GL450 and did not pay any where near $1329! I think the most I paid for any one "required" services was a bit over $800…… The 2011 I traded for the 13 before I hit 40K. Yeah…..just went back and checked the records, paid $850 in 2010 for the 40K service. I see that the chart says for the gas engine the 40K service is over 1400!!!!! The big part of that service is trans flush and fill…….it cannot have increased by $600 in 3 yrs……makes no sense!

4everalone

I apologize in advance if this should be a new thread. Can anyone tell me if one can purchase prepaid maintenance packages after 40K? I am picking up a pre-owned GL550 which will be covered until 100K with an ELW, but I would also like the added peace of mind with a Prepaid maintenance package if possible, especially if it saves money in the long run.

fabbrisd1

Please note that buying a service pack must be done before checking in for that next service - you can't "check-in" then buy.

The "best" savings is done by buying a "3-pack" - and start that pack at a B/20K service interval - if the 40K has not been done yet - buy it befopre the 40K.

If your next service is 50K - buy that 50K service one time - then buy 3-pack before 60K service.

fabbrisd1

Also remember - after you buy pre-paid - it's not refundable and not transferable - and if you don't drive 10K in this next year - you have to use that service within 14 months or it gets wiped out.

Keep the beat !

4everalone

Thank you fabbrisd1. Useful input as always. Yes, next service is 50K A service, as the vehicle currently has 48K. Its an exciting day. I will be picking it up this evening.

Mike450

Personally, +/-$1200-$1500 for a 40k service is ridiculous.

Cabin filters can be purchased anywhere for ~$30. Have them change the trans fluid, flush the brake fluid if you are concerned that an indie may screw it up. That's about $500 when I inquired at dealership.

You're basically paying $600-$800 for a tire rotation, brake inspection, and oil change.

fabbrisd1

The 40K service is BEST done under Prepaid Maintenance - under the terms of Prepaid Maintenance you pay for a regular "B" - but dealer has to do the 40K B++ all items ..

If I was leasing a new rig - Prepaid Maintenance to cover thru the lease - is a DEAL/DEAL.

If I was going in for a 10K - I would pay that service out-of-pocket

If I was going in for a 20K B - and plan to keep thru 40K - the 3-pack is a DEAL/DEAL

If I was going in for a 40K B+++ and plan to keep either thru 50K or 60K - then a 2-pack thru 50K, or 3-pack thru 60K is a DEAL/DEAL.

It's how to maximize service savings and take best care of your rig.

4everalone

Correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems like what you're suggesting is to plan for B+A+B when you go in for an A service instead of A+B+A when you go in for a B service, considering the 3 pack costs the same regardless. Sorry if I sound

fabbrisd1

I believe you/I are on the same page - yes, a 3-pack is one cost for the "next" 3 services - whether it covers A-B-A, ( example by miles 10k_20K-30K) or if it or covers B-A-B (example by miles 20K-30K-40K) - and in this 2nd example it will cover that 40K which for most models is actually a B+++.

A prepaid paln can also give comfort/savings for a owner with low mileage - where service is "due by time") = example 1st-2nd-3rd yrs -f planning to hold for 4yrs by it before 2nd yr.. so it covers 2nd-3rd-4th yr.

The "drawbacks" to purchasing prepaid maintenance - non refundable, non transferable, and if you need to use the next service based by miles or within/under 14 months by time from last service...

The B-A-B "loophole" based on 20K-30K-40K (or 2nd-3rd-4th yr by time) since 40K/4th yr is a B+++ that gets covered - works to owner advantage.

For those going into 40K/4th yr - buy a 2-pack or 3-pack based on your ownership intention and save too.

Service advisers don't actively sell prepaid maintenance - especially when a owner comes in for a B service - since the dealership makes more if you go forward a la carte paying each service.

Finance advisers oversell prepaid maintenance including the 10K/1st service - as at that early point the final area picks up a couple-of-bucks - and Finance tends to not go over the non-refundable/non-transferable limitations in detail because they have so many other things/different programs to review.

Hope that helps..

4everalone

My only remaining question on the matter would be: which other services are B+++ over the life of a vehicle?

jylee

Check you black owner folder in your glove box, there is a booklet to inform when / what service is needed.

Dealer service is for new vehicle, MB wants to assure their lease vehicles retain the highest resell value. When you are ready to sell your CPO, your vehicle will be over 7 years old with over 80k miles. Depend on timing, most 7 years old vehicle may have change body style, which will take the highest depreciation.

Except for transmission service and brake fluid. Schedule service A and B are oils change and many check, check, check. Why paid high $$$ for an oil change. You can DiY, take it to Indy, or even to the MB dealer for a oil change. Just make sure you reset the service light before you make your appointment.