bzliteyear

I know prices vary, but anyone been quoted a price on this...and what does it include for the V12TT? I've found that often times it's cheaper to get the individual check list of items done rather than the "letter" service.
Patrick

Fraser

My local dealer charge $440 for it. I assumed there was a higher price for AMGs or V12s but apparently not.

http://pictures.dealer.com//mcgeorge...fc2793f6cd.pdf

rondocap

I think sometimes these services are "packaged" to us as something more special then they really are, especially for the AMG's and higher end cars - but the reality is they are all just pretty much simple checks of the fluids, and suspension/driveline if they look underneath. (Brakes/tires too, and the usual oil change)


Nothing that a qualified person could not otherwise do- but Mercedes like to charge a lot for these in their "packages" or A and B service.

Fraser

Personally I don't have a problem paying a premium for dealership work, then again I only drive about 7000 miles a year...I like the fact that:
1) Work is guaranteed for a year
2) There's some recourse with a higher authority should something go pear-shaped
3) Looks better when it comes to selling the vehicle
4) My warranty company can't get bent out of shape for me not properly maintaining the vehicle.
5) Loaner/shuttle for the day to my office

Quadcammer

While we typically agree on most things, this is one area where I disagree...although it is certainly dependent on the owners skill level.

I don't mind waking up a bit early on a saturday, grabbing a cup of coffee, turning on the radio and doing the services on my own car, and those of my family (which include a CLK550, a CL550, and an SL55).

MB routine maintenance is very very easy. Oil changes are a snap, air filters are cake, even tranny fluid/diff fluid is not at all complicated.

I am 100% sure that when I'm under the car, I do a more thorough, and frankly more caring job. I let the oil drain for a while, I inspect for leaks, I clean any grime, and I make sure everything goes back where it should (especially all the bolts on the undertray...I've had more than a few of those go missing during dealer service).

Given that the parts in question are so standard, the failure rate is low. The services are simple with little chance for other harm, so I don't feel like I need that "warranty".

Recourse...yes or no, most likely depending on your relationship with the dealer.

Hard to say...to the average mb buyer, probably. Then again, some enthusiasts would probably appreciate an owner that knew his car inside and out. The reality is that most of these cars are traded to dealers who will most likely wholesale them and couldn't care less about the service records.

Granted, warranty companies can get pissy, but if you have the oil/filter receipts and they can't show that the service wasn't performed, I'd say you'd have a good case.

I'd rather drive my own car to work, but that option is nice I will admit.

benz rider

This is what I do. nothing more satisfying than being able to wrench on you own vehicle and save a hunk of scratch in the process.


and who says the dealership handles your car better anyway? they certainly didn't handle mine with care as I had a host of broken plastic pieces stashed away in various places after I got my car back from them. It was not until I found a indie MB mechanic with a genuine love for these cars that my worries went away.

rondocap

It's definitely satisfying to know what is going on under your car. It'd be nice to have an expert tech look at your car everyday or every week, but unless you are friends with one, the best solution is knowledge and to learn yourself what goes on.

Do you guys just jack the car up with a jack or do you have a lift available somewhere? I can imagine it'd be hard to work under there for certain tasks without too much clearance.

Quadcammer

actually not really.

I tend to use ramps for the typical A/B service and a jack to help all the oil drain out. These cars are not all that low slung to begin with, so with decent ramps/jackstands, the car is plenty high.

I'm a skinny fella, but I have plenty of room. under the 911, well that can be another story.

Fraser

...and that's where I fall short

Reckless

I think I paid under $500 for mine from what I can remember. But around 60k, I had to replace all 24 spark plugs which ran around $1000 at the dealer.

benzat17

i paid approx. 360$ for service b and service a is approx 240$ or so

s5benzo

i also agree with oliverk. 220's are actually pretty simple to maintain ....just last weekend i changed the oil on my s500 and replaced the transmission connector, reset fss and couple months ago changed front airmatic strut. i prefer doing my own maintenance...well i own an auto repair business but thats besides the fact. most of these A and B services are an oil change...plus all inspections...i prefer to do that myself. goodluck.

mobilusa

Live, learn, love your Mercedes!

kainedogg

Can spark plugs be done at home for the S600's? I don't mind paying the G if its a complex, labor intensive task.

bzliteyear

I looked over the B list, and most of the items were either done recently(wiper replacement) or were not applicable (no rotating of tires on our staggered set-up).
bottom line, our MB dealer WILL LONGER DO oil changes during the A or B service(unless doing an EXTRA oil change in between).
the mgmt will only allow them to do the A or B!!!
wow!
PL

Reckless

I believe 24 spark plugs ran ~$900 in parts alone. I forgot to check the receipt.

Quadcammer

At the dealer maybe.

you can get them for about $11 a piece, so about $270.

Nardulli

NGK Plugs for the S 600 are about $14 each.