hovr

Hey folks,
Just sent in my 2014 ML350 (55K) to a car shop specialized in european cars for B9 service (not dealership)

They listed the the following:

Oil change/filter $170 ($145 labor)
Spark plug replacement: $660 ($460 labor)
Auto Transfer Fluid: $84 ($60 labor)
Transmission Service: $425 ( $194 labor)

That's a whooping ~$1400, for a perfectly running car. I know the spark plug is probably due for a replacement, just want to see if the the last 2 items are reasonable at 55k

Thanks!

chassis

All the prices you wrote are generally in the ballpark. All of it is specified maintenance and it’s therefore recommended to be done, if you want to continue to have a well running vehicle.

hovr

Thanks, already ask the shop to go ahead.

But boy, no wonder folks either lease or sell their German cars as soon as it's out of warranty. I sold my first car for about that much.

OnlyGerman

It's really not that much if you consider you won't need any of those services for quite some time (besides oil change of course)...Basic maintenance can add up when it is done all at once, but required IF keeping the Benz long term.

Etienne Lau

Oil change on these vehicles are really easy, oil filter on top, use oil extractor to suck out the oil. So if you are willing to do the work yourself, you can save yourself the $170.

we47b1me

those people shouldn't be buying their german cars then when they flee at the first sign of maintaining them. it's called living beyond your means.

Diabolis

The item that makes no sense is the $170 for the oil change, of which $145 is labour. That leaves $25 for the oil and filter. 8 liters of any half-decent MB 229.5 spec oil and the filter are $100. Are they putting in two gallons of Mazola instead?

P.S. And what exactly is Auto Transfer fluid? Transfer case (differential) fluid?

Etienne Lau

That $170 charge for oil change is not out of line. Shop rates are $100+/hour. And yes 9L of oil + oil filter does cost that much. So I am not sure what your issue with the costs is..... Remember we are talking about have this done at the dealer. Even changing the 8L on my bluetec costs $100 for oil and filter. Plus shop charges, etc.....

Auto Transfer - Transfer Case oil change.

Diabolis

The OP wrote that the labour charge is $145 out of the $170, which leaves only $25 for the oil and filter. That's what my issue is - you can't get 8L of oil and a filter for $25. We are both in agreement that the oil and filter alone cost about $100. In other words, the job total should be higher - about $245 if they are charging $145 for the labour.

C280 Sport

Right! It’s like buying a 4,000 sq ft house and worrying about replacing the roof. It’s all part of cost of ownership. Buying and affording are different.

C280 Sport

That is about what I paid for a major service. I had mine done due to time not miles like the book says. I only have 35,000 on my 15 ML. Never did plugs yet.