Keep the FSH or not...

[timskemp]

Well the countdown to my service is going. My intention is to keep my car for 4 to 5 yrs, in which time it's gonna get 10 or more services.

Main dealer just quoted 370quid plus 340 quid for "optional items" for a D service. Independant will probably be about half the cost. And, frankly, I think £180 for a brake fluid change is not just taking the brake fluid...

So... Assuming I can save £200 quid per service on average, that's about 2000 quid over my life of the car, is a 200k mile 03 plate E270 going to be worth 2000 quid more if I maintain the full dealer history?

My A class was independant serviced and dealer didn't seem to mind at trade in time.

 

[BlackC55]

Brake fluid change 1.8 hours labour with a SBC.

 

[Dieselman]

Other than the Mobilo-Life issue I don't see the MB service history making any difference to your car.

 

[timskemp]

Brake fluid change 1.8 hours labour with a SBC.

1.8 hours!!!!

 

[BlackC55]

1.8 hours!!!!

Two people too.

They are a pain to do somtimes too when the star crashes.

55's with SBC are even worse. (two bleed nipples on the front calipers)

 

[television]

The car will sell on the condition, also the fact that the Services have been done, in a few years from now the MB dealer stamp will not be so important as people get to understand the government legislation on this subject, its still a newish thing at present

 

[timskemp]

Two people to o.

They are a pain to do somtimes too when the star crashes.

55's with SBC are even worse. (two bleed nipples on the front calipers)

so 2 people 0.9 hrs each??? What's so special about the fluid change?

 

[Dieselman]

It uses the SBC system to pump it through, it's slow..

 

[BlackC55]

One person plus apprentice. 1.8 hours.

The star goes through a process of making the SBC pumps work to pump out the B/F. A litre and a half is normally bled.

Then the system is checked for air and that takes ages to do and often goes wrong. I have know it to take 4 hours as the Star keeps aborting half way through.

Also the pressure of the brake fluid bleeder has to be adjusted contantly all the way through and it just takes time.

 

[television]

And its one of those jobs that require a backup power supply of at least 10 amps during the whole time it is on STAR. I have known cars to lose all of the data, including the main ECU when this has not been done

 

[BlackC55]

And its one of those jobs that require a backup power supply of at least 10 amps during the whole time it is on STAR. I have known cars to lose all of the data, including the main ECU when this has not been done

When that happens .......New SBC unit £2500.

Ouch

 

[Ian_C]

Ummm

So my E55 1998 is coming up for it's next service a 113 000 mile one. Any idea on price or which one it needs ?



It's thats massive it's back to making Ian Walker cups of tea for a day

Ian

 

[television]

Ummm

So my E55 1998 is coming up for it's next service a 113 000 mile one. Any idea on price or which one it needs ?



It's thats massive it's back to making Ian Walker cups of tea for a day

Ian

You do not have the same system in your car, so you can give Ian a glass of water

 

[Ian_C]

Phew...I did wonder.

So is it an A,B,C what service is it....

 

[timskemp]

When that happens .......New SBC unit £2500.

Ouch

What!!!

 

[timskemp]

And its one of those jobs that require a backup power supply of at least 10 amps during the whole time it is on STAR. I have known cars to lose all of the data, including the main ECU when this has not been done

What!!!!

Anyone want an E270CDi....

 

[Dieselman]

Phew...I did wonder.

So is it an A,B,C what service is it....

Yours generally alternates between A and B services. There are no others.

 

[Dieselman]

What!!!!

Anyone want an E270CDi....

No thanks, it's pre facelift with SBC.

Mercedes play this down to a fine art. First they make cars that rust but are mechanically sound, then they make cars that rust and are not mechanically sound.

With the W211 they had a golden opportunity to get it right but no they create a bigger problem, cars that are too complex and unreliable and still corrode. Eventually they sort this in 2004 but leave on the biggest reliability problem until the facelift.

Roll on facelift W211.

 

[timskemp]

So - what else is in a D service?

 

[mb240]

My A class was independant serviced and dealer didn't seem to mind at trade in time.

I wouldn't think it will make much of a difference as mentioned above re: legislation and official dealerships. I think Ireland is as the UK in that the "official" service is by an officially recognised dealership or something like that.

/ranting

Personal experience several (!) times over as made me go to independents. A specialist MB independent I found to be far far *far* better than my dealership servicing experience. They were ironically more expensive sometimes but far more open with pricing and knowledge of the cars. The dealerships here anyway seem to have a stock of 20 year old layabouts that know next to nothing.

As long as it's serviced by a reputable service shop, I wouldn't let it bother me, and I don't think other's would car after > 2-3 years old.