I have my GLS450 at the dealership getting its 40k service B and they tell me the coolant flush is 10k overdue? They're worried about acid formation and damage to gaskets and the engine.
Has anyone heard anything like this?
ChatGPT has me dubious, saying:2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 comes factory-filled with a Silicate-Enhanced Organic Acid Technology (Si-OAT)coolant, adhering to Mercedes-Benz specification MB 325.5 or 325.6. This coolant is typically pink or violet in color and is engineered for extended service intervals, offering up to 15 years or 150,000 miles of protection under normal driving conditions.
I have my GLS450 at the dealership getting its 40k service B and they tell me the coolant flush is 10k overdue? They're worried about acid formation and damage to gaskets and the engine.
Has anyone heard anything like this?
ChatGPT has me dubious, saying:2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 comes factory-filled with a Silicate-Enhanced Organic Acid Technology (Si-OAT)coolant, adhering to Mercedes-Benz specification MB 325.5 or 325.6. This coolant is typically pink or violet in color and is engineered for extended service intervals, offering up to 15 years or 150,000 miles of protection under normal driving conditions.
This is great. Are you help generate and share this for the 2021 GLS580 as well. Mine is going to be in service soon and for the first time since I got it, so wanna be aware and careful about pushy dealership tactics.
Interesting. I do see in the owners manual the brake fluid exchange at 40k per addition to the oil service and cabin filters.
I got the total cost for the 40k, 50k and 60k mile services and they came out to almost $5200 + tax. I was able to buy the prepaid three service package for $3290 no tax (same price at all dealers). I think if I had timed it differently it may not have been such a great value, but capturing 3 of the bigger services it really worked out for me. Also includes new wipers all around at each service as well, which run an addition $129.
Interesting. I do see in the owners manual the brake fluid exchange at 40k per addition to the oil service and cabin filters.
I got the total cost for the 40k, 50k and 60k mile services and they came out to almost $5200 + tax. I was able to buy the prepaid three service package for $3290 no tax (same price at all dealers). I think if I had timed it differently it may not have been such a great value, but capturing 3 of the bigger services it really worked out for me. Also includes new wipers all around at each service as well, which run an addition $129.
Yes brake fluid change is every B service because of its ability to absorb moisture, coolant is way too early.
Interesting chart, but it is different that what I am seeing for my 2020 GLS. 30k replaced brake fluid and the "fine particle filter", 40K had nothing extra, 50k (which is coming up--vehicle says B-4) is spark plugs and engine air filter, 60k is cabin air filter, dust filter, replace brake fluid and transmission fluid.
I have my GLS450 at the dealership getting its 40k service B and they tell me the coolant flush is 10k overdue? They're worried about acid formation and damage to gaskets and the engine.
Has anyone heard anything like this?
ChatGPT has me dubious, saying:2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 comes factory-filled with a Silicate-Enhanced Organic Acid Technology (Si-OAT)coolant, adhering to Mercedes-Benz specification MB 325.5 or 325.6. This coolant is typically pink or violet in color and is engineered for extended service intervals, offering up to 15 years or 150,000 miles of protection under normal driving conditions.
Fire the corrupt dealer recommending coolant replacement at 30k miles.
What is Service A?
With the first visit at approximately 10,000 miles or 1 year whichever comes first – and then approximately every 20,000 miles or 2 years after that - Service A includes:
Mercedes-Benz motor oil replacement
Oil filter replacement
Fluid level checks and corrections
Tire inflation check and correction
Brake component inspection
Reset maintenance counter
What is Service B?
With the first visit at approximately 20,000 miles or 1 year after the previous service, and then approximately every 20,000 miles or 2 years after that — Service B includes:
Of course...... many corrupt dealers nowadays and the service department in most dealerships around is becoming a source of true scam.
It's even more ridiculous in BMW forums. There other day a few members were debating the spark plug replacement recommendation at 15K miles! The guy was convinced by his SA that this is the right thing to do on a 2 years old car. I feel bad for these people. READ THE SERVICE MANUAL!
To me, it is foolish to do any service before the recommended manufacturer interval including engine oil despite what people says online. Just follow the manual, and what the engineers who designed your car wrote, not the dealer, not your friend or forum colleague. Anyway that's my personal opinion, and obviously you can't go wrong either way... worst case is that you'll just wate some money
Of course...... many corrupt dealers nowadays and the service department in most dealerships around is becoming a source of true scam.
It's even more ridiculous in BMW forums. There other day a few members were debating the spark plug replacement recommendation at 15K miles! The guy was convinced by his SA that this is the right thing to do on a 2 years old car. I feel bad for these people. READ THE SERVICE MANUAL!
To me, it is foolish to do any service before the recommended manufacturer interval including engine oil despite what people says online. Just follow the manual, and what the engineers who designed your car wrote, not the dealer, not your friend or forum colleague. Anyway that's my personal opinion, and obviously you can't go wrong either way... worst case is that you'll just wate some money
I thought they have no charge maintenance for 3 years or so?
I thought they have no charge maintenance for 3 years or so?
Not for spark plugs - that's the point ; )
Even for the 2 or 3 year maintenance plan, the plan itself isn't free and often dealers customize it to include and get owners excited for things they don't even need to make it worth it. Most BMWs don't need anything besides oil change and filters during the first 2-3 years. These maintenance plans are useless unless you drive so much and expect the need for brake pads and rotors replacements (which are relatively cheap for BMWs).
All my BMWs were 4 times cheaper to maintain than my Mbenz... The regular annual service is a standard 120-150 USD total at all 4 dealerships I worked with for different cars I had (5-series, X5, X7, and Alpina B8). Never had to pay more than 120-150 USD for any of them during the annual service. On the other hand, Mbenz wants 450-800 USD for the service A/B based on my experience, as they squeeze in 60 USD for fuel additives of $30 for remote control batteries when i don't need it, etc - and they'd only disclose the itemized items until after the service is done cause most people won't ask and will just sign as they drop off the car.
Another trend by Mbenz dealers that I dislike nowadays is that all 3 dealerships within 250 miles radius from me won't offer a loaner during the annual service visit! (unless I have some service work to be done). I don't get it when my BMW dealer would let me drop off the car at 7AM before work, and keep the loaner until 6PM to pick up my car. When my BMW salesman sees me around, they'd even offer me some of their nice cars offered for sale to keep/try instead of a boring loaner. On the other hand, Mbenz won't get me a loaner for the annual visit, and on top of that, even if am buying a car most Mbenz dealers would want your salesman to stick his a$$ next to you and join the drive!!!. The Mbenz dealership experience isn't that great and you are lucky if your local dealership is different. Am doing my best to stick with the brand but with what's going on with the W223 early on when I had my W222 and couldn't upgrade, and how their cars are technologically 4-5 years behind all the time, I wouldn't be surprised if I'll leave the brand one day though I truly love our GLS, but it's the only Mbenz that I see value in nowadays compared to other options. I appreciate the physical buttons, the utility aspect of it, comfort level, and size.
Not for spark plugs - that's the point ; )
Even for the 2 or 3 year maintenance plan, the plan itself isn't free and often dealers customize it to include and get owners excited for things they don't even need to make it worth it. Most BMWs don't need anything besides oil change and filters during the first 2-3 years. These maintenance plans are useless unless you drive so much and expect the need for brake pads and rotors replacements (which are relatively cheap for BMWs).
All my BMWs were 4 times cheaper to maintain than my Mbenz... The regular annual service is a standard 120-150 USD total at all 4 dealerships I worked with for different cars I had (5-series, X5, X7, and Alpina B8). Never had to pay more than 120-150 USD for any of them during the annual service. On the other hand, Mbenz wants 450-800 USD for the service A/B based on my experience, as they squeeze in 60 USD for fuel additives of $30 for remote control batteries when i don't need it, etc - and they'd only disclose the itemized items until after the service is done cause most people won't ask and will just sign as they drop off the car.
Another trend by Mbenz dealers that I dislike nowadays is that all 3 dealerships within 250 miles radius from me won't offer a loaner during the annual service visit! (unless I have some service work to be done). I don't get it when my BMW dealer would let me drop off the car at 7AM before work, and keep the loaner until 6PM to pick up my car. When my BMW salesman sees me around, they'd even offer me some of their nice cars offered for sale to keep/try instead of a boring loaner. On the other hand, Mbenz won't get me a loaner for the annual visit, and on top of that, even if am buying a car most Mbenz dealers would want your salesman to stick his a$$ next to you and join the drive!!!. The Mbenz dealership experience isn't that great and you are lucky if your local dealership is different. Am doing my best to stick with the brand but with what's going on with the W223 early on when I had my W222 and couldn't upgrade, and how their cars are technologically 4-5 years behind all the time, I wouldn't be surprised if I'll leave the brand one day though I truly love our GLS, but it's the only Mbenz that I see value in nowadays compared to other options. I appreciate the physical buttons, the utility aspect of it, comfort level, and size.
I see. I understand the baked in the vehicle price part. At least you know oil will be changed on a timely manner with a 3 year old bmw (for those why buy used) maybe not spark plugs then i mean, you don't need it within 3 years anyways if at average annual miles.
For MB, next time, ask them to quote oil change and not ask for service A and B. Then just do the air filters and checks yourself. The oil and oil filter alone should be below 200 usd even with the dealership labour rates.
I was just reading another thread in the G wagen sub-forum , dealership wants them back for a 4k "immediate service", dealerships are suddenly so desperate.
I was hoping your dealership at least uber you home.
Agree with the general dislikes with modern MBs and how it is looking so far.
....
All my BMWs were 4 times cheaper to maintain than my Mbenz... The regular annual service is a standard 120-150 USD total at all 4 dealerships I worked with for different cars I had (5-series, X5, X7, and Alpina B8). Never had to pay more than 120-150 USD for any of them during the annual service. On the other hand, Mbenz wants 450-800 USD for the service A/B based on my experience, as they squeeze in 60 USD for fuel additives of $30 for remote control batteries when i don't need it, etc - and they'd only disclose the itemized items until after the service is done cause most people won't ask and will just sign as they drop off the car.
......
.
IMO $120 - $160 for the BMW Free service is more expensive than $450 for a non-free service!
If you don't want the additives, don't buy them.
Always read the Work Order before you sign the authorization.
If you only want an oil change, most dealers offer that for less than $200.
I, however, elect for the full service and inspection, and issues they've found that were covered under warranty were worth my investment.
I tend to keep my cars for a long time, and even if I sell / trade early, my value is enhanced by complete service records.
IMO $120 - $160 for the BMW Free service is more expensive than $450 for a non-free service!
If you don't want the additives, don't buy them.
Always read the Work Order before you sign the authorization.
If you only want an oil change, most dealers offer that for less than $200.
I, however, elect for the full service and inspection, and issues they've found that were covered under warranty were worth my investment.
I tend to keep my cars for a long time, and even if I sell / trade early, my value is enhanced by complete service records.
I don't pay for additives.
You have not owned a BMW in the past 6 years from what I can tell. The 140 USD includes full inspection at BMW dealerships + check and top off for ALL fluids + loaner + few other items. I always get keyfob battery replacement at no charge that all my SAs over the years threw in even if I don't complain. During my last months couple months ago, they even installed free wiper-blades as a courtesy (at no charge). Anyway even if I exclude those items, there is no way to get the same exact itemized items on the BMW annual service for the same price or even close at a Mbenz dealership. I don't want oil change only; usually I want the full inspection as normal, remote batteries if free, 12/48V battery health check, loaner, software update (which they always check and install for me). Also, I get a full detailed video for the inspection (all my BMW dealers were doing that for many years, I learned recently that some Mbenz dealers are doing that now, but not any of the 3 Mbenz dealerships arounds me). I've co-owned both brands at the same time for 7 or 8 years in a row now, meaning I've done at least 12-14 annual visits between both brands and various dealerships. Line to line, the Mbenz service would be at least twice the 140 USD price that BMW charges for the annual visit yet without a loaner (except for the 60K miles which includes a few more items like spark plugs and differential oil and I don't have a data-point for).
During my last visit, as I mentioned above, I stated that the wiper blades were streaking. They threw in new ones at no charge (and I didn't expect that) along with remote battery keys and the complimentary multipoint inspection.. I bet Mbenz dealership will gladly charge me 200-300 for the wiper blades alone (I've been charged once about 20-30 USD for keyfob batteries. In both cases I didn't have maintenance plan.
You have not owned a BMW in the past 6 years from what I can tell. The 140 USD includes full inspection at BMW dealerships + check and top off for ALL fluids + loaner + few other items. I always get keyfob battery replacement at no charge that all my SAs over the years threw in even if I don't complain. During my last months couple months ago, they even installed free wiper-blades as a courtesy (at no charge). Anyway even if I exclude those items, there is no way to get the same exact itemized items on the BMW annual service for the same price or even close at a Mbenz dealership. I don't want oil change only; usually I want the full inspection as normal, remote batteries if free, 12/48V battery health check, loaner, software update (which they always check and install for me). Also, I get a full detailed video for the inspection (all my BMW dealers were doing that for many years, I learned recently that some Mbenz dealers are doing that now, but not any of the 3 Mbenz dealerships arounds me). I've co-owned both brands at the same time for 7 or 8 years in a row now, meaning I've done at least 12-14 annual visits between both brands and various dealerships. Line to line, the Mbenz service would be at least twice the 140 USD price that BMW charges for the annual visit yet without a loaner (except for the 60K miles which includes a few more items like spark plugs and differential oil and I don't have a data-point for).
During my last visit, as I mentioned above, I stated that the wiper blades were streaking. They threw in new ones at no charge (and I didn't expect that) along with remote battery keys and the complimentary multipoint inspection.. I bet Mbenz dealership will gladly charge me 200-300 for the wiper blades alone (I've been charged once about 20-30 USD for keyfob batteries. In both cases I didn't have maintenance plan.
Still, $140 for the BMW Free Service sounds like it's un-free.🫤
When I make my appointment I specify No Additives and it's on the Repair Order when I arrive. Key batteries are always free, but I don't pay $180 for wipers - @$80 at my dealer, about the same as the local auto parts store.
Sounds like both of your dealers are taking advantage of you. Maybe shop around.
I travel an additional 60 miles to get service at my preferred dealer, or they'll concierge me 100 miles from their location if I don't want to go to the Big City. (Drop off and and pick up a loaner.)
Sorry about your loaner experience. I haven't had that problem, but I don't often get a GLE.
I've gotten the inspection video for years, although I had trouble saving it last fall.
I don't know what you mean by (Free Service). There is nothing like free service and I never mentioned that. Am referring to a regular case wherein someone is taking his car for an annual service. Not sur what free service is. No Maintenance plan in both cases.
I don't think anyone have taken advantage of me - I was well aware of what am paying for. For the keyfob batteries, 3 different states and 5 different Mbenz dealers have all charged for keyfob batteries. Majority of them will try to add it as a line item too in an effort that I may skip that line.
The loaner issue is something I've experienced recently. A few years ago, all 3 dealers around me used to offer free loaners for oil change service. Now they all offer it only for service visits and only depending on the type of complaint and how long that will take.
My best dealership experience ever was that for my Lincoln Navigator. If you own the BlackLabel trim, they'd come and take the car from you home garage, and return the car to you (all free of charge), and their extended warranty was 100K miles bumper to bumper and/or 6-years. Albeit that car lived in the shop for so many days for a number of issues.
Has BMW abandoned their 3 years of service for free, with any new car? Was 48mos/50k miles. Another reduction recently?
No, I don't drive a BMW, even though I used to work for a BMW store.
I test drove an X5 while shopping in 2021, but the handling was so inept that I took it to a tire store to check tire pressures.
They used to be the Ultimate Driving Machine, but not in 2021.
My favorite car poster is "the Grille that Cooks" with a picture of a 3 series grille. https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4a/be/9e/4...d3a012e965.jpg
Interesting. I do see in the owners manual the brake fluid exchange at 40k per addition to the oil service and cabin filters.
I got the total cost for the 40k, 50k and 60k mile services and they came out to almost $5200 + tax. I was able to buy the prepaid three service package for $3290 no tax (same price at all dealers). I think if I had timed it differently it may not have been such a great value, but capturing 3 of the bigger services it really worked out for me. Also includes new wipers all around at each service as well, which run an addition $129.
Brake fluid replacement is listed in a separate box I couldn't fit in the window.
Has BMW abandoned their 3 years of service for free, with any new car? Was 48mos/50k miles. Another reduction recently?
No, I don't drive a BMW, even though I used to work for a BMW store.
I test drove an X5 while shopping in 2021, but the handling was so inept that I took it to a tire store to check tire pressures.
They used to be the Ultimate Driving Machine, but not in 2021.
My favorite car poster is "the Grille that Cooks" with a picture of a 3 series grille. https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4a/be/9e/4...d3a012e965.jpg
See that’s what I kept repeating. Am not referring to the first 3-years (by then those would be free). Am referring to an apple to apple comparison between BMW and Mbenz charges when neither of then is under a free maintenance plan. BMW is 100% free the 1st 3-years , but even them after that it’s much lower than Mbenz after that.
See that’s what I kept repeating. Am not referring to the 1st years (by then those would be free). Am referring to an apple to apple comparison between BMW and Mbenz charges when neither of then is under a free maintenance plan. BMW is 100% free the 1st 3-years , but even them after that it’s much lower than Mbenz after that.
It sounds like they're only giving you 15 minutes of diagnostic time. A "quickie."
Unless their shop rate is $45/hr. The time spent at the parts window for your wiper blades would take 1/4 hour.
Something's not right here.
It sounds like they're only giving you 15 minutes of diagnostic time. A "quickie."
Unless their shop rate is $45/hr. The time spent at the parts window for your wiper blades would take 1/4 hour.
Something's not right here.
That’s what most Mbenz folks would say… You won’t know or believe what you are missing until you experience the other side yourself.
nothing wrong at all - that’s how much it costs on the other side and that’s the same premium customer service experience I’ve enjoyed year over year. If you are a returned customer, SA treats you well and each time there is a new SA assigned to my account my salesman would introduce me in person to him. BMW knows how to treat their customers and never experienced any add-ons like fuel additives or keyfob batteries rip-off
i mean, you don't need it within 3 years anyways if at average annual miles.
