Service/inspecting without taking wheels off
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 46
Likes: 7
Glk 250 2015
Service/inspecting without taking wheels off
Hi folks,
My question is this: Can you give a proper inspection of your car without taking the wheels off?
I'm trying to avoid going to the dealer to get the more expensive "Service B Major". MB told me it's more expensive because they take the wheels of for inspection.
I'm going to a mechanic who is giving me a better deal. But he's says he's not taking the wheels off. He just has to lift it up on the hoist and he will see everything he needs to see.
Is this true or is he just taking the easy route?
Any advice will be appreciated!
Chad
My question is this: Can you give a proper inspection of your car without taking the wheels off?
I'm trying to avoid going to the dealer to get the more expensive "Service B Major". MB told me it's more expensive because they take the wheels of for inspection.
I'm going to a mechanic who is giving me a better deal. But he's says he's not taking the wheels off. He just has to lift it up on the hoist and he will see everything he needs to see.
Is this true or is he just taking the easy route?
Any advice will be appreciated!
Chad
Last edited by Chad Everett; Feb 15, 2024 at 04:47 PM. Reason: clarification
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2021
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From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Inspecting "what" ??
The brake wear (pads) ?? Yea, I can "inspect" the pad wear without removing the wheels.
But more detailed info would be important for better answers.
The brake wear (pads) ?? Yea, I can "inspect" the pad wear without removing the wheels.
But more detailed info would be important for better answers.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 46
Likes: 7
Glk 250 2015
Thanks for responding Calder-Cay. I'm not sure what else MB is inspecting beyond the brakes. I'm just going by what the MB dealer said - that the "Service B Major" $830 is more expensive than the "Service A Minor" $550 because they take the wheels off to more thoroughly inspect the car. This other mechanic I'm dealing with right now says he can do a comprehensive Service on my car without taking the wheels off.
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Joined: Jun 2021
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
If the car's already on the lift, how much extra can they charge to take the wheels off? 15 minutes? Besides, aren't you supposed to rotate the tires? That's hard to do without taking them off...
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 46
Likes: 7
Glk 250 2015
Thanks John! That's good point about how long it takes to take the wheels off. I just got 4 new wheels and the machanic knows it. So maybe he figures there's no use in taking them off again. BTW the tires are Nokian All Weather tires. Second time getting them. Very good in winter rain and summer. Very cost saving!
Last edited by Chad Everett; Feb 15, 2024 at 07:57 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2015
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From: New York
2012 GL350
It is more expensive because Service A and Service B are two different services, which entail different things. If your service associate doesn't know this, I'd find a new consultant or dealer. For example, B service includes replacement of the cabin dust/combination filter and a brake fluid exchange, hence $320 more expensive on the pricing you provided.
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Surrey B.C.
2013 GLK 350 4 matic
Thanks John! That's good point about how long it takes to take the wheels off. I just got 4 new wheels and the machanic knows it. So maybe he figures there's no use in taking them off again. BTW the tires are Nokian All Weather tires. Second time getting them. Very good in winter rain and summer. Very cost saving!
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Joined: Jul 2012
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From: WI
GLK 250
Brake fluid flush would typically require the wheels coming off, in my experience. Makes me wonder why wouldn't the dealer say they're doing a fluid flush which requires the wheels to come off.
In any case, I would not have an MB dealer do any of the preventive maintenance work on my cars unless there's an expensive warranty and good relationship I'm trying to keep with them. You're much better off going with a trusted mechanic (hopefully a good Euro cars guy) who can do 99% of whatever your car might need.
There is no way I'd pay $300 more for a brake fluid flush; my local garage charged me $120 and it's not unobtainium fluid or rocket science to perform.
Filters are cheap, oil and other fluids are cheap enough; what you're paying for is at least half or more labor price. No need to pay a premium on that just because the techs wear MB logo overalls...
In any case, I would not have an MB dealer do any of the preventive maintenance work on my cars unless there's an expensive warranty and good relationship I'm trying to keep with them. You're much better off going with a trusted mechanic (hopefully a good Euro cars guy) who can do 99% of whatever your car might need.
There is no way I'd pay $300 more for a brake fluid flush; my local garage charged me $120 and it's not unobtainium fluid or rocket science to perform.
Filters are cheap, oil and other fluids are cheap enough; what you're paying for is at least half or more labor price. No need to pay a premium on that just because the techs wear MB logo overalls...
