S55KL (2002) Service History Continuance- Dealer or Indy?

[HarpreetSingh]

Good evening all!

Recently purchased an S55KL AMG the day before last which I believe is quite well equipped. As forewarned by my brother in law, ive kept a substantial amount of cash on the side for any jobs that need doing. The first one being a service... The service history with the car against the mileage is as follows:-

14K- Dealer
30K- Dealer
44K- Dealer
58K- Dealer
72K- Dealer
82K- Dealer
90K- other
104K- Dealer

It sits at 108K and would like to get a service done on it considering I've just bought it. Im considering whether there is any merit in me giving the car over to the dealers for an A service or to give it to an independent.

I appreciate that these cars are AMG, however im unsure as to whether maintaining it by the dealer will bear any difference in the future when it comes to selling up. Have you guys kept it stealer stamped or independent?

It seems that with the history ive got so far, its been well maintained. Gear selector has been replaced as has the ABC pump, receipted by the dealers from a couple years back. My bro in law has told me that the car could do with a oil, brake and diff fluid change along with everything else that comes with an A service but after speaking to the independants AND the dealers today they've told me that the diff fluid only needs changing after the first 1,000 miles and that's it. Have any of you guys had your diff oil changed after your first 1K?

Any help is much appreciated, please bear with me and my stupid questions... im new to the Benz world however im walking through with DEEP pockets and my eyes open...

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Both my C32 and ML270 have similar mileage and they still go to the main dealer for service and stamp. Shop around and haggle if you do choose to stay within the MB dealer network - they can be competitive on price when they try!

You don't say where you are but you won't go wrong if you entrust your car with one of the specialists who support this forum, PCS in Horndean, Mercland in Nuneaton, or MSL in. Birmingham - all three are highly recommended.

 

[John]

I think as the mileage gets higher and the car gets older, really it is down to how well looked after it is and how well it runs.

I wouldn't really care if it was main dealer or inde although usually it seems indes are better anyway.

Save yourself some cash (unless the main dealer is cheaper / more convenient) and put it in the 'when it goes wrong' pile!

 

[Ginger55k]

I would find a good indie as Bobby Dazzler mentions, if you state your location am sure a forum member in your area will give advice.

 

[MickyP64]

I’ve just been considering this myself and I’m trying to weigh up if there’s any real benefit from continuing my MB full service history.

My car is now seven years old and after the disappointing show from MB regards getting them to replace all five of my rusting doors under warranty (result was a 50/50 ‘goodwill’ offer that was so stupidly expensive as to make it not worthwhile perusing). So in light of this I get the feeling that should my car be unfortunate enough to suffer any serious component failure in the near future, for example gearbox failure at 50000 miles (God forbid), then asking MB to consider sorting it under warranty or ESKULAB would result in a similar scenario, (in my opinion avoidance)…and frankly why should I have any loyalty to MB after they quite obviously didn’t want to sort out their manufacturing c**k up for me…(bitter!…me?...hmmm).

The only real benefit I can think of is MobiloLife cover, but as far as I’m aware in the case of breakdown they’ll only tow my car to a main MB dealership for repair, however if I stayed with the RAC I could get towed to a reputable MB independent or an main MB dealer if I wished.

My gut feeling is I go the indie route in future but if there’s any real good reason to stay with MB I’d (reluctantly) give it consideration.

 

[John]

I bought mine with main dealer and inde stamps on it at 6 years old.

I've continued the inde ever since and had nor have no compelling reason to get ripped off.

The money you save on inde servicing can be put into a pot and used for any failures.

I understand even a fooked E55 gearbox can be brought back to a healthy life for a £1500 recondition.

 

[Ginger55k]

The money you save on inde servicing can be put into a pot and used for any failures.

Or go towards having fun and paying for fuel

 

[John]

Or go towards having fun and paying for fuel

That comes out of the money I don't spend on pastimes that other people have...

:bannana: