MB Service
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Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
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2012 ML 350 BlueTec
MB Service
I'm new to MB (getting my ml350 next week) and was wondering how good their service is? The dealer says that they will come and pick it up and drop you off a MB loaner! Never heard of that.
At 52 years young and having purchased a bunch of new vehicles I have found that most dealer services are not that good. Lots of them treat you like they have you by the pants and don't really care.
Everything I have read says that the MB service is exceptional.
Thoughts?
Thanks......
FWIW I got the bluetech with P2, trailer hitch, wood steering wheel, drivers assistance package, running boards, rear seat entertainment pre-wire, got the blue metallic color.
At 52 years young and having purchased a bunch of new vehicles I have found that most dealer services are not that good. Lots of them treat you like they have you by the pants and don't really care.
Everything I have read says that the MB service is exceptional.
Thoughts?
Thanks......
FWIW I got the bluetech with P2, trailer hitch, wood steering wheel, drivers assistance package, running boards, rear seat entertainment pre-wire, got the blue metallic color.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
welcome, congrats and yes! your assumtions are pretty accurate about the dealer...
they're also thinking about 'shop fees' when they sell a car.......planning on making more
off of us at service times.....
I don't know where you live but finding a good indy shop that specializes in MB is key you know? The one I use lets me watch, helps me understand whats going on, and really tries to include me in the service when I go in....and I always ask too; so I can learn and become more aware of whats going on under these complex hoods...
I haven't ever really been blown away by anything at the dealer....
most of all enjoy the car! only use the dealer for warranty stuff.....
they're also thinking about 'shop fees' when they sell a car.......planning on making more
off of us at service times.....
I don't know where you live but finding a good indy shop that specializes in MB is key you know? The one I use lets me watch, helps me understand whats going on, and really tries to include me in the service when I go in....and I always ask too; so I can learn and become more aware of whats going on under these complex hoods...
I haven't ever really been blown away by anything at the dealer....
most of all enjoy the car! only use the dealer for warranty stuff.....
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 978
Likes: 3
From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
It really depends on the dealer. While I lived in New York City I used MB of Manhattan. Really good sales but awful service. It was so bad that I was considering not getting another Benz so I would not have to deal with them. Got married, moved to Jersey and my dealer is amazing. Now I would not even consider any other brand because I would hate to deal with other dealers/dealerships. Picking my car up and dropping off a loaner is never an issue. If I choose to take my car in they always give me a loaner of my choice (if the model I requested is available). One of my cars got totaled and they gave me a loaner while I was shopping around looking at other brands and dealerships but ended up returning to them. They offered to let me test drive anything I ever wanted for 24-48 hours. The service department is outstanding and they don't try to rip me off. My Service Advisor calls me before they replace anything on my car or they have to take my car for a test drive they call me and tell me approximately how many miles they will put on it. The service my dealership offers is truly great and exceptional. My sales person and Service Advisor go out of their way to make sure I'm happy. While I'm living in my area this is the only dealer I will ever deal with if they keep up the good work of what they are currently doing.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 59
Likes: 1
iu
welcome, congrats and yes! your assumtions are pretty accurate about the dealer...
they're also thinking about 'shop fees' when they sell a car.......planning on making more
off of us at service times.....
I don't know where you live but finding a good indy shop that specializes in MB is key you know? The one I use lets me watch, helps me understand whats going on, and really tries to include me in the service when I go in....and I always ask too; so I can learn and become more aware of whats going on under these complex hoods...
I haven't ever really been blown away by anything at the dealer....
most of all enjoy the car! only use the dealer for warranty stuff.....
they're also thinking about 'shop fees' when they sell a car.......planning on making more
off of us at service times.....
I don't know where you live but finding a good indy shop that specializes in MB is key you know? The one I use lets me watch, helps me understand whats going on, and really tries to include me in the service when I go in....and I always ask too; so I can learn and become more aware of whats going on under these complex hoods...
I haven't ever really been blown away by anything at the dealer....
most of all enjoy the car! only use the dealer for warranty stuff.....
I know the standard answer on most forums is "Yes pay for the service, you spent 60k on the car why skip the service" which i understand to an extent. For the 3k or so for the 5yr/50k service, according to the 2011 service manual, i will be getting 5 oil changes, fuel filters at 20/40k, Adblu fill ups, trans fluid change at 40k, brake fluid at 20/40k, and routine checks of systems. Does this really justify $600 per visit not counting any parts that need to be replaced?
I am going to check the one independant shop in my area for a cost comparison of the exact same service and compare when i get back in the country but for now i am trying to find a way to rationalize the cost.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Bow, NH
2012 ML350 Bluetec, 2009 Audi A4 Cab,2003 Harley Road King
I'm asking the very same question KD is since i expect to take delivery of my first MB in January.
I know the standard answer on most forums is "Yes pay for the service, you spent 60k on the car why skip the service" which i understand to an extent. For the 3k or so for the 5yr/50k service, according to the 2011 service manual, i will be getting 5 oil changes, fuel filters at 20/40k, Adblu fill ups, trans fluid change at 40k, brake fluid at 20/40k, and routine checks of systems. Does this really justify $600 per visit not counting any parts that need to be replaced?
I am going to check the one independant shop in my area for a cost comparison of the exact same service and compare when i get back in the country but for now i am trying to find a way to rationalize the cost.
I know the standard answer on most forums is "Yes pay for the service, you spent 60k on the car why skip the service" which i understand to an extent. For the 3k or so for the 5yr/50k service, according to the 2011 service manual, i will be getting 5 oil changes, fuel filters at 20/40k, Adblu fill ups, trans fluid change at 40k, brake fluid at 20/40k, and routine checks of systems. Does this really justify $600 per visit not counting any parts that need to be replaced?
I am going to check the one independant shop in my area for a cost comparison of the exact same service and compare when i get back in the country but for now i am trying to find a way to rationalize the cost.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 978
Likes: 3
From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
It will not cost you $600 per visit. Your dealer should be able to give you published cost for A and B Service. I plan on changing oil at 5K intervals (as opposed to recommended 10K). Mobil One oil and filter change is $99 at my dealer and that includes a vacume and wash.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: Endicott NY
2014 ML350 Bluetec, 2016 GLC 300, 2023 Corvette, Z51 Stingray
My local dealer closed and the 2 closest dealers are 70 miles away either traveling north to Syracuse NY or south to PA. Not impressed with either of these dealers service. Only go there if I have a warranty claim. Luckly I have an independent MB garage that performes all of my scheduled maintenance and the shop is only 3 miles from my house. Very reasonable and honest. Usually has a loaner for my use. Not sure if you would be able to locate a local independent MB service garage but it might be worth looking into especially for routine oil and filter changes.
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 59
Likes: 1
iu
Like Greg said a regular service is not $600 for the car. Service A is between $99 and $280 depending on where you are getting it done (search the board for prices that people actually paid). Service B is more but I have only done Service B on 1 car and it was many, many years ago and I don't recall the price. You can always go back to your dealer and ask them about the Star Pre-Paid Service. Basically you can purchase services in advance at a discounted price. For the E-Class I saw they have a package for 2 years or 20,000 miles for $619. The package also enables you to get your car serviced at any dealership of your choice (authorized by MB of course) for the pre-negotiated price.
Unfortunantly, now I have additional questions about service A/B. Service A covers standard oil changes which is pretty much what you need for the 10/30k and B is the more indepth service? Obviously, the prepaid option is for MB to make money but is not the way to go?
thanks again, still trying to learn the ins and outs of owning a MB.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 978
Likes: 3
From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
Thanks, guys. i was basing the price off of MBUSA website that lists prepaid maintenance for 2-5 years 5 being 3k.
Unfortunantly, now I have additional questions about service A/B. Service A covers standard oil changes which is pretty much what you need for the 10/30k and B is the more indepth service? Obviously, the prepaid option is for MB to make money but is not the way to go?
thanks again, still trying to learn the ins and outs of owning a MB.
Unfortunantly, now I have additional questions about service A/B. Service A covers standard oil changes which is pretty much what you need for the 10/30k and B is the more indepth service? Obviously, the prepaid option is for MB to make money but is not the way to go?
thanks again, still trying to learn the ins and outs of owning a MB.
In general Service A includes this:
http://www.mercedesrepairmiami.com/services/mercedes-service-a/index.html
And Service B includes this:
http://www.mercedesrepairmiami.com/s...e-b/index.html
I don't think the pre-paid option is to benefit MB solely. My wife has it on her MB and her first Service A was free and I didn't have to pay for anything. MB is offering this to be competitive with BMW with their "free" maintenance. Most people fail to realize that BMW's "free" maintenance is already calculated in the price of the vehicle. I think it is nice of MB to give us a choice if we want this or not. If you plan to keep your vehicle for a long time I would go with the Pre-Paid deal but be sure to sit down with your dealer and have him/her go over this with you and don't be afraid to ask questions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
One thing you guys are forgetting with I believe both services is that they do or should interrogate the computer for any faults with the STAR system. Independents cant do this as its unlikely they have the Star system. In addition the dealer will usually check for any bulletins that should be complied with and do them. Indys do not have access to the very new bulletins nor can they perform them at no charge as they cant give warranty service.
All in all I have found my dealer excellent both in mechanical expertise and actually providing me a good service experience. Prices are not cheap but reasonable.
All in all I have found my dealer excellent both in mechanical expertise and actually providing me a good service experience. Prices are not cheap but reasonable.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 978
Likes: 3
From: Essex County, NJ
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic - P2 & Drivers Assist / 2010 C300 Sport 4Matic - P2 / 2013 Porsche Cayenne S
One thing you guys are forgetting with I believe both services is that they do or should interrogate the computer for any faults with the STAR system. Independents cant do this as its unlikely they have the Star system. In addition the dealer will usually check for any bulletins that should be complied with and do them. Indys do not have access to the very new bulletins nor can they perform them at no charge as they cant give warranty service.
All in all I have found my dealer excellent both in mechanical expertise and actually providing me a good service experience. Prices are not cheap but reasonable.
All in all I have found my dealer excellent both in mechanical expertise and actually providing me a good service experience. Prices are not cheap but reasonable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,522
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From: East Texas
2004 Volvo XC70; 2012 GLK 350 4matic
My little dealer in the woods of East Texas will come and get Lisa's GLK for service. We are about 25-30 miles farther back in the woods. We did have to sign a waiver agreeing not to get our knickers in a twist when they leave a Toyota loaner for Lisa to use. Grinning. The M-B business is part of a larger Toyota lot. The funny thing: No Lexus dealer. Go figure.
We shall see if the service is up to M-B standards. Frankly, I doubt if there is an indy shop in the neighborhood that would be any better.
Wayne
We shall see if the service is up to M-B standards. Frankly, I doubt if there is an indy shop in the neighborhood that would be any better.
Wayne
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 59
Likes: 1
iu
Service A is the "lighter" of the two services. Change of oil, change of filters, topping off fluids, etc.. Service B contains everything from a Service A plus brakes, underside or the car, lubrication, etc... Your manual should list all the items that are inside Service A and Service B specific to the model of car you own.
In general Service A includes this:
http://www.mercedesrepairmiami.com/services/mercedes-service-a/index.html
And Service B includes this:
http://www.mercedesrepairmiami.com/s...e-b/index.html
I don't think the pre-paid option is to benefit MB solely. My wife has it on her MB and her first Service A was free and I didn't have to pay for anything. MB is offering this to be competitive with BMW with their "free" maintenance. Most people fail to realize that BMW's "free" maintenance is already calculated in the price of the vehicle. I think it is nice of MB to give us a choice if we want this or not. If you plan to keep your vehicle for a long time I would go with the Pre-Paid deal but be sure to sit down with your dealer and have him/her go over this with you and don't be afraid to ask questions.
In general Service A includes this:
http://www.mercedesrepairmiami.com/services/mercedes-service-a/index.html
And Service B includes this:
http://www.mercedesrepairmiami.com/s...e-b/index.html
I don't think the pre-paid option is to benefit MB solely. My wife has it on her MB and her first Service A was free and I didn't have to pay for anything. MB is offering this to be competitive with BMW with their "free" maintenance. Most people fail to realize that BMW's "free" maintenance is already calculated in the price of the vehicle. I think it is nice of MB to give us a choice if we want this or not. If you plan to keep your vehicle for a long time I would go with the Pre-Paid deal but be sure to sit down with your dealer and have him/her go over this with you and don't be afraid to ask questions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
Likes: 6
From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
+1 to everything that you've said. I love my dealer and love the service they provide. I've never been to an Indy shop and never plan too. I don't mind paying whatever my dealer asks to have a piece of mind and the exceptional service I receive again and again. It also helps that my service department is not full of crooks
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 357
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2012 ML 350 BlueTec
Thanks for all the info. We did get the 2 year service plan and may just up it to the full 5 year plan after reading the posts. I'll wait to see how the service it first. Can't wait to get the ML. its due next week.
