Dealer service prices
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Geneva, AL
93 500 SEL
Dealer service prices
I recently obtained a 93 500 SEL with 107K, in way above average cosmetic condition at about a wholesale price. Due to some minor issues with the car, such as bulbs, tilt wheel actuator, I brought it to a dealer (the only one within 90 miles) to service engine and tranny and take care of the other issues. The car is excellent mechanically, but I did notice the front end being a little "spongy" on the highway. Front shocks, frame bushings, ball joints, basically an entire front end rebuild was needed (I inspected it myself). Dealer charge was over 3K for the work. I once had a BMW 540 front end rebuilt for about half that. Did I get ripped off, or is that about right for an MB?
Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
1997 S600 Sedan
It's a little late to think about that now.
Just drive it now that it's fixed and enjoy it.
Labor cost at MB dealerships is typically $100/hr or more, and parts are always at premium cost. What does your service invoice say? If they did only the work that you authorized, and you happily paid them, I don't see how you got ripped off.
Brett
Labor cost at MB dealerships is typically $100/hr or more, and parts are always at premium cost. What does your service invoice say? If they did only the work that you authorized, and you happily paid them, I don't see how you got ripped off.
Brett
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Geneva, AL
93 500 SEL
Didn't mean to imply the dealer was dishonest. The BMW service manager at the dealership I used to go to is one of the best. I just noticed in the threads that there is a BIGGER variation for MB between dealership and independent service costs, though, in many cases, the competence factor is about equal. You're right, though, I'm happily driving the Benz. It's a great car.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 455
Likes: 1
From: Fl
92 500sel/01 320e wag
Thre are some things a independent can do and there are other things MB can do. The thing about a dealer they can take parts out of stock and return them if they dont do the trick. Most independents can not return electrical parts, dealerships have a large over-head but most still charge by the flat rate (the same labor rate they get under warranty). I have found out that altho I pay a little more, sometimes they bend in my favor if they can!
Lately MB does not share a lot of service info and everything is stored in the computer, I have been told that dealers lease the software.
Lately MB does not share a lot of service info and everything is stored in the computer, I have been told that dealers lease the software.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Geneva, AL
93 500 SEL
My overall experience with the dealer, though some things a bit pricey, was positive. Troubleshooting one problem required some part restocking, which is the dealer's advantage. This dealer's shop rate was only $75 hr, to me another advantage. Plus the service tech was very thorough in going through the car. And in our part of the country, the snobby attitude some have complained about doesn't exist. When all is said and done, it turns out that I'm glad I made the switch from BMW. . .especially when I'm driving that 500 down the highway.
