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Reducing MB service costs.

peterg1965

MB Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 22, 2007
Messages
1,144
Location
Lancashire
Car
2019 Audi Q7, 2018 Mini Cooper S, 2016 Porsche 718 Boxster S
I was contacted this morning by MB of South Lakes who were the supplying dealer for the GL320. They informed me that the GL was due a service in March, it being one year since it was delivered and registered. This was not a complete surprise as I had heard that the servicing regime had changed from cars registered in 2007 to annual servicing (or 15000 miles) however, I am still a little annoyed as the service indicator still says 8000 miles until a service is due. The cynic in me thinks that it is just to create extra revenue streams for MB dealers, I don’t know what has changed with the ASSYST servicing regime to warrant this change?
Anyway, I asked them to quote me - £286 for what will be a glorified oil change, although there are two more recalls to complete as well. I am also having the CLK55 serviced in 10 days! So, I heeded the advice that I had read on here and asked them if I could supply my own oil. The lady on the service desk initially didn’t know whether I could but said she would call me back when she had spoken to her manager. She called me back, the result:
GL320 service
quoted price - £286
me supplying oil price - £150 (inc)
Oil cost (8.5 litres – although I have to buy 9 litres) semi synth 10w-40 (Castrol Magnetec) £ 54.38
Saving £81.62

CLK55 service (A)
Quoted price - £268
Me supplying oil cost - £150 (inc)
Oil cost (8 litres) fully synth Castrol Edge 0w-30 £75.41
Saving £42.59

Overall saving £113.46 (taking account of £10.75 delivery charge)

So, great advice, thank you! That oil is from Opie Oils. I don’t have a Costco local to me, neither do I know someone with a Costco card. Is there anywhere that offers even cheaper Castrol oil does anyone know?
 
I was contacted this morning by MB of South Lakes who were the supplying dealer for the GL320. They informed me that the GL was due a service in March, it being one year since it was delivered and registered. This was not a complete surprise as I had heard that the servicing regime had changed from cars registered in 2007 to annual servicing (or 15000 miles) however, I am still a little annoyed as the service indicator still says 8000 miles until a service is due. The cynic in me thinks that it is just to create extra revenue streams for MB dealers, I don’t know what has changed with the ASSYST servicing regime to warrant this change?


My father had the same issues with his 2001 C220CDi. When he spoke to MB head office they assured him to stick to the car's service indicator and not what the MB dealer says. He called the dealer back and they admitted they made a mistake.
 
Is Castrol Edge as good as Moboil 1 ?

No idea, the lady gave me the oil spec and said that they use Castrol, I thought MB prefered Mobil, but maybe they have changed allegiance.

Why Castrol oil? :confused:

And why semi synthetic? :confused:

Why Castrol? because that is what she said, likewise semi synth for the GL. She specifically gave me the spec they required. The 'lesser' brands only seem to save a few more quid.
 
My father had the same issues with his 2001 C220CDi. When he spoke to MB head office they assured him to stick to the car's service indicator and not what the MB dealer says. He called the dealer back and they admitted they made a mistake.

They have told me to expect the service indicator to start counting down to the service (as opposed to the 'miles to go'), if it doesn't I will call MB customer services.
 
What is in the small print for the GL lease deal?

Could you take it to an indy (£125 say for the oil change?)

Or does it have to be the stealers?
 
What is in the small print for the GL lease deal?

Could you take it to an indy (£125 say for the oil change?)

Or does it have to be the stealers?

TBH, I don't know what it says in the PCP small print. It comes down to a matter of convenience for me, the MB dealer is about 2 miles away from the house I am currently renting for my new job location. The GL needs work for the recalls so I doubt I would save a lot of money going to an indie, taking into account time and diesel.
 
STOP STOP STOP. This isn't right you shouldn't be putting a semi-synthetic 10W40 oil in a GL. Here's the recommended spec. Is there some confusion here a semi synthetic would be OK for the old G class 4x4 but NO WAY for a GL!! Take a look at this also http://www.whnet.com/4x4/oil.html
 
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Thats what I thought... somewhat surprised Opie oils didn't spot this.
 
I went on what I was told by the MB dealer. I wrote it down.... 8.5 litres, semi-synthetic, 10w-40 - Castrol prefered! I'll double check tomorrow.
 
Why even bother with semi synthetic? How can you stack up the added cost of fully synth against potential damage costs?
 
Dont service it with those guys. The types of oil that you just mentioned are absolute sh1te and are wrong for both cars.
 
I thought the GL320CDi had a Diesel Particulate Filter? If it does, then it needs a low ash oil to MB229.x1.

If not, and the dealer has said semi-synth is OK, then go for it. It's not yours, so who cares?

I think there's some confusion in the dealers information though. I realise the qty is very slightly different but Castrol Edge should be way more expensive than semi-synth, but their pricing has it cheaper.
 
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Check you don't get "stiffed" with either the old oil or an "environmental charge" for them to get rid of it...
 
I went on what I was told by the MB dealer. I wrote it down.... 8.5 litres, semi-synthetic, 10w-40 - Castrol prefered! I'll double check tomorrow.

You have been given the wrong information by the dealer. Castrol 10w40 Magnatec semisynthetic only meets MB 229.1 ? Have a read of the link I posted.
 
I am very confused now. Why on earth would the dealer give me the incorrect information? If I turn up with something different no doubt there will be sucking of teeth and them saying using the non-recommended oils will result in engine damage and invalidate any warranty/goodwill.

I thought the GL320CDi had a Diesel Particulate Filter? If it does, then it needs a low ash oil to MB229.x1.

If not, and the dealer has said semi-synth is OK, then go for it. It's not yours, so who cares?

I think there's some confusion in the dealers information though. I realise the qty is very slightly different but Castrol Edge should be way more expensive than semi-synth, but their pricing has it cheaper.

I am pretty sure the 320CDI does not have a DPF. You are right, as far as the GL is concerned it is only mine for another 12 months, so I will buy the semi synth that they recommend.

Check you don't get "stiffed" with either the old oil or an "environmental charge" for them to get rid of it...

No mention of environment charge, they quoted £150 all inclusive for both services. I will vociferously arque against additional environmental charges.

You have been given the wrong information by the dealer. Castrol 10w40 Magnatec semisynthetic only meets MB 229.1 ? Have a read of the link I posted.

Read the link. Why doesn't MB just quote oil grades instead of these 'random' numbers.

Confused.............. :(
 
Why doesn't MB just quote oil grades instead of these 'random' numbers.

Confused.............. :(

...because all information from Mercedes seems to be designed to be confusing. Seriously, it must put some people off their cars.

Based on the price, I reckon the dealer has told you the wrong oil type for the GL - they have the Magnatec at £16/L and the Edge at £14.75/L. That's aout right for a dealer price for the Edge but way too dear for Magnatec.
Maybe you could get them to email you the information, although they still may just shrug and say it's wrong?

Having said that, you can use almost any oil in a Mercedes as long as it's at least MB229.1 . You only need 229.3 or 5 if on variable servicing (which would seem not to apply now as they've done away with it) and you need 229.x1 oil if the car has a DPF. There should be an orange sticker next to the oil filler if the car has a DPF to warn you to use the right oil.
 
I have received advice from various people, all of it different! I rang another MB dealer who said that the GL should use fully synthetic oil. I than called MB of South Lakes (again) who were insistent that they use semi-synthetic oil on all but AMG engines! The car definately does not have a DPF.

Seeing as I am only keeping the GL for another year, I will go along with their recommendation of 10w-40 semi synth. The AMG will get 0w-30 fully synthetic Castrol EDGE.
 
I don’t have a Costco local to me, neither do I know someone with a Costco card. Is there anywhere that offers even cheaper Castrol oil does anyone know?
Why buy a luxury car at great expense and then spoil it for a ha'porth of tar. You should use fully synthetic oil e.g Mobil 1 and you should check that it is to the MB spec given in your handbook.

And IIRC the GL has a particulate filter doesn't it and needs low ash oil?
 

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