B3 Service Question




However, if an oil spec is superseded, I believe a dealership is allowed to use existing stock until depleted, unless specifically prohibited by the manufacturer.
Which would probably just be a week or two.
There are a lot of opinions posted above, based on no information and guesses.
What specifically was included in those quotes?
You could go back and tell each of them that you're Price Shopping and see how they respond.
Most dealers have a "minimum service" menu, and others might offer "just an oil change" without the recommended (required for warranty?) inspections.
Or just ask for the cheapest service, if that's what you're looking for.
But without more information all we get is guesses.
- Dealer 1: Oil change, spark plugs, engine air filter, multipoint inspection ($1,300)
- Dealer 2: Oil change, cabin filter, air filter, brake fluid flush, multipoint inspection ($725)
I called 2 additional dealers and was quoted $1,450 and $1,200 for the oil change, spark plugs, engine air filter, and multipoint.
Whatever the state, though, they can only exceed the quoted amount by getting authorization via a phone call, message or email, that's notated on the repair order.
The important thing is to realize that it's an actual "Not to exceed" quote that you are authorizing, and also agreeing to pay the charge.
Edit- It's just like getting a re-roof on your house, or hiring a painter.
I assume they record the call as verbal proof that you accepted the quote?




- Dealer 1: Oil change, spark plugs, engine air filter, multipoint inspection ($1,300)
- Dealer 2: Oil change, cabin filter, air filter, brake fluid flush, multipoint inspection ($725)
I called 2 additional dealers and was quoted $1,450 and $1,200 for the oil change, spark plugs, engine air filter, and multipoint.
Brake flush is every 24 months, so that depends on when it was last done. It would be in addition to the above.




On the other hand, it seems criminal that BMW charges $150 for their free service.
But the owner also has to authorize those repairs beforehand, so calling Mercedes owners uninformed is kind of uninformed in itself.
We still don't know what the initial quote from the op's post included, so all these responses are pure conjecture.




$150 for 9 qts of oil, oil filter, wipers, cabin filters, a video, an hour+ of shop time even by minimum Level 3 technician, and a quick detail is definitely a good deal, even if somewhat unbelievable.
Last edited by mikapen; May 11, 2025 at 10:11 AM.
$150 for 9 qts of oil, oil filter, wipers, cabin filters, a video, an hour+ of shop time even by minimum Level 3 technician, and a quick detail is definitely a good deal, even if somewhat unbelievable.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG




A year later, you could tell which cars had skipped the 600 mile checkup.




BMW dealers are always so busy because of their very competitive rate for the annual service that even indy shop can't compete with (unless you have a big repear, then you get to choose, but they follow just the same software that indy shops are using to estimate the repair time for a given service; not sure about their hourly rate but it seemed ot be always reasonable, often they charge customers low 100s / hour, while they pay the technical probably 54-60sh USD/hour or 100-120K a year).
The maintenance manual itself for BMW is much easier to find (Can download/fine it online, from the app, or via the online personal profile web-portal), and there is a small book that comes with the car. There are no vagueness as far as what gets done every-year or at what mine. I don't know why, on the other hand, Mbenz made their maintenance schedule a big secret. There is also a reminder in the iDrive menu for the "Vehicle check" which is also separate from the fluids, brake pads/fluid, oil change, etc). It's been the same in all my BMWs starting from model year 2016 up until today.
Also, loaners are always free (the 3 mercedes dealers around me all would not offer a loaner during oil change unless there is a repair). Personally I prefer to drop off the car on the way to work in the AM, get a loaner, and just return it by end of the day. I love my GLS, but sorry, there is literally nothing better ownership wise with Mbenz dealers than BMW... nothing... and since 2016 I lived in 3 different states and worked with many different benz and BMW dealers and it's been always the same... Mbenz dealers trying to charge 600-900 and in a sneaky manner trying to squeeze in a few items hopping that I won't notice, while BMW always going by the book, word by word, with ~150 USD charge except when I need spark plugs or any other special items like brake fluids, or at the 6th years mark like differential fluids, radiator coolant, etc ... I have never ever offered anything that is not in the manual by BMW dealers (such as replacing wipers just for the same of replacing them when they are good, key-fob batteries, or fuel additives, etc).
Last edited by S_W222; May 12, 2025 at 10:23 AM.
BMW dealers are always so busy because of their very competitive rate for the annual service that even indy shop can't compete with (unless you have a big repear, then you get to choose, but they follow just the same software that indy shops are using to estimate the repair time for a given service; not sure about their hourly rate but it seemed ot be always reasonable, often they charge customers low 100s / hour, while they pay the technical probably 54-60sh USD/hour or 100-120K a year).
The maintenance manual itself for BMW is much easier to find (Can download/fine it online, from the app, or via the online personal profile web-portal), and there is a small book that comes with the car. There are no vagueness as far as what gets done every-year or at what mine. I don't know why, on the other hand, Mbenz made their maintenance schedule a big secret. There is also a reminder in the iDrive menu for the "Vehicle check" which is also separate from the fluids, brake pads/fluid, oil change, etc). It's been the same in all my BMWs starting from model year 2016 up until today.
Also, loaners are always free (the 3 mercedes dealers around me all would not offer a loaner during oil change unless there is a repair). Personally I prefer to drop off the car on the way to work in the AM, get a loaner, and just return it by end of the day. I love my GLS, but sorry, there is literally nothing better ownership wise with Mbenz dealers than BMW... nothing... and since 2016 I lived in 3 different states and worked with many different benz and BMW dealers and it's been always the same... Mbenz dealers trying to charge 600-900 and in a sneaky manner trying to squeeze in a few items hopping that I won't notice, while BMW always going by the book, word by word, with ~150 USD charge except when I need spark plugs or any other special items like brake fluids, or at the 6th years mark like differential fluids, radiator coolant, etc ... I have never ever offered anything that is not in the manual by BMW dealers (such as replacing wipers just for the same of replacing them when they are good, key-fob batteries, or fuel additives, etc).
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...8b4662f376.png
MB used to have it (or at lest MB Canada used to have it online) but for some reason only prior to 2017 (including) model year, here is an example of a 2017 C-Class: https://www.mercedes-benz.ca/content..._Ed_B__ENG.pdf
nowadays even asking service advisior they say it is confidential... seriously








One my favorite Demos, when the dealer let us order demonstrators that we would then drive until sold, was an 82 GLT Turbo Wagon with the somewhat secret, optional parts department intercooler. Fond memories. Did some autocrosses, got it broken in, took a record-breaking 700 mile road trip and sold it. Definite mixed emotions. Silver w/ black leather.
One my favorite Demos, when the dealer let us order demonstrators that we would then drive until sold, was an 82 GLT Turbo Wagon with the somewhat secret, optional parts department intercooler. Fond memories. Did some autocrosses, got it broken in, took a record-breaking 700 mile road trip and sold it. Definite mixed emotions. Silver w/ black leather.




I see, so not anything to do with the brand, you don't mind the vehicles just not a fan of the dealership.






