Dealership v. Local Mechanic
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2
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ML350
Dealership v. Local Mechanic
I went into the dealership because my door handle is defective for my 2012 ML350 w/ 38,000 miles on it. This is covered by the extended warranty? While there they said I needed the following done:
1.) Drive belt ($126) 2.) Transmission Service ($590) 3.) 4X4 fluid service - 4Q 80-90 ($337) 4.) Replacement of 6 sparkles ($636). Any thoughts as to much how much I what % I would save going to a local mechanic that specializes on Mercedes vehicles. I am also wondering if I even need this stuff done at my mileage even though I have gone past the time recommended for these services.
1.) Drive belt ($126) 2.) Transmission Service ($590) 3.) 4X4 fluid service - 4Q 80-90 ($337) 4.) Replacement of 6 sparkles ($636). Any thoughts as to much how much I what % I would save going to a local mechanic that specializes on Mercedes vehicles. I am also wondering if I even need this stuff done at my mileage even though I have gone past the time recommended for these services.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 207
Likes: 37
From: Beaverdam, VA
W123 300CD, R107 560SL, W211 E320
This probably heresy but ...
Your Mercedes is first and foremost just a car. There are many regular maintenance items that are common to all cars. For example fluid changes, filters, brake service, belt replacement and spark plugs. Any COMPETENT experienced mechanic can do any of those. In fact you can do it yourself if so inclined. The dealer gets somewhere between $120 to $140 per hour for labor and pays a premium for factory original equipment parts. Your Independent mechanic gets $80 to $90 per hour and will use aftermarket NON-CRITICAL parts. In short you will save yourself a bundle, even more if can do simple stuff li8ke oil changes and filter changes yourself.
