Independent service/repair shops
03-02-2021, 07:10 PM
#1
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Independent service/repair shops
Any input?? Good experiences? Bad experiences? I've a 2021 GLC 300 and a 2021 BMW X3 M40i so I'm just thinking routine service, brakes, etc. for now.
03-02-2021, 08:35 PM
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19 GLC300 4M (lunar blue/black/black ash aluminum),17 GLE350 4M (selenite grey/ espresso/eucalyptus)
OEM to be safe is $$ but the problems those shady people may cause you are $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ $$$$.
03-03-2021, 08:54 AM
#3
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03-03-2021, 01:17 PM
#4
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If you are handy, consider diy for basic maintenance. I bet you are the best would take care of the car when comparing those kids at shop or even dealer
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seamus2154 (03-07-2021)
03-03-2021, 05:27 PM
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I knew I was going to have to pay dearly for everything that has to do with these two new German cars I own. I really like and enjoy both of them. It just chaps my behind that a MB dealer is going to charge me over $200 for an "A" service which is basically nothing more than an oil/filter change. I'm sure there are competent, honest independent MB service & repair centers in my area and I'll find one.
03-03-2021, 06:16 PM
#6
Where are you located? I've used independent enthusiast owned shops all my life. No bad experiences as long as you do your homework. I think I've owned all German makes by now. Mercs, Porsche, VW, Audi.
03-03-2021, 06:57 PM
#7
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Your help is appreciated.
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03-03-2021, 07:17 PM
#8
I'm familiar with the A, B, C service etc but I go by the individual maintenance items to keep it simple.
03-04-2021, 09:12 AM
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03-04-2021, 07:32 PM
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ParjAS (03-04-2021)
03-07-2021, 08:46 AM
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2020 GLC300 & 2009 SL550 (previously had 1999 CLK / 2006 E500 / 2011 GL450)
The A/B services on MB are somewhat similar to the service intervals on the BMW (I've owned a few of each in the last 20 years).
The services alternate, as follows:
A: Oil change / tire rotation / wipers (at 10k, 30k, 50k, etc.)
B: Oil change / tire rotation / wipers / air and cabin filters (at 20k, 40k, 60k, etc.)
In addition, both brands recommend a brake flush every two years (not mileage based) since brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Most dealers include this in the B service pricing, as that matches up with the mileage most people drive. My personal experience having tested brake fluid with an electronic tester is that you can go 3-4 years on the fluid before there is any appreciable water absorption unless you live in an area with very high humidity (which Denver isn't).
Most anyone can do an oil change and tire rotation in these cars, as well as replace the air/cabin filters. Unless covered by prepaid maintenance, I do the air/cabin/wiper blade changes myself since they are huge markup areas for shops and I get OEM Mahle filters on Amazon or eBay for a fraction of the dealer costs. Otherwise like you, I prefer to focus my energy on the aesthetics (cleaning / detailing) and just driving without getting my hands too dirty.
Since you have 2 new German cars, I might assume you lease. As an FYI, Mercedes residualizes the prepaid maintenance in the lease if purchased at time of lease signing (several posts here about it). What that means is that you only pay a portion of the cost over the term of the lease (40-50%) in most cases. So for example, 4-year prepaid maintenance for my 2020 was $1,760 but my residual was a little north of 50%, so I am only paying for a bit less than half of that over the lease term (which is $800-850). 3-year maintenance is about $500 less if you won't need the 40k service before lease expiration (and of course your residual percentage will be slightly higher if you have a 10k/12k lease vs. my 15k lease). This is a deliberate marketing strategy by them to get back cars they can CPO and show all of the service pedigree on. BMW doesn't do this but Audi does something similar (they add 1% to the residual percentage if you buy prepaid maintenance).
The services alternate, as follows:
A: Oil change / tire rotation / wipers (at 10k, 30k, 50k, etc.)
B: Oil change / tire rotation / wipers / air and cabin filters (at 20k, 40k, 60k, etc.)
In addition, both brands recommend a brake flush every two years (not mileage based) since brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air. Most dealers include this in the B service pricing, as that matches up with the mileage most people drive. My personal experience having tested brake fluid with an electronic tester is that you can go 3-4 years on the fluid before there is any appreciable water absorption unless you live in an area with very high humidity (which Denver isn't).
Most anyone can do an oil change and tire rotation in these cars, as well as replace the air/cabin filters. Unless covered by prepaid maintenance, I do the air/cabin/wiper blade changes myself since they are huge markup areas for shops and I get OEM Mahle filters on Amazon or eBay for a fraction of the dealer costs. Otherwise like you, I prefer to focus my energy on the aesthetics (cleaning / detailing) and just driving without getting my hands too dirty.
Since you have 2 new German cars, I might assume you lease. As an FYI, Mercedes residualizes the prepaid maintenance in the lease if purchased at time of lease signing (several posts here about it). What that means is that you only pay a portion of the cost over the term of the lease (40-50%) in most cases. So for example, 4-year prepaid maintenance for my 2020 was $1,760 but my residual was a little north of 50%, so I am only paying for a bit less than half of that over the lease term (which is $800-850). 3-year maintenance is about $500 less if you won't need the 40k service before lease expiration (and of course your residual percentage will be slightly higher if you have a 10k/12k lease vs. my 15k lease). This is a deliberate marketing strategy by them to get back cars they can CPO and show all of the service pedigree on. BMW doesn't do this but Audi does something similar (they add 1% to the residual percentage if you buy prepaid maintenance).
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seamus2154 (03-07-2021)
03-07-2021, 06:09 PM
#14
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Hello. Being that you're in Nevada, how did your hear about Star Tech? At least their reviews say they are very reputable, honest and charge fair (not iflated) prices for service and repairs. They've been in business since 1992, have an A+ rating with the Denver BBB with zero customer complaints. The more I read about them the better they look. I thank you much. I do appreciate.
03-07-2021, 06:14 PM
#15
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Hello. Being that you're in Nevada, how did your hear about Star Tech? At least their reviews say they are very reputable, honest and charge fair (not iflated) prices for service and repairs. They've been in business since 1992, have an A+ rating with the Denver BBB with zero customer complaints. The more I read about them the better they look. I thank you much. I do appreciate.
03-07-2021, 07:10 PM
#16
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