Am i getting ripped off: Brakes, plugs, and belts
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: NYC - CT
03 E55 AMG - 01 996 TT
Am i getting ripped off: Brakes, plugs, and belts
i took my car in for service at MB of Greenwich, they usually are very good to me, and with my Chrysler service contract, i never get any huge bills ... until now, this is what they said i needed:
1. Front brake pads and Rotors = 885.00$
2. Rear pads and rotors = 667.00$
Im sure i need pads and rotors, i put 40k since my last brake job (just pads), and the rotors have never been replaced in 80k miles.
3. Sparkplugs = 821.50$
plugs ... i dont know if i need them or not, but if the car will run better with a new set, id like to get them done, just seems pricey. i know 3 plugs per cylinder ... blah blah ...
4. Both Drive belts = 389.00$
how do i know if i need a new drive belt, the dealership said they were old and cracking.
Total bill of $2,762.50
i asked them to do it for 20% less, right around $2,200
do you think this is a good price?
1. Front brake pads and Rotors = 885.00$
2. Rear pads and rotors = 667.00$
Im sure i need pads and rotors, i put 40k since my last brake job (just pads), and the rotors have never been replaced in 80k miles.
3. Sparkplugs = 821.50$
plugs ... i dont know if i need them or not, but if the car will run better with a new set, id like to get them done, just seems pricey. i know 3 plugs per cylinder ... blah blah ...
4. Both Drive belts = 389.00$
how do i know if i need a new drive belt, the dealership said they were old and cracking.
Total bill of $2,762.50
i asked them to do it for 20% less, right around $2,200
do you think this is a good price?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 4,173
Likes: 7
From: Puerto Rico
2005 E55 AMG
You aren't getting ripped off....you are getting slaughtered and fed to the dogs.
The drive belts can be changed in about 15 minutes with one hand tied behind your back.
The brakes are also pretty easy to do, as are the spark plugs ( just time consuming cause it's a lot of spark plugs ).
Do it yourself and save $1500.
The drive belts can be changed in about 15 minutes with one hand tied behind your back.
The brakes are also pretty easy to do, as are the spark plugs ( just time consuming cause it's a lot of spark plugs ).
Do it yourself and save $1500.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,182
Likes: 15
From: Northern VA
W211
i got quoted something similar when i took mine in for leaky valve covers.
Rear pads/rotors $887
spark plugs $807
I ended up ordering the pads/rotors from parts.com for $268 and did the pads myself. Didnt need to do the rotors. Took about 30min or so each side.
Plugs i will order and attempt later this month or next.
Rear pads/rotors $887
spark plugs $807
I ended up ordering the pads/rotors from parts.com for $268 and did the pads myself. Didnt need to do the rotors. Took about 30min or so each side.
Plugs i will order and attempt later this month or next.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 13
From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)
2003 E55 & 2014 GL550
The spark plugs stick out at me the most for rape...that and the belts.
Now that I think about it, the belts really are pretty big rape. The accessory belt takes a few mins but that supercharger belt.... I think I have it down to under 30 secs tops.
How handy are you with a wrench is the question? If not interested, maybe find an indy shop or a nicer tuner that would be willing to pop those plugs and belt on a bit cheaper.
For sure skip the plugs if you are thinking about skipping anything on the service. They last quite awhile.
Brakes are just always rape with Benz. The new rotors with brakes thing is insane but such is life with an AMG.
THIS IS NOT FOR YOU, but it's why we tell noobs to search search before they start to playing with these toys.
Now that I think about it, the belts really are pretty big rape. The accessory belt takes a few mins but that supercharger belt.... I think I have it down to under 30 secs tops.
How handy are you with a wrench is the question? If not interested, maybe find an indy shop or a nicer tuner that would be willing to pop those plugs and belt on a bit cheaper.
For sure skip the plugs if you are thinking about skipping anything on the service. They last quite awhile.
Brakes are just always rape with Benz. The new rotors with brakes thing is insane but such is life with an AMG.
THIS IS NOT FOR YOU, but it's why we tell noobs to search search before they start to playing with these toys.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: NYC - CT
03 E55 AMG - 01 996 TT
i dont think i would could or have the time to do this my self
will discuss it with the local tuner i use ... maybe he will be the answer
normally i wouldnt mind paying the $$, but after being on this forum and seeing all the $$ my pops has spent on crazy MB service bills ... it actually feels like they are ripping me off intentionally.
will discuss it with the local tuner i use ... maybe he will be the answer
normally i wouldnt mind paying the $$, but after being on this forum and seeing all the $$ my pops has spent on crazy MB service bills ... it actually feels like they are ripping me off intentionally.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Blasting off!
CLS63 Designo Edition, Hyundai Genesis 3.8 , Veloster Turbo, CLS500(Sold), E320 (SMOKED) R500 (Sold)
Yes, that is rather high. I would get some quotes from other dealers, from personal experience when I used dealers for work such as this, I saw a well over $400 difference in the bill for the same items. They are trying to rape you.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 293
Likes: 20
From: Houston/Plano, TX
2005 E55, 2009 VW GLI
as stated already, you can save quite a bit of money by sourcing the parts yourself.
check your plug wires if you decide to change out your spark plugs. i had a few that were baked when i did mine around 60k.
check your plug wires if you decide to change out your spark plugs. i had a few that were baked when i did mine around 60k.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 17
From: West
E55 AMG
My guess is is that you are around the 60K mile mark. I am and when I took my car in they tried to tell me all of that stuff needed to be done without even physically checking. Wanted to charge me close to $200 for air filters saying they were old and dirty, I popped the cover off and they were practically brand new.
There's a reason they call them stealerships.
There's a reason they call them stealerships.
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,209
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
i took my car in for service at MB of Greenwich, they usually are very good to me, and with my Chrysler service contract, i never get any huge bills ... until now, this is what they said i needed:
1. Front brake pads and Rotors = 885.00$
2. Rear pads and rotors = 667.00$
Im sure i need pads and rotors, i put 40k since my last brake job (just pads), and the rotors have never been replaced in 80k miles.
3. Sparkplugs = 821.50$
plugs ... i dont know if i need them or not, but if the car will run better with a new set, id like to get them done, just seems pricey. i know 3 plugs per cylinder ... blah blah ...
4. Both Drive belts = 389.00$
how do i know if i need a new drive belt, the dealership said they were old and cracking.
Total bill of $2,762.50
i asked them to do it for 20% less, right around $2,200
do you think this is a good price?
1. Front brake pads and Rotors = 885.00$
2. Rear pads and rotors = 667.00$
Im sure i need pads and rotors, i put 40k since my last brake job (just pads), and the rotors have never been replaced in 80k miles.
3. Sparkplugs = 821.50$
plugs ... i dont know if i need them or not, but if the car will run better with a new set, id like to get them done, just seems pricey. i know 3 plugs per cylinder ... blah blah ...
4. Both Drive belts = 389.00$
how do i know if i need a new drive belt, the dealership said they were old and cracking.
Total bill of $2,762.50
i asked them to do it for 20% less, right around $2,200
do you think this is a good price?
Thanks-
-Craig
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
Likes: 11
From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
There is a plastic (non-supercharger) belt tensioner you should replace whether you need to or not and keep the old one as a spare along with the belts in your trunck - when you have the belts off spin all the pulleys and tensioners you can - if they make noise replace them.
Tip - look in your owner's manual to see how the belts are snaked or do a drawing. Otherwise you can be head scratching.
When was the last time you changed your transmission fluid or your brake fluid? Gotta do the brake fluid if you do the brake work so make sure that is included. Sometimes they just give the procedure number, how do you know what it is? Save all the old parts!
Send your VIN to Jeff at
www.mymercedesparts.com
he'll fix you up - mention my cars and site name.
BTW I had go luck with a CT MB dealer who is just off 84 north of you several years ago in an emergency so you might try them. They treated me like gold. Can't remember the town.
Oh, I'll call my friend in Canaan tonight who is familiar with automobile cognoscenti and see who she can recommend, at least as a place to start. Send me a PM with the CT town you live or work in.
The Plainview guys sound good if you can leave it on LI, though,I spoke to them on the phone once and they were sharp.
PS
It's Greenwich NOW land of trust fund dissipates, the nouveau riche and hedge fund Madoofs in training. What do you want?
Last edited by grane; Apr 13, 2011 at 01:31 PM. Reason: more sensory input
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 209
Likes: 8
From: San Diego, Cali
AMG 2002 E55, 1997 E320
i dont think i would could or have the time to do this my self
will discuss it with the local tuner i use ... maybe he will be the answer
normally i wouldnt mind paying the $$, but after being on this forum and seeing all the $$ my pops has spent on crazy MB service bills ... it actually feels like they are ripping me off intentionally.
will discuss it with the local tuner i use ... maybe he will be the answer
normally i wouldnt mind paying the $$, but after being on this forum and seeing all the $$ my pops has spent on crazy MB service bills ... it actually feels like they are ripping me off intentionally.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,694
Likes: 2
From: San Diego, CA
07 RS4 sold, R53 Cooper S, 2008 Cayman S, 2012 GTR
i took my car in for service at MB of Greenwich, they usually are very good to me, and with my Chrysler service contract, i never get any huge bills ... until now, this is what they said i needed:
1. Front brake pads and Rotors = 885.00$
2. Rear pads and rotors = 667.00$
Im sure i need pads and rotors, i put 40k since my last brake job (just pads), and the rotors have never been replaced in 80k miles.
3. Sparkplugs = 821.50$
plugs ... i dont know if i need them or not, but if the car will run better with a new set, id like to get them done, just seems pricey. i know 3 plugs per cylinder ... blah blah ...
4. Both Drive belts = 389.00$
how do i know if i need a new drive belt, the dealership said they were old and cracking.
Total bill of $2,762.50
i asked them to do it for 20% less, right around $2,200
do you think this is a good price?
1. Front brake pads and Rotors = 885.00$
2. Rear pads and rotors = 667.00$
Im sure i need pads and rotors, i put 40k since my last brake job (just pads), and the rotors have never been replaced in 80k miles.
3. Sparkplugs = 821.50$
plugs ... i dont know if i need them or not, but if the car will run better with a new set, id like to get them done, just seems pricey. i know 3 plugs per cylinder ... blah blah ...
4. Both Drive belts = 389.00$
how do i know if i need a new drive belt, the dealership said they were old and cracking.
Total bill of $2,762.50
i asked them to do it for 20% less, right around $2,200
do you think this is a good price?
Now let me clear this up here... ACG San Diego, and ACG New York's prices are much lower then what I'm quoting out here
Here is the book time broken down with full retail pricing:
Front Brakes:
Front Rotor $140/ea
Front Pad Set $280
Front Left Pad Sensor $9.75
Front Right Pad Sensor $9.25
Book time Labor 2hrs $140/hr (Standard Dealership rate)
total is= $859
Rear Brakes:
Rear Rotor $112/ea
rear Pad Set $104
Rear Right Pad Sensor $9.25
Book time Labor 2hrs $140/hr (Standard Dealership rate)
total is= $617.25
Spark Plugs:
Spark Plug (16 required) $16/ea
Labor 3.5hrs $140/hr (Standard Dealership rate)
Total is= $746.00
Drive Belt:
Kompressor Drive Belt $27
Book time Labor .6hrs $140/hr (Standard Dealership rate)
Accessory Drive Belt $65
Book time Labor 1hr $140/hr (Standard Dealership rate)
Total is= $316
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,697
Likes: 381
2005 E55
I just priced out new belts,sparkplugs ngk iradiums,new wires 4 rotors and pads with new sensors for under 1000 from parts.com and sparkplugs.com
In this economy indie shops around here will give you a set price to get it done because they need your money.
Stay away from the dealer.If you want you can always try to do this yourself,its not hard as I just did my plugs and it cost me under 120 bucks.
In this economy indie shops around here will give you a set price to get it done because they need your money.
Stay away from the dealer.If you want you can always try to do this yourself,its not hard as I just did my plugs and it cost me under 120 bucks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 6
ML550
I totally agree the prices he was quoted were absurd and that all of the work could be done on a DIY basis for much less. But let's at least attempt to compare apples to apples.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 746
Likes: 48
From: Queens,NYC
2014 E63s 1993 mazda rx7 on Boost
Buy all the parts and have a BBQ members will come over
and help you out. I am sure if you take the weekend you will save 2G's not bad for a weekend's work.
Just buy quality parts.
Just buy quality parts.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,697
Likes: 381
2005 E55
We get that you can buy the plugs for under $120 that you did them yourself (like I do), but is your time really worthless? It's misleading to compare the dealer cost for a plug install, which includes a standard labor hours factor, to your cost which includes zero value for the time your spent - probably more than an hour.
I totally agree the prices he was quoted were absurd and that all of the work could be done on a DIY basis for much less. But let's at least attempt to compare apples to apples.
I totally agree the prices he was quoted were absurd and that all of the work could be done on a DIY basis for much less. But let's at least attempt to compare apples to apples.
Whats misleading?the guy asked if hes getting ripped off because he seems to think so and he is.What does my time or anyones time have anything to do with paying 3x as much for the same parts.16 a plug when you can buy them for 6.50 each online.
He can save 300 bucks just from buying the parts online.Take the parts to an indie shop and have the car fixed for half the price,or do it himself and save even more.
Dont even get me started on the belts,if you think paying 400 bucks is worth 3.5 min of your time then I dont know what else to say.
It takes littrally 30 seconds to change the supercharger belt and both belts can be bought for under 100 dollars.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,359
Likes: 6
ML550
We all know the dealer prices are brutal, and the OP would be getting ripped off if he chooses to go to that dealer, but the difference in price for just the plugs is only around $130 or so, not over $700 as your post would suggest.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 861
Likes: 3
From: Fairfield county, CT.
2004 Ran SRT-10,2007 S550,2016 E400c
There following straight book time... just make sure to compare apples to apples. Alot of those online parts stores dont sell what they say is OEM.. and also ive seen indies there one day and gone they next. With dealer service there is a warranty on the repair.. and most dealers have AMG techs that bigger jobs on amgs go to.. Most dealers are easy to deal with just get a est some where eles and see if they can get close to it... also remender that car has SBC brake ..... if your not carefull with that system you can hurt components calipers, pump ect..
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 861
Likes: 3
From: Fairfield county, CT.
2004 Ran SRT-10,2007 S550,2016 E400c
No not exactlly MB has there own time system that they pay out warranty claims from... do you think they will inflate times that they inturn have to pay out on.. And chilton is which most indies use which are very close to mb if you compare...
