1st service due on MB approved 52 SLK320

[noonespecial]

Hi folks,

I'm away from all my paperwork for the week and the 100m service indicator has lit.

The car is just about to reach 48k.

I have a two year T1 warranty with the vehicle.

I'm not adversed to paying the correct money for the right work to be done.

But as this is the 1st time I'd like to do it all correctly, also the MOT is up in Oct so I may as well get that done at the same time.

Do I have to take the vehicle to MB or can I use an independent.

Or am I missing the point and the fact that I have T1 wty (with MOT pass) mean I just take it to an good MB service centre.

If it MB direct any suggestions in the SE London area? Sure someone mentioned Guildford (which is easy) but I can't find the post.

Will of course check my paperwork once home, but just wanted to get others feelings on this.

Lastly... before I cry (a little, its expected ) what sort of cost should I expect.

Many thanks.

 

[noonespecial]

o....k.. not exactly providing me with a lot of info folks.. good job i've done it all myself and got a good deal @ a MB dealership close to me.

i'll go back to lurking...

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

To be fair, I'm not sure I really understand what you were asking, apart from cost. But I am a bit s l o w!!

The best way of finding out how much a service will cost you for your car in your area is to call a few dealers. Prices do vary, and the actual work required varies, so it's probably best to get a real quote as you have.

No need to lurk.

 

[Deleted member 6183]

I've found servicing to be fixed price as regards the basic service, no much more than an oil change really, you can phone around for the cheapest dealer in your area - I wouldn't expect much difference in price - our last A service on the SLK 320 was around £250.

You'll need to let them know het there's a tier 1 warranty on the car and ask that they seek approval from MB to do any warranty work - they should now but it's worth a reminder.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

For what it's worth, I shopped around for the A-service on my C-Class.

Negotiated £300 from two dealers. The dealer I always used to use £280. The dealer I now use £220.

I ended up paying about £130 as I supplied my own gold stuff that turns black.

Not bad for servicing and AMG, eh?

 

[Deleted member 6183]

For what it's worth, I shopped around for the A-service on my C-Class.

Negotiated £300 from two dealers. The dealer I always used to use £280. The dealer I now use £220.

I ended up paying about £130 as I supplied my own gold stuff that turns black.

Not bad for servicing and AMG, eh?

Not bad at all.

Shame I only have the choice of 1 dealer although I do have a contact there who does his best to look after me.
Not sure that I'd have the balls to take my own oil although I see the point of doing so.
Am I meant to feel better at their oil prices by the litre they leftin the boot FOC in a snazzy little pouch with zips and velcro?
(no need for velcro and zip jokes please!)

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Not sure that I'd have the balls to take my own oil although I see the point of doing so.

No balls required - they'll oblige providing it meets the spec - Mobil 1 will be fine, and it's £20 + VAT per four litres at Costco.

 

[A-AvantGarde]

I supply my own oil too. Saves a fair bit, as Bobby has said buy the right spec can't go wrong with Mobil 1.

As for where to get it serviced I'd say use a Main dealer to keep the Service History fully stamped and an independent for any remedial work that may be done (assuming you don't have an MB warranty). Always use original parts.

As for dealer suggestions, the one in you metioned in Guildford is the MB dealer Tony Purslow. They also have a branch over in Basingstoke whom I've used for a number of years. Excellent service, try searching the forum for Tony Purslow.

 

[pammy]

I've taken my own oil in the past too - If I can do it anyone can!

 

[Parrotman]

Manufactuers warranties can no longer insist on franchised dealers for all the servicing and repairs providing genuine parts etc are used (www.oft.gov.uk ). Taking the vehicle to an independent might though invalidate the Mobilo benefit. Not sure about the bodywork ( rust ) 'protection' element either.

Independant peformed A service on my W203 yesterday. Total cost including atf change,all filters etc.was £279. Did'nt think that was bad and still way less than the local MB dealer wanted. He also had an 07 B Class in for it's first service as well.

Hope this helps you to decide.

John

 

[Roger Jones]

"Ah, a nice new tub of Mobil 1. Take it around to the parts counter, Jim, as they'll get a decent price for that. Stick our usual stuff in and make sure there's no oil charge on the invoice."

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Manufactuers warranties can no longer insist on franchised dealers for all the servicing and repairs providing genuine parts etc are used (www.oft.gov.uk ). Taking the vehicle to an independent might though invalidate the Mobilo benefit. Not sure about the bodywork ( rust ) 'protection' element either.

As you say it would invalidate Mobilo as that's a benefit not a warranty. The T&Cs associated with it dictate that the car must be serviced at a dealer within specific constraints.

Rust repairs also aren't warranty repairs - I've yet to hear one which has not been done as goodwill as it doesn't set a precedent. They're pretty much doing them because it's not acceptable for a new-ish car to rust, and they would probably be in a weak position should someone choose pursue legally.

However I suspect that the anti perforation warranty would stand regardless of who serviced the car, as that is a warranty. That said I've yet to meet a bloke on the interweb who's been affected by perforation on a recent MB, despite the prolific rust issues affecting cars of a certain age.