whdanj

Hi, I'm looking for help for my 2016 GLE 350 service, it's at 45K mileage and notify me to perform A7 service.
I'm in Northern Virginia area, dealer quote the 50K Mile Factory service at $1850 + $185 Alignment, total is around $2000. I looked the work list, most of them are visual check, major works are:
OEM Oil & Filter change,
Air Filter,
Spark Plugs
Front/Rear Wipe blade
Fuel additive

The cost looks high and I asked Dealer why they charge $1800 for A7, they told me that Spark Plugs cost is $1100, with other services, so the total cost is $1850.
Can anyone tell me what's a fair price for A7 service? Do GLE350 Spark plugs cost $1100? and do I need to replace them at 45K miles?

Also can I perform A7 service at local Benz service provider instead of dealer? Any recommendations will be appreciated.

Chefcct

Hi,
I got those services plus a transmission flush for 1200 at my local independent Mercedes’ mechanic shop. At about 60,000 miles…
You do not have to go to the dealer…
Just keep the detailed receipts in case of a dispute down the road.

whdanj

Thanks a lot for the information.
I definitely will ask other local Mercedes shops. I just searched "2016 GLE Spark Plug" online, it's listed around $20 each at advanceautoparts.com, even with 6 required for my gle350, still see how expensive dealer charges...

Chefcct

The spark plug changes are expensive but the drivers side on this car requires a pretty good amount of specialized tools and fiddling about…
Take a look on you tube for the videos….

chassis

Spark plugs are a pain on this engine.

I would have the dealer do the transmission fluid.

Alignment is unnecessary unless you have alignment problems (drifting, pullling). Don't do the alignment unless there is a specific reason for it.

Don't do fuel additive. It does nothing and is pure profit for the dealer.

Sounds like this dealer is a snake, like most of them.

Spark plugs: https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ml#post8132875

juanmor40

Agree with @chassis, let the garage do the transmission, @45K miles injectors and throttle body should be just fine unless your are fueling low end/cheap gas, i.e. no need for additive or cleaners.

Alignment should be courtesy of the dealer as part of the overestimate on the extras. If it fails, then profit for them in the repair bill.

On spark plugs, the M276 engine is extremely compact, and the plugs on the driver side are not trivial. There are two procedures to change them: the MB one that requires the intake manifold out, i.e $$$ ( 1100 still too much, 500 reasonable ), and the DIY workaround moving the ECU, and bracket, tedious for some but less parts to replace. I have done it in the W212, and I would repeat it same way next time.

Summary: find an honest Indy in your area, and keep the difference for Christmas presents

sub786sub

If you are a DIY person then it is not difficult to do all those services. Transmission flush and spark plug change only need time. Watch a couple of videos and do it yourself. Actually, I am getting ready to do flush transmission in a couple of months. I calculated using Pentosin ATF 134FE with filter change will cost me around 150 dollars and spark plugs 30 to 40 based on brand. I will put 2 K to my mortgage rather giving to MB. That's me.
But if you are not a DIY person then shop around, and compare with an MB-certified mechanic ( not a dealer ). They might give you a better price.

whdanj

Thanks all for the great information, I have a better ideal now for the cost and what need to be done.
I replaced Air filter/ Engine Filter/ Wipe blades for my old Honda/VW, overall I felt German car is more tricky to DIY, so I may shop around to get a good mechanic to do the work this time.

@chassis , thanks for sharing, very impressive for all your DIY posts,