B service non-sense
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,141
Likes: 4,630
From: Maryland
2024 S580
When I had my former 15” W222, I still can’t forget how dump I was when I paid nearly 850 USD for oil change service (A or B, can’t recall) wherein all I needed was oil change. They charged 25 bucks to randomly change key fob batteries, too much labour for air filter and cabin filter, as well as 50 bucks or more for fuel stabilizer… combined all together with some other non-sense, it was close to 850 USD!.
Currently, with my new-to-me S560, I’ll plan on replacing all filters (engine filter and cabin), buy the fuel stabilizer myself, and other easy to do stuff myself in my garage, and let the dealer strictly do the oil change and engine oil filter only.
I don’t understand why most MBenz dealers add those non-sense stuff to their oil change service. I take all my BMWs to the BMW dealer and I let them do whatever they want during the 10K miles service, and the bill is always within 140-160 USD. Most Mbenz dealers I dealt with, unless I tell them no to do, they’d add a lot of non-sense services (like replacing the key fob batteries for $25!! That doesn’t even need to be replaced).
Currently, with my new-to-me S560, I’ll plan on replacing all filters (engine filter and cabin), buy the fuel stabilizer myself, and other easy to do stuff myself in my garage, and let the dealer strictly do the oil change and engine oil filter only.
I don’t understand why most MBenz dealers add those non-sense stuff to their oil change service. I take all my BMWs to the BMW dealer and I let them do whatever they want during the 10K miles service, and the bill is always within 140-160 USD. Most Mbenz dealers I dealt with, unless I tell them no to do, they’d add a lot of non-sense services (like replacing the key fob batteries for $25!! That doesn’t even need to be replaced).
I'm coming up on my 40k mile B service and I'm probably going to let my independent mechanic who did my brakes do it, I have to see what the cost difference is.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,499
Likes: 6,347
When I had my former 15” W222, I still can’t forget how dump I was when I paid nearly 850 USD for oil change service (A or B, can’t recall) wherein all I needed was oil change. They charged 25 bucks to randomly change key fob batteries, too much labour for air filter and cabin filter, as well as 50 bucks or more for fuel stabilizer… combined all together with some other non-sense, it was close to 850 USD!.
Currently, with my new-to-me S560, I’ll plan on replacing all filters (engine filter and cabin), buy the fuel stabilizer myself, and other easy to do stuff myself in my garage, and let the dealer strictly do the oil change and engine oil filter only.
I don’t understand why most MBenz dealers add those non-sense stuff to their oil change service. I take all my BMWs to the BMW dealer and I let them do whatever they want during the 10K miles service, and the bill is always within 140-160 USD. Most Mbenz dealers I dealt with, unless I tell them no to do, they’d add a lot of non-sense services (like replacing the key fob batteries for $25!! That doesn’t even need to be replaced).
Currently, with my new-to-me S560, I’ll plan on replacing all filters (engine filter and cabin), buy the fuel stabilizer myself, and other easy to do stuff myself in my garage, and let the dealer strictly do the oil change and engine oil filter only.
I don’t understand why most MBenz dealers add those non-sense stuff to their oil change service. I take all my BMWs to the BMW dealer and I let them do whatever they want during the 10K miles service, and the bill is always within 140-160 USD. Most Mbenz dealers I dealt with, unless I tell them no to do, they’d add a lot of non-sense services (like replacing the key fob batteries for $25!! That doesn’t even need to be replaced).
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 697
Likes: 238
From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
They pad all kinds of stuff. I really got taken for a ride when I did the first A service on mine, they added a side to side tire rotation (staggered tires) and replaced the magic vision wipers for $250, total bill was almost $1,000 for an A Service. I took it to a different dealer for the B service and the next A service and the service rep there was astonished how badly I had been taken for a ride.
I'm coming up on my 40k mile B service and I'm probably going to let my independent mechanic who did my brakes do it, I have to see what the cost difference is.
I'm coming up on my 40k mile B service and I'm probably going to let my independent mechanic who did my brakes do it, I have to see what the cost difference is.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 573
Likes: 179
From: Half Moon Bay, CA
2016 S550e, 2005 Nissan Xterra 4x4, 1984 300ZX
I was looking at the bill I had for the A service which also included an AUX battery replacement and ended up nearly 1k even with a coupon. they flippin' charged me $14 for wiper flluid and $50 for checking fluid levels. Never again, I have an aftermarket warranty now but my Indy will get the next B service, he invested in an expensive computer tool and can reset the B service. Looking at the Autobahn Motors (redwood city, CA--Bay Area) website they want over $1,000 for a B service and it only shows that they will be doing oil change and "checking" other stuff...cannot believe that and they use Mobile 1 ,my indy uses Motul for his MB, Audio and BMW customers.
I sure did like the free loaner car and the fresh coffee but bye bye for service to them.
I sure did like the free loaner car and the fresh coffee but bye bye for service to them.
Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 119
Likes: 16
2004 SL500 // 2015 S550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,154
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From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
They pad all kinds of stuff. I really got taken for a ride when I did the first A service on mine, they added a side to side tire rotation (staggered tires) and replaced the magic vision wipers for $250, total bill was almost $1,000 for an A Service. I took it to a different dealer for the B service and the next A service and the service rep there was astonished how badly I had been taken for a ride.
I'm coming up on my 40k mile B service and I'm probably going to let my independent mechanic who did my brakes do it, I have to see what the cost difference is.
I'm coming up on my 40k mile B service and I'm probably going to let my independent mechanic who did my brakes do it, I have to see what the cost difference is.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,154
Likes: 1,529
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
I was looking at the bill I had for the A service which also included an AUX battery replacement and ended up nearly 1k even with a coupon. they flippin' charged me $14 for wiper flluid and $50 for checking fluid levels. Never again, I have an aftermarket warranty now but my Indy will get the next B service, he invested in an expensive computer tool and can reset the B service. Looking at the Autobahn Motors (redwood city, CA--Bay Area) website they want over $1,000 for a B service and it only shows that they will be doing oil change and "checking" other stuff...cannot believe that and they use Mobile 1 ,my indy uses Motul for his MB, Audio and BMW customers.
I sure did like the free loaner car and the fresh coffee but bye bye for service to them.
I sure did like the free loaner car and the fresh coffee but bye bye for service to them.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,141
Likes: 4,630
From: Maryland
2024 S580
Yeah but why do they pad all this kind of stuff without even asking? I’ve dealt with nearly 4 different BMW dealers, every single one of them called me in advance to confirm the services being done, cost, and asked for my verbal approval. At Mbenz, they seem to have a habit of padding and adding services to pile up additional dollars to the bill. I hardly think it is a corporate thing, but it seems to be happening with everyone else to at Mbenz dealers.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,499
Likes: 6,347
Because thats how they make money. Thats not unique to MB dealers, car dealers have been adding stuff to factory maintenance forever. I was given a list of items at MB and a price and I agreed to it beforehand, I just was new to MB and didn't realize those things weren't part of the factory interval, in short...they took advantage of me but that was my fault because I didnt research what needed to be done beforehand.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,141
Likes: 4,630
From: Maryland
2024 S580
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,499
Likes: 6,347
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,141
Likes: 4,630
From: Maryland
2024 S580
Tire rotation should be part of the service, but not when you have staggered tires. They charged me $100 to move my tires from one side of the car to the other which is just ridiculous. All MB dealers use A&B, its just the way MB service is designed.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,499
Likes: 6,347
As for the A&B I heard some dealerships just called it 10,20,30,40,50K etc. mile service and no longer use A/B but that isn't true for many dealerships.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
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From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
Because thats how they make money. Thats not unique to MB dealers, car dealers have been adding stuff to factory maintenance forever. I was given a list of items at MB and a price and I agreed to it beforehand, I just was new to MB and didn't realize those things weren't part of the factory interval, in short...they took advantage of me but that was my fault because I didnt research what needed to be done beforehand.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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I was not given the chance to approve or authorize any of these additional items. What i authorized was service B as I recall (or A) in general, but apparently, their definition of service B/A is different from that in the manual. I read the manual before I took the car to the dealer and my “expectations” were that service B is defined the same way as the maintenance manual. I have to admit that partially it is my fault for not asking them to itemize exactly what they list under service B to spot any additional “dealer added” items, but I did not. I was not told about the cost beforehand, and when I saw the 800-900 USD total, I knew there was more behind it than just engine oil, filter and the engine air filter. I would have certainly declined the key-fob batteries replacement, fluid re-fill, and fuel stabilizer and the like. At 4 different BMW dealers, 4 different states: fluid re-fills are free, and they never added anything beyond the maintenance manual. I think my point is, for new MBenz members “ask and read in detail what you’re being offered and what you are paying for” during 10K miles / annual service. Can’t blame the dealer, but wish they follow the BMW approach (at least those I tried).
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 697
Likes: 238
From: Illinois
S560/SL550/LS460/Q70L 5.6 AWD
At every service interval I tell the dealer what I need while making the appointment, it is usually the oil change, maybe the air and cab filters, brake fluid and that is about it. If I need a tire rotation it can be done to any tire installers where I live.
They do a "complete" check of the car but, since I don't keep my cars too long, the mileage doesn't justify any " extras "
Key fob batteries, fuel stabilizer, "fluids" re-fill, etc is total BS.....
They do a "complete" check of the car but, since I don't keep my cars too long, the mileage doesn't justify any " extras "
Key fob batteries, fuel stabilizer, "fluids" re-fill, etc is total BS.....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,141
Likes: 4,630
From: Maryland
2024 S580
I was not given the chance to approve or authorize any of these additional items. What i authorized was service B as I recall (or A) in general, but apparently, their definition of service B/A is different from that in the manual. I read the manual before I took the car to the dealer and my “expectations” were that service B is defined the same way as the maintenance manual. I have to admit that partially it is my fault for not asking them to itemize exactly what they list under service B to spot any additional “dealer added” items, but I did not. I was not told about the cost beforehand, and when I saw the 800-900 USD total, I knew there was more behind it than just engine oil, filter and the engine air filter. I would have certainly declined the key-fob batteries replacement, fluid re-fill, and fuel stabilizer and the like. At 4 different BMW dealers, 4 different states: fluid re-fills are free, and they never added anything beyond the maintenance manual. I think my point is, for new MBenz members “ask and read in detail what you’re being offered and what you are paying for” during 10K miles / annual service. Can’t blame the dealer, but wish they follow the BMW approach (at least those I tried).
You should ALWAYS ask what is being done and make sure its just what the factory recommends.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 32,499
Likes: 6,347
I haven't seen any MB dealers doing that, but in Lexus world where I came from the services were broken out like that. Lexus dealers added craopas well.
So they didn't give you a price for the service before they completed the service? Dealers definition of what is an A or B service often includes more stuff than the factory recommends, thats all dealers and all models, but they should quote you a price upfront. In my situation they quoted a price upfront and I agreed, but I didn't know they were padding that price with stuff that was above and beyond. They told me "$750" for the A service, but that included $250 for wipers and $100 for rotating the tires side to side, so the price for what the factory says the A service should be in reality would have been $400.
You should ALWAYS ask what is being done and make sure its just what the factory recommends.
So they didn't give you a price for the service before they completed the service? Dealers definition of what is an A or B service often includes more stuff than the factory recommends, thats all dealers and all models, but they should quote you a price upfront. In my situation they quoted a price upfront and I agreed, but I didn't know they were padding that price with stuff that was above and beyond. They told me "$750" for the A service, but that included $250 for wipers and $100 for rotating the tires side to side, so the price for what the factory says the A service should be in reality would have been $400.
You should ALWAYS ask what is being done and make sure its just what the factory recommends.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 3,154
Likes: 1,529
From: U.S.
Current/Last 5-years:GLS;G70;Alpina B8;X7;Accord. Sold:X7,TeslaS;S560;S550,X5;530e;L.Navigator;LS460
I haven't seen any MB dealers doing that, but in Lexus world where I came from the services were broken out like that. Lexus dealers added craopas well.
So they didn't give you a price for the service before they completed the service? Dealers definition of what is an A or B service often includes more stuff than the factory recommends, thats all dealers and all models, but they should quote you a price upfront. In my situation they quoted a price upfront and I agreed, but I didn't know they were padding that price with stuff that was above and beyond. They told me "$750" for the A service, but that included $250 for wipers and $100 for rotating the tires side to side, so the price for what the factory says the A service should be in reality would have been $400.
You should ALWAYS ask what is being done and make sure its just what the factory recommends.
So they didn't give you a price for the service before they completed the service? Dealers definition of what is an A or B service often includes more stuff than the factory recommends, thats all dealers and all models, but they should quote you a price upfront. In my situation they quoted a price upfront and I agreed, but I didn't know they were padding that price with stuff that was above and beyond. They told me "$750" for the A service, but that included $250 for wipers and $100 for rotating the tires side to side, so the price for what the factory says the A service should be in reality would have been $400.
You should ALWAYS ask what is being done and make sure its just what the factory recommends.
I had a 2008 GL in the past and a 2003 S-class, but never had to deal with similar non-sense added items (NC state at that time). I’ve mainly owned BMWs in the last few years since then, then my W222 was my first MBenz after switching/owning a few BMWs. Obviously things have changed at MBenz dealers nowadays. Lesson learned, not a big deal, now I specifically ask for an itemized list in advance.
