How much does it cost to maintain your Merc?

[nickg]

I have owned 3 SLs in the last 4 years.
The first- SL320 suffered from a problem with the elec windows. It went back to the dealership several times (all under warranty) and they never cured it. It then got a flat battery and the new battery cured the window problem. It also had a slightly leaky head gasket (replaced under warranty).
So the fact that the car had a main dealer warranty saved me a good few quid. (though the premium I paid for it was definitely more than the costs would have been).

2 SL60s (my current one is now 10 years old) bought outside dealer network have cost me nothing but normal service costs despite my insistence that during service my car is rigorously checked for any imminent problems.
These are seriously good quality cars.

 

[tim.100]

Last year I spent about £600 on my 202 - which included 2 tyres, and long-term servicing including antifreeze and brake fluid replacement.

The only parts were front ball joints and windscreen wipers.

This year I have bought a windscreen wiper! It is due a service however.

I had a 1988 7-series for 3 years, during which everything mechanical (incl. tyres, brakes etc..) cost £2400. A 7-series before that cost me £600 in a year. It had nearly 300k when I sold it with 12 months MOT.

I once spent £3500 in one year on a Land Rover 90, but over the 9 years I had it, average maintenance was £400-£700 p.a.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

This was the first letter - there was one more I think but I always tried to keep the tone reasonable and non-threatening.

Thanks for posting this. Who did you address your letters to? Do you have a named contact? Many thanks once more.

 

[GSMGuy]

Well, my 85k 2001 ML270 Cdi... That I have owned for a year this week... Having covered just over 10k since I got it...

12 trips to stealer plus 5 abs sensors - turned out to be electrical wiring fault - approx cost £1750

PAS Pump approx £450

Alternator £1400+vat and fitting

Catalyst failure - removed and re welded for £20

Injectors... bloody hell - 6 new ones, back to dealers on 9 occasions for leakage and replacement - well over £2500

And the best bit.... All paid for by supplying dealer, whom I would happily recommend.....

Tiuchung the wood, now that it's all been sorted... And for the last 3 months has been an absolute dream.... Apart from those damn glow plugs - but thats another story....

Mike

 

[Andy W]

Well, my 85k 2001 ML270 Cdi... That I have owned for a year this week... Having covered just over 10k since I got it...

12 trips to stealer plus 5 abs sensors - turned out to be electrical wiring fault - approx cost £1750

PAS Pump approx £450

Alternator £1400+vat and fitting

Catalyst failure - removed and re welded for £20

Injectors... bloody hell - 6 new ones, back to dealers on 9 occasions for leakage and replacement - well over £2500

And the best bit.... All paid for by supplying dealer, whom I would happily recommend.....

Tiuchung the wood, now that it's all been sorted... And for the last 3 months has been an absolute dream.... Apart from those damn glow plugs - but thats another story....

Mike

Bloody hell! I pick up my ML270 on Thursday. Hope mine is a little better. How can an alternator cost £1400? I suppose it is a matter of identifying the symptoms to establish the faulty component and tackle the jobs you can your self. My car has a full 6 month parts and labour warranty, may look into an extended warranty.

 

[Gollom]

Thanks for posting this. Who did you address your letters to? Do you have a named contact? Many thanks once more.

If I remember, I called MBUK and asked for the name of the Cusomer Services Director

Steve