So today was the last day to use the free $100 gift voucher from Mercedes. Because of last min, I decided to try the closest MB dealership from my workplace. I called the service department and the scheduler quoted me a $110 price. After I dropped the car, 4 hours later, the SA called and said all "AMG" vehicles cost $175. From a search, it seems the E55 only requires .5 liter more lubrication. Did I get scammed because of the AMG badge? $65 for an extra .5 liter seems steep.

Because I was not pleased with the increase in price, I called another MB dealership. The SA said the E55 does not need a differential fluid service. Only the E63 need them and it costs $350.

So did I do something that was not needed? Also what price should it have been? $110, $175 or $350? I know I could have done it myself but I really wanted to take advantage of the free $100 gift card.

 

IMO $175 is about right and differential is just same as transmission service.
Every rear wheel drive or 4 wheel drive need to do differential.

 

Just looked it up at work

E55 calls for 1.6
And takes .3 to do

 

Thanks for the responses. Atleast I now know that the E55 should have the rear diff service. I just did not want to do something if it was "lifetime" fluid. Funny how different SA give different answers.

 

I get charged $75 every time I do it. (about every 30k)

 

A few months ago, I had my local independent MB shop, change the rear diff fluid in my 07 E63, the cost was like $90. So, I can't see paying a whole lot more for just fluid. I can understand the dealership charging more, but come on. It's only fluid, it's not rocket science.

 

So got my receipt:

.80 Labor $116
3 Diff Oil $51 ($17 each)

Total $ 167.00

Not sure what they did with the extra diff oil? Based on the earlier posts, it seems like the should have cost around $80 (.3 labor and 1.6 liter). Since I had the $100 voucher from MB they just added the extra $100.

 

I just changed my fluid (50K miles seemed like a good point) for about $190 since it was already in for the sway bar ball joints. I'm sure it was kind of a rip off, but loaner cars and quick service are almost more important. I love how you got 3 different answers from people...

 

Did a search and found this thread.

I had my tranny serviced the other week (oil/filer/seals) and I would like to know if the oil in the differential itself needs to be drained and refilled too? If so, if this a simple DIY/driveway job, or is it more difficult?

 

Do you guys ever replace the diff mounting bush also with this service?