Basic A service w204 c63 with no extra items due

[Skd884]

MB Dartford -





MB Lakeside ( 4 Miles away ) -

 

[tonysmb]

That's quite a difference for what is basically an oil and filter change, presumably different companies/groups. Funny that the service is that much cheaper yet the diagnostics slightly more expensive - I still find it interesting that many people think that a £400+ charge for an oil change is 'good value'.

 

[markjay]

That's quite a difference for what is basically an oil and filter change, presumably different companies/groups. Funny that the service is that much cheaper yet the diagnostics slightly more expensive - I still find it interesting that many people think that a £400+ charge for an oil change is 'good value'.

Not sure why the various check items on the Service A checklist are overlooked by owners? It may still be poor value paying that amount for 50 minutes labour plus the price of oil and filter, but regardless I think that calling a Service A "basically an oil and filter change" is doing it injustice.

 

[mbmbc123]

You think that's bad, they want £825 to change the oil on a 212 S Class.
If they top up the ad blue, I expect that would be extra

Change engine oil and oil filter (not applicable for electric vehicles)

Fill up Ad®Blue tank (equipment specific, after consultation with customer)
Fill up or replace vial of perfume atomizer (equipment specific)
Check coolant level
Check/correct windcreen washer fluid

Check brake fluid level
Correct and note down tyre pressure
Check/correct spare tyre pressure (equipment specific)
Check TIREFIT tyre sealant (equipment specific)
Check first aid kit
Check luggage compartment illumination for proper operation
Check lamps in the instrument cluster and interior illumination for proper operation
Check ex-factory driving aids (equipment specific)

Check charging cable and vehicle socket for mechanical damage (Hybrid & Electric)
Check all visible parts in engine compartment for damage and leaks
Check visible area of auxiliary belt for wear (if applicable)
Check all visible parts of vehicle underside for damage and leaks
Check condition of steering and tie rods
Check condition of front axle and front axle ball joints
Check condition of propeller shaft and flex disks
Check condition of rear axle and rear axle ball joints
Check condition of suspension struts or shock absorbers and springs
Check tyres for damage and crack formation

 

[tonysmb]

Not sure why the various check items on the Service A checklist are overlooked by owners? It may still be poor value paying that amount for 50 minutes labour plus the price of oil and filter, but regardless I think that calling a Service A "basically an oil and filter change" is doing it injustice.

Fair comment, I accept that it is actually more than oil & filter; my views are possibly tarnished by the fact that I undertake the checks they cover regularly, simply as part of running a car but I accept that many don't. Of course, many of those checks are also part of an MOT, so I wonder if they get checked twice if a car is in for service and MOT, particularly if, as seems to be the case, most undertake the MOT first

 

[Rory]

Price difference is odd - I'd be minded to think there's a mistake in the Dartford price. I suppose if they were all the same then people would say there was a cartel, although other manufacturers do fixed price service and ServiceCare costs the same regardless of which dealership you use.


Regarding the work done at these services - I waited while daughter's Golf had its first service at 12mths old. It's described as an oil change service and they do that, and some basic safety checks including completing the usual dealer VHC (vehicle health check). Car was in the workshop 20 mins. By mistake they gave me the invoice they send to VWFS - £68.75 inc parts, labour and VAT.

Dealers love basic servicing - it's fantasically profitable. Especially if people will pay £400!

 

[Skd884]

Price difference is odd - I'd be minded to think there's a mistake in the Dartford price. I suppose if they were all the same then people would say there was a cartel, although other manufacturers do fixed price service and ServiceCare costs the same regardless of which dealership you use.


Regarding the work done at these services - I waited while daughter's Golf had its first service at 12mths old. It's described as an oil change service and they do that, and some basic safety checks including completing the usual dealer VHC (vehicle health check). Car was in the workshop 20 mins. By mistake they gave me the invoice they send to VWFS - £68.75 inc parts, labour and VAT.

Dealers love basic servicing - it's fantasically profitable. Especially if people will pay £400!

It is 100% not a mistake by Dartford.

 

[Spider10]

MB LINCOLN was £284 before the additional items had it done last week

 

[markjay]

Which come to show you that competition is good

 

[Rory]

It is 100% not a mistake by Dartford.

You might know this already, but they're owned by Mercedes Benz Retail. I tried a couple of other MB Retail dealers and they come up at the same price.

 

[W1ghty]

I would go with MB Dartfords £400 quote , because if they are charging more they must be doing a better job

 

[Tramper]

MB Lakeside is Jardine Motors.

 

[Skd884]

You might know this already, but they're owned by Mercedes Benz Retail. I tried a couple of other MB Retail dealers and they come up at the same price.

Yes aware of that thanks.

 

[merc estate]

Pay your money and they pull your pants down

 

[W1ghty]

Pay your money and they pull your pants down

Win win buddy !

 

[350cls]

Us Essex folk get bad write up quite a lot of the time. But you got to watch them Kent boys proper bandit's

 

[W1ghty]

Us Essex folk get bad write up quite a lot of the time. But you got to watch them Kent boys proper bandit's

Excellent and so true buddy

 

[Tonygw]

For Max £56 take the car for an MOT, the under car checks will be more thorough than a service check,
While your there get an oil and filter change if it needs it ;-)

All the top side checks you can do your self as they are all visual.. (eg is the brake fluid to the max line?)

Just a thought

 

[markjay]

For Max £56 take the car for an MOT, the under car checks will be more thorough than a service check,
While your there get an oil and filter change if it needs it ;-)

All the top side checks you can do your self as they are all visual.. (eg is the brake fluid to the max line?)

Just a thought

Resell values of C63 (and other AMG cars) are very susceptible to service history.

If the OP intends to keep the car for a number of years or even 'run it to the ground' so to speak, then be can do the servicing whichever way he wants.

But if the intention is to sell the car in the next four years or so, then messing-up the documented service history will most likely carry a hefty financial penalty come sell time.

 

[FlypigU]

I had a indy service A plus a MOT, 300, I guess the lakeside sounds good. They used approx 8L low ash 0W30