Brake Pads - have MB do it, or use a local ?

[Muppetz]

Car is a w203 just over 12 months old and with 30k on the clock, the Pad warning light came on yesterday (although it has not been on today...) so looks like I need some pads changing.

1) Do I HAVE to have this done by MB dealer to keep my warranty intact ?

2) If I have a local do it (the brakes), but MB continue to do the proper "services" will that still class as "FULL MB SH" when I eventually come to sell ?

3) Does "FULL MB SH" (ie brakes etc as well as regular required services) really mean that much when I come to trade in/sell at 3 years and 75k ?

I'm sure it's not the first time this has been asked, but I welcome the advice please !

 

[television]

Having this done by an indie will not affect your Full service history, do check the price with them as they do vary quite a lot

 

[jaymanek]

1) No
2) Yes, use MB parts
3) No as it means something different to everyone but in terms of most warranties No..

 

[BlackC55]

Do them yourself. They are not difficult. If you can put up shelves you can fit front pads.

 

[Muppetz]

TY for the advice, got booked with a local bmw/merc Indie

 

[Vinylhead]

You did the right thing booking with an independent.I'm finished with dealerships from today. Had my E320 in for a 60000 mls service today which cost £575 inc VAT. What was carried out for this amount? Nothing major at all. Oil & filter change including 7.30 ltrs of oil at £83.80 plus VAT.Change of brake fluid and other filters.
Told me I needed front pads and discs at an additional cost of £308 inc.
Have booked in with an independent whom I have used previously for a cost of £123.26 inc.
The final straw was being charged for screen wash when I made a point of filling the washer bottle to the brim last night.
So from now on it's an independent for me.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Told me I needed front pads and discs at an additional cost of £308 inc.

To be honest that seems like a very reasonable for the main dealer...

Have booked in with an independent whom I have used previously for a cost of £123.26 inc.

...and that's outrageous value!! Surely the bits would cost that much even with pattern parts??