C300d (2019) first service

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If I were to view a potential car around 3years old that didn't have MBFSH or known MB independent FSH (that excludes 'Bob's German Car Specialist Garage'!) , then it says to me many things - primarily the owner is trying to take a cheap route on ownership, in which case has the car been properly looked-after and what issues may later arise? Cars that have regular touchpoints with a dealer in the first 3years get recalls done, software updates carried out (critical now with the amount of tech) and inspire a far higher level of confidence when buying used and chances of clocked mileage are reduced. Add to that any work outside of warranty will get higher chances of goodwill contribution from MB. I know there are always exceptions to the rule but this is this my opinion.
 
I’m usually a fan of main dealer services but even I would bulk at the quoted price for the first A service....
 
I’m usually a fan of main dealer services but even I would bulk at the quoted price for the first A service....

I compared online quotes for different models, and the prices seem to go down with the car's age. This is true not only for the Services themselves, but also for the 'additional items' e.g. brake fluid change, spark plug change, etc.

The cost of a Service A for a 6-7 years old car for example, is £270 (compared to £400 for a 2019 car).
 
I agree that £450 is a bit OTT for a service and seen the email from MB , but you've got a £40K + car and you're trying to save £250 on a service ? Offset that against Mobilo breakdown and you're down to £150. I can't see the logic. I can see MB trying to wriggle out of a warranty claim if you go outside the network.
Do you also intend to save a few pounds and put Mickey Mouse tyres on as well when they're needed ?

I've discussed (and have it in writing) that it makes no difference where you have it serviced so long as they are MB Approved. Finance company confirmed it would affect neither the warranty, nor services such as breakdown cover. I've just collected the car from having it serviced at the MB Approved specialist indie. £170 including courtesy car and online service record updated. So you might not be able to see the logic on saving nearly £300 a year for the same service with the same parts, but I certainly do. 🤷
Sure, there "might" be an element of lost goodwill on a problem that "might" occur which isn't covered by warranty but I've never had an issue with a car having an issue whilst under warranty which hasn't been covered.

Bit of a stupid comparison to make around putting cheap tyres on - the car has been serviced with genuine MB parts by a MB specialist garage. Of course I wouldn't put cheap tyres on, but if ATS were doing the exact same tyres at £50/60 cheaper each, I know where I'd be going.
 
Just as a follow-up, I received an email from Mercedes yesterday basically saying "we see your service was due, if you've had it done elsewhere you can still book in for a complimentary visual health check and software update check". I probably won't bother yet, but good to know that you can do that if you want.
 
Where can i get some Mickey Mouse tyres i heard Goofy recommends them and Daisy Duck says they are ok. At the end of the day if you are happy and don't want to be ripped off, go where you want, anyone can pay too much, keep your wits about you. Stay safe.
 
I've discussed (and have it in writing) that it makes no difference where you have it serviced so long as they are MB Approved. Finance company confirmed it would affect neither the warranty, nor services such as breakdown cover. I've just collected the car from having it serviced at the MB Approved specialist indie. £170 including courtesy car and online service record updated. So you might not be able to see the logic on saving nearly £300 a year for the same service with the same parts, but I certainly do. 🤷
Sure, there "might" be an element of lost goodwill on a problem that "might" occur which isn't covered by warranty but I've never had an issue with a car having an issue whilst under warranty which hasn't been covered.

Bit of a stupid comparison to make around putting cheap tyres on - the car has been serviced with genuine MB parts by a MB specialist garage. Of course I wouldn't put cheap tyres on, but if ATS were doing the exact same tyres at £50/60 cheaper each, I know where I'd be going.
Good to see you got it sorted at a price you are happy with.
 
And who's to say it's not the apprentice doing the service? OK I can't afford a new car but I have never ever had any car serviced at any garage. I always do my own. If it has a fault out of my scope I take it to a garage.
 
I've discussed (and have it in writing) that it makes no difference where you have it serviced so long as they are MB Approved. Finance company confirmed it would affect neither the warranty, nor services such as breakdown cover. I've just collected the car from having it serviced at the MB Approved specialist indie. £170 including courtesy car and online service record updated. So you might not be able to see the logic on saving nearly £300 a year for the same service with the same parts, but I certainly do. 🤷
Sure, there "might" be an element of lost goodwill on a problem that "might" occur which isn't covered by warranty but I've never had an issue with a car having an issue whilst under warranty which hasn't been covered.

Bit of a stupid comparison to make around putting cheap tyres on - the car has been serviced with genuine MB parts by a MB specialist garage. Of course I wouldn't put cheap tyres on, but if ATS were doing the exact same tyres at £50/60 cheaper each, I know where I'd be going.

So you got a Service A and Pollen Filter change fir £172 from a specialist, that's a very good price.

What isn't clear to me is what do they mean by 'MB Approved' garage? Is any non-franchised garage that has access to the DSB considered 'MB Approved'? Genuine question.
 
Mobilo is a waste of time now it’s been outsourced to RAC.

Called them last week as I had a flat battery only to be told they wouldn’t come out as my service was overdue even though it was still within the MB service extension. (Dealer cancelled the service)

my car has a full MB service history which I intended to maintain.

They were very keen to pass me to someone who could discuss a call out charge though!

Not the first time I’ve had an issue with mobilo and certainly wouldn’t rely on them.
 
So you got a Service A and Pollen Filter change fir £172 from a specialist, that's a very good price.

What isn't clear to me is what do they mean by 'MB Approved' garage? Is any non-franchised garage that has access to the DSB considered 'MB Approved'? Genuine question.

Pretty much. Have to be able to update the digital service book, use MB parts and be a registered company. To double check, I phoned up MB Finance with the garage details and got them to confirm it was ok. Their caveat was they were approved, providing genuine parts are used, which was the case.

And who's to say it's not the apprentice doing the service? OK I can't afford a new car but I have never ever had any car serviced at any garage. I always do my own. If it has a fault out of my scope I take it to a garage.

Same wherever you go, you can't guarantee who is going to do it.
 
Sounds like a win win to me, well done in finding a garage to service your car at a reasonable price, Just goes to show its not always expensive to change a couple of filters and quality approved oil.
Need to keep everyone updated with the B service price when due.
 
Mobilo is a waste of time now it’s been outsourced to RAC.

Called them last week as I had a flat battery only to be told they wouldn’t come out as my service was overdue even though it was still within the MB service extension. (Dealer cancelled the service)

my car has a full MB service history which I intended to maintain.

They were very keen to pass me to someone who could discuss a call out charge though!

Not the first time I’ve had an issue with mobilo and certainly wouldn’t rely on them.
How much overdue?
 
Providing your Indie uses MB approved parts (preferably on show) and follows a pre agreed service schedule that includes an online service record update, what’s not win win.
The Indie I work for, part time these days, has a great relationship with all the local dealerships, who are more than happy to supply us with all the parts and information that we require.
Dial in the fact that at £46.50+/hr V £200+, and our having all of the very latest diagnostic and special tooling available, it’s no wonder we’re extremely busy and have a car park full of expensive vehicles.
 
On recommendation from a friend I got a service quote from a local MB dealer. The plan was to play the dealers off against each other.
For a 2012 S350 Service A (change oil and check some bits) they wanted £826. That was the end of that plan.
I thought I must have misread what service A entails, nope, just change the oil and then start touting for further work.

It went to a local MB specialist instead. If I decide to keep the car long term, ie until it turns to rust or it's outlawed, then I'll be changing the oil myself for £50 a pop.
 
Sounds like a win win to me, well done in finding a garage to service your car at a reasonable price, Just goes to show its not always expensive to change a couple of filters and quality approved oil.
Need to keep everyone updated with the B service price when due.

Just had the second service. £218 including courtesy car for the day & online service records updated. Mercedes didn't call this time around trying to book me in, but from what I remember of the conversation last year it was around the £600 mark, maybe even more.
 
Just had the second service. £218 including courtesy car for the day & online service records updated. Mercedes didn't call this time around trying to book me in, but from what I remember of the conversation last year it was around the £600 mark, maybe even more.

So your 2019 C300d just had it's second service?

The car would need this year Service Schedule B (aka 'major' inspection), and brake fluid change.

The Service Schedule B also includes cabin/pollen/dust filter change.

So you got all that from an independent specialist for £280... that's a great price. It would have been around £500-600 at the dealer, or £480 on a Service Care Plan.
 
So your 2019 C300d just had it's second service?

The car would need this year Service Schedule B (aka 'major' inspection), and brake fluid change.

The Service Schedule B also includes cabin/pollen/dust filter change.

So you got all that from an independent specialist for £280... that's a great price. It would have been around £500-600 at the dealer, or £480 on a Service Care Plan.
Doubt it !
 

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