Received two prices today from two dealers on Service A (10K) service. One is $370 the other $235 - Why would there be so much difference?

 

Sometimes dealers include “recommended items” in addition to the prescribed ones. Get an itemization.

 

You can ask - I would assume one (higher) is most likely quoting you total with all fee's and taxes (out the door) ..the other is low-ball ..

 

Some dealers have what they call a "Plus" package. So a Service A and a Service A Plus. The plus includes a few more items. One of the dealers I checked with charges $295 for A and $395 for A plus. I don't remember exactly what was extra in the plus but there were a few things not replaced in A that is replaced in A plus

 

Thanks!!! Appreciate the response.

 

BEcause they can charge more in there area and people pay it without shopping the cheaper dealer like you did

 

Does anyone have an idea of the $$ range of the follow-up services, after the initial "A" service? I know they repeat after a while - there will be another A service down the line, but I was just curious of the costs of the first couple services...

 

It varies a great deal from dealer to dealer. You can also go to a non-dealer MB shop to get these services done.
My local dealer used to charge $255 for A, $352 for B and $185 for brake flush (should be done every 2 years, usually lines up with B service).
Last year they were bought by a big dealer network, now their prices are $320 for A, $850 for B (including the brake flush).

My own experience with 3rd party shops is that their prices aren't significantly cheaper than the dealer and they don't offer some of the perks (such as a loaner car, car wash etc). My local dealer used to participate in the Costco Auto program and thus offered a 15% off discount for service for Costco members. This made the dealer prices about the same if not a little cheaper than the non-dealer shops so I've always taken it to the dealer.

Depending on the prices your local dealer charges, you may want to buy a pre-paid maintenance pack.

 

Thanks for the info!

I never know when I'm going to tire of owning a particular car. I intend to keep every last car I purchase at least through its warranty, but it doesn't always work out that way. For me, it's a gamble against my impulsiveness. I traded my A7 after a year and a half - had to have an F-type. You only live once, right? Hate to let the dealer keep all that unused service money, so I hesitate to buy the pre-paid maintenance.

I remember the day when I changed my own oil and transmission fluid, filters, plugs, belts. I don't ever remember taking a car to the dealer for service. I barely know how to open the hood now!

 

My dealer charges $270 for A & $585 for B (including brake fluid).