New Merc Owner - Service Plan?

[MKopec88]

Morning all

Its confirmed my 2015 c class c220d estate premium plus will be ready to drive off the lot by Wednesday so I'll be collecting it then or Thursday.

I'm aware mercs aren't the cheapest for parts. I live in Cornwall but posted here as I'm willing to travel out if necessary for the following.

Is there a highly recommended place to go to for merc services and mot? Is it worth going on some service plan or not really?

I want to take care of this car better than I did my previous chrysler 300c so really looking for some advice to make me avoid any potential mistakes. Eg going to the wrong places or spending money on things I don't need.

 

[Deleted member 149005]

Morning all

Its confirmed my 2015 c class c220d estate premium plus will be ready to drive off the lot by Wednesday so I'll be collecting it then or Thursday.

I'm aware mercs aren't the cheapest for parts. I live in Cornwall but posted here as I'm willing to travel out if necessary for the following.

Is there a highly recommended place to go to for merc services and mot? Is it worth going on some service plan or not really?

I want to take care of this car better than I did my previous chrysler 300c so really looking for some advice to make me avoid any potential mistakes. Eg going to the wrong places or spending money on things I don't need.

This might help

Servicing and ServiceCare FAQ | Parts, Maintenance & Servicing

Disclaimer The authors of this FAQ are not affiliated with Mercedes-Benz in any way. The information in this FAQ is provided in good faith and based on knowledge the authors have acquired through their personal research and experience. The accuracy of the information provided cannot be...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[Deleted member 149005]

if you are quick, you can take out a service plan with 20% off but the offer closes tomorrow 30/9.

Service Plan

www.mercedes-benz.co.uk

 

[Smart320]

Think I just read on another thread that servicing deal has been extended to end Nov

 

[MKopec88]

Seems a bit of a wild price for 2 services with Mercedes direct no? Surely there are better options. Shows what a terrible Mark up it is if they are doing 20 percent off that kind of money and still making a nice profit.

 

[Deleted member 149005]

The screen shot you have posted is before the 20% off... 2 services currently cost £729.60.

The current offer equates to a fixed charge of c£365 per service regardless of what is required - remember that the headline prices MB quote for A and B services do not include additional time related items such as brake fluid, plugs air filters, pollen filters, gearbox fluid changes etc. For example, a change of gearbox fluid will be c£350/£400 at a MB dealer.

Given that , the service plan, even before 20% off, is considerably better value than a Pay As You Go (PAYG), with the possible exception of a very basic A service, which will be c£250 at most dealers

Of course the cost of servicing a MB won't be a surprise to you as you researched this before you purchased your car...didn't you?

 

[MKopec88]

The screen shot you have posted is before the 20% off... 2 services currently cost £729.60.

The current offer equates to a fixed charge of c£365 per service regardless of what is required - remember that the headline prices MB quote for A and B services do not include additional time related items such as brake fluid, plugs air filters, pollen filters, gearbox fluid changes etc. For example, a change of gearbox fluid will be c£350/£400 at a MB dealer.

Given that , the service plan, even before 20% off, is considerably better value than a Pay As You Go (PAYG), with the possible exception of a very basic A service, which will be c£250 at most dealers

Of course the cost of servicing a MB won't be a surprise to you as you researched this before you purchased your car...didn't you?

Yes I have looked of course. And my post was asking for advice of alternative places to go if it's better. Also, Im not wrong when I say Mercedes direct over charges massively as the mark up is very high for the work they do.

BUT if its the most trusted source to go to and best value then I will.

My post wasn't meant to cause harm since its my first Mercedes, I genuinely don't know if I should pay the extra price with Mercedes or go elsewhere around where I live and get similar work for a much better price. Nothing wrong with shopping around as higher price doesn't always mean better work.

 

[Deleted member 149005]

No harm - those fancy showrooms and welcoming staff have to be paid for somehow...and there is very little margin on new cars sales

There may be some independents recommended here - if not, others will be along later who have have experience of indies in the south west. I know of a few around Bristol / Weston-Super-Mare but that might be too far...

Mercedes specialists across the UK

Found it difficult to locate good, affordable Mercedes specialists? Find out or talk about your experiences with Mercedes specialists in your area.

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see alos Merc Autocare in Cornwall Recommended!! | Mercedes specialists across the UK

 

[W1ghty]

Yes I have looked of course. And my post was asking for advice of alternative places to go if it's better. Also, Im not wrong when I say Mercedes direct over charges massively as the mark up is very high for the work they do.

BUT if its the most trusted source to go to and best value then I will.

My post wasn't meant to cause harm since its my first Mercedes, I genuinely don't know if I should pay the extra price with Mercedes or go elsewhere around where I live and get similar work for a much better price. Nothing wrong with shopping around as higher price doesn't always mean better work.

You can do your own research for your car , the big cost is gearbox ATF change and if that is coming up in the next 2 services (£250 ? At a Mercedes independent , more at MB ) .
Air filters can add up ,every 4 years ? As can spark plug changes for petrols , every 50k .
MB recovery may be something you value with a full MB history ? Budget otherwise for AA/RAC or some bank accounts have it .
My local Indy is about £150 A service , £250 B service .
I diy my cars servicing and Started that at about 5 years because they are long term keepers and I don’t need MB recovery or care about residual values . ( under £100 each a year ? ) .

 

[tonysmb]

The service plans often 'appear' to be good valud because thry've priced one-off services to vost mord than thd monthly/one-off plans.

Depending where you are in Cornwall there's a specialist (ex-MB tech) at Saltash (I think only advertises on Facebook, (can't remember name) and I *think* there's one in Truro. Haven't used either (simply as not been relevant). There is one in Plymouth (Mercare), long-established but again no personal experience.

 

[Deleted member 149005]

The service plans often 'appear' to be good valud because thry've priced one-off services to vost mord than thd monthly/one-off plans.

I think you mean the service plans are priced to be more attractive than “pay as you go”...

 

[tonysmb]

I think you mean the service plans are priced to be more attractive than “pay as you go”...

Ah, yes, thanks for translating! I was interrupted as I was typing it - fingers all over the place

I've dug a bit deeper:
Saltash one is MercServiceSW ltd, tel 01752 849000

Personally, at 5-years of age I'd be looking more closely at using an indie unless you particularly want a dealer history. Other views are available

Also, at 5 years, if car is an auto it would be due an auto fluid change if not already done. 7g+ gearbox is every 5-years/75,500 miles.

 

[SlimJim]

If you are buying the car from a MB dealer, make sure they do the ATF as part of the handover service. I have a 2015 car and it’s due an A service with ATF next month. £374 for the ATF change alone at MB.

 

[GLK]

I have my 15 year old A200 on Service Care Plan: very easy to budget - £32 per month, and I don't have to worry about expensive and labour-intensive extra items coming up ...

This year it was sparks and brake fluid, next - ATF, fuel filter and coolant - not something I would've wanted to pay for in one go (it's fuel tank out for 169, to change the fuel filter assembly).

The FMBSH was never a primary or even secondary consideration, I did a minor service myself once, then put it back on the care plan, as I knew expensive stuff are on the horizon

 

[markjay]

The bottom line is that there are pros an cons to dealer service vs trusted indie service, but if you do decide to go with dealer servicing, then an MB Service Care Plan with 20% discount is your best bet.

 

[kianok]

before you opt for a plan it’s worth also considering that there can be some negotiation on the quote you are given with main dealers.

swings and roundabouts......

 

[Deleted member 149005]

^^^^ usually only on PAYG

 

[QuattroRS6]

For reference, a brake fluid change is £110 and ATF change is £610 from my local dealer for my GLS350d - both are due in 2 months and 8 months respectively.
The discounted (20% off) Service Plan for 2 Services is £864.
FYI - discount only applies to the upfront payment option and not monthly.

If you have either of these 2 items due, as well as Fuel Filter and Plugs to add, it's well worth it!

My local reputable specialist will charge £1,025 for an A, B, Brake Fluid and ATF.

 

[Deleted member 126251]

For reference, a brake fluid change is £110 and ATF change is £610 from my local dealer for my GLS350d - both are due in 2 months and 8 months respectively.
The discounted (20% off) Service Plan for 2 Services is £864.
FYI - discount only applies to the upfront payment option and not monthly.

If you have either of these 2 items due, as well as Fuel Filter and Plugs to add, it's well worth it!

My local reputable specialist will charge £1,025 for an A, B, Brake Fluid and ATF.

I have services 4, 5, 6 coming up. Was chatting to the service manager at my local dealer and he pulled up an estimate for service 4 and estimated it will be about £1000 and apparently 5 is also expensive. I've paid £1200 for all three. I checked with our local indie and with the discounts MB are competitive and I get the roadside assistance (Mobilo) thrown in.

 

[QuattroRS6]

I'd call that a RESULT !