Mobilolife Cover: The indie vs dealer conundrum

[onwell]

I have seen threads on this topic however none seem to directly relate, so apologies for potential duplication on my part.

Dec 2007 registration on my C200k (cl203) and the bitter looking “Service B due” on the dashboard is now flashing on every engine start. This is my first experience with MB servicing as I bought her last summer. She has been previously ‘dealer serviced’ at every interval meaning the mobilolife cover still holds.

My question, like many before me; is it worth paying double (yes double I did the maths) on a dealer service just to maintain the mobilolife cover, shedding a tear in the process, or go to a very reputable indie MB specialist that I have been directed to by oh so many?

The small print in the service book leaves me a bit unclear as to just how useful mobilolife can be, therefore I need the help of you good folk.

Worth mentioning that I do drive in Europe on the rare occasion and even though roadside RAC cover came mandatory as part of my Insurance, it would require extra payment for Euro cover. I feel mobilocover could be beneficial here?
…Help!

 

[The _Don]

Have a read


http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/con...ide_assistance/mobilo_life/010104-310308.html

 

[Beetnik]

Ask the dealer for a discount on the service cost. I always do and I've always got one.

 

[Billigmeister]

i face a similar dilema - drive in europe possible 2 times a year for upto 3 weeks.

The way i have calculated it is decent euro cover starts at about £100 and probably upto £150 - aa type comparable. (i took out cheaper one last year through kwik fit and it was a nightmare when we had a blowout).

For an A service you are probably looking at £100 extra for going to MB dealer. I think for B service the difference will be a bit more. So comparing like for like the figures are comparable and probably steers sticking to MB dealer etc and the supposed benefits that they give you.

However i guess the clincher could be on what other "extra work" that servicing identifies and whether you would actually take your car out of the dealer and into a specialist to get the work done cheaper or just get it done whilst it was in being serviced. That is the connundrum for me.

 

[onwell]

Have a read


Mercedes-Benz UK - MobiloLife - Registered 01.01.04-31.03.08

Had a good read, they even offer to pay for your flights! Things which read this good to me get me thinking, just how much will they try and find a loophole which will mean paying an arm and both legs when I come knocking with a roadside problem?

i face a similar dilema......
However i guess the clincher could be on what other "extra work" that servicing identifies.

I share the same worry, something tells me any extra's would hit hard at the dealer. I take you point on driving in europe though.

 

[MicB]

I chose to switch to an indie, Star Motor Services, and have never regretted it.
Much better service......I know the lads who work on my car and they know me......what needs doing gets done and perhaps more importantly what does not need doing does not get done.
I also take out breakdown cover to include Europe which is much more extensive than any of the Mobilo variants......for instance Mobilo, if not a road side fix, takes you to the nearest MB main dealer (which may or may not be to your liking) and the associated costs.
The MAF sensor went on my CL recently whilst I was in Essex......recovery truck to the destination of my choice which was of course Star at Caversham who know the car.
The Mobilo deal has its limitations.......oh.....and forget the rust thing.......not worth the paper it is written on.

Mic

 

[npuk]

As above. Now I just buy RAC or AA yearly via quidco and it is very cheap for full cover.

Buy a years membership then cancel at renewal time, and rebuy via Quidco with whoever has the best deal on at the time.

 

[Billigmeister]

I chose to switch to an indie, Star Motor Services, and have never regretted it.
Much better service......I know the lads who work on my car and they know me......what needs doing gets done and perhaps more importantly what does not need doing does not get done.
I also take out breakdown cover to include Europe which is much more extensive than any of the Mobilo variants......for instance Mobilo, if not a road side fix, takes you to the nearest MB main dealer (which may or may not be to your liking) and the associated costs.
The MAF sensor went on my CL recently whilst I was in Essex......recovery truck to the destination of my choice which was of course Star at Caversham who know the car.
The Mobilo deal has its limitations.......oh.....and forget the rust thing.......not worth the paper it is written on.

Mic

Mic B

What european cover have you taken and what were they like?


cheers

 

[MicB]

Mic B

What european cover have you taken and what were they like?


cheers

I have been using RAC although I understand the German ADAC are very competitive and effective when called upon.
I have so far had the good fortune, and perhaps the preparation, not to actually call upon the service outside the UK.

Mic

 

[Harrythedog]

I used an Indy for my last B service and for the most recent service which was an A I used the main dealers ensuring I get mobilo cover till the next service. It was about £50 more for the A service at MB but figured the cover was worth it

 

[onwell]

I used an Indy for my last B service and for the most recent service which was an A I used the main dealers ensuring I get mobilo cover till the next service.

Interesting way around it, can you fall back into mobilo cover after defaulting then? I.e. if I do what you did by the time I get to a service A I will probably be a year or so out of cover? (my current 2 years from previous dealer service ends this Sept)

Or is it a case of once a cover period expires you are out for good!

 

[The _Don]

Depends on the year of manufacture - have a read on the mb website.

 

[Harrythedog]

Interesting way around it, can you fall back into mobilo cover after defaulting then? I.e. if I do what you did by the time I get to a service A I will probably be a year or so out of cover? (my current 2 years from previous dealer service ends this Sept)

Or is it a case of once a cover period expires you are out for good!

Yes I made doubly sure. They have some sort of register that they put you on.

 

[jpwilliams]

I have been using RAC although I understand the German ADAC are very competitive and effective when called upon.
I have so far had the good fortune, and perhaps the preparation, not to actually call upon the service outside the UK.

Mic

My membership of ADAC cost 83 euros for everything you would want.........and if you call them from UK, they send the AA !

Google ADAC to find out more.

Regards
John

 

[onwell]

My membership of ADAC cost 83 euros for everything you would want.........and if you call them from UK, they send the AA !
Regards
John

I am looking further into this ADAC situation. Seems too good to not get myself involved.