Service Extras on low mileage car

[tonysmb]

MB do stipulate a 2-year brake-fluid change as part of the service schedule. However, the confusion is arising because of the way they choose to 'price' their online (and normal) servicing; it's simply smoke and mirrors to make it appear cheaper, IMHO, and also, to a degree, simplifies things in that some are 2-year items, some 3-year (pan roof), some 4-year (filters).

Having said that, pollen filters are 2-years and listed as part if a B service. The yearly/mileage schedules used to be listed in the service booklet although, based on my newest one, they aren't listed anymore, so unless somebody understands the system or researches what the schedule is, they're at the mercy of the dealer and 'computer says'.

The difference between a decent garage/mechanic/specialist is that they can offer informed advice/opinion as to whether it's okay, or better, to service/check/change some items ahead of schedule, or perhaps delay slightly, depending on use. Main dealers (not just MB) will, for obvious reasons, only do what the 'system' says, even to the extent (I'm aware of one main dealer, not MB) refusing to undertake an early oil/filter change, which the customer wanted and wished to pay for, because the 'system won't allow us to'. It isn't listed as due, therefore, it cannot be done.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

It seems stupid to me that if the changing of brake fluid is so vital at 2 years why would Mercedes not stipulate it as part of the service instead of an extra, and the other extra is a cabin filter not air filter

It is “stipulated”, it’s part of the schedule.

The reason that they’re not part of the A service or B service - but additional items is to allow them to be combined with either service based upon age or mileage.

If you have your car serviced annually then it may seem strange, however it makes more sense for cars which are serviced more often due to high mileage.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

they aren't listed anymore, so unless somebody understands the system or researches what the schedule is, they're at the mercy of the dealer and 'computer says'.

Anyone can check the schedule either by requesting an online service quote or ESS

Quote: Mercedes-Benz Online Service Booking Application

ESS: Mercedes-Benz UK | Electronic Service Sheet

 

[Headhurts]

Anyone can check the schedule either by requesting an online service quote or ESS

Quote: Mercedes-Benz Online Service Booking Application

ESS: Mercedes-Benz UK | Electronic Service Sheet

Thanks Bobby I did that thanks this is what started my confusion because it gives what seems to me a basic service price then additional items as below.

It seemed cheap for a B service at main dealer with additional items but I’m not complaining, thanks to all for their contributions.

Robin

 

[Skd884]

Thanks Bobby I did that thanks this is what started my confusion because it gives what seems to me a basic service price then additional items as below.

It seemed cheap for a B service at main dealer with additional items but I’m not complaining, thanks to all for their contributions.

Robin

View attachment 135873View attachment 135874

As i said the price quoted includes the extra items due, always does so.

 

[Benz17]

Doesn’t everyone want to keep prices down in this economic climate, I’m merely asking the question as to if a car that has yet to do 6000 miles and garaged all it’s life would need the extras.

The extras bit I had not come across before but this is the first time I had tried online booking normally I do as I did yesterday and pop in to see the bookings team.

It seems stupid to me that if the changing of brake fluid is so vital at 2 years why would Mercedes not stipulate it as part of the service instead of an extra, and the other extra is a cabin filter not air filter.

There is a fair amount of knowledge on the forum so I thank everyone for their input which is varied.

I wondered if the car was a part exchange and the dealership had to service the car would they carry out a brake fluid change on a low mileage car especially where it’s not stipulated as necessary just optional?

Robin

When I purchase my car in 2019, a service was due, they did the second service, which included a brake fluid change.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Thanks Bobby I did that thanks this is what started my confusion because it gives what seems to me a basic service price then additional items as below.

It seemed cheap for a B service at main dealer with additional items but I’m not complaining, thanks to all for their contributions.

Robin

View attachment 135873View attachment 135874

It can easily be misinterpreted. Rather than “additional” to price, it means “additional” to the key features of the B service. Easily done, especially when bracing ourselves for a big bill!

 

[markjay]

Part of the issue here is that most other manufacturers use a 'simple' scheme where services are first year, second year, third year, etc (some just have minor and major services, alternating), and all service items that are due are included. MB's system isn't bad as such, and as Bobby Dazzler said it is better-suited for high-mileage cars (e.g. fleet cars), but it will baffle most people who never had a Merc before and are used to the 'simple' service schedule that other manufacturers use.

 

[rf065]

If you want to keep the price down. Source your own oil at half MB cost and stick it in boot and tell them to use it

Most of the Mercedes dealers up my way put a stop to that years ago, they only fit parts/oil supplied by them. Even my local Indy isn't happy using your own parts as he makes a profit buying Mercedes parts at discount and chargeing the customer full price.

 

[Benz17]

Most of the Mercedes dealers up my way put a stop to that years ago, they only fit parts/oil supplied by them. Even my local Indy isn't happy using your own parts as he makes a profit buying Mercedes parts at discount and chargeing the customer full price.

Terry @ Wayne gates my Indy, I used to provide genuine service parts and brake disk and pads when needed, he didn’t mind, the reason for me doing so was that I could have an invoice of the parts to keep in the service file, appreciate not all Indy would be accommodating.

 

[Skd884]

MB Guildford are happy with own parts supplied.

 

[tonysmb]

Anyone can check the schedule either by requesting an online service quote or ESS

Quote: Mercedes-Benz Online Service Booking Application

ESS: Mercedes-Benz UK | Electronic Service Sheet

I appreciate that but it's what I meant by needing to research; I found it much easier, and quicker, when I could simply look at a couple of pages in a booklet. Personally, having owned MBs for over 30-years, I'm aware of their servicing, the only real issue is if/when they change the frequency, ie 10 or 15-years for coolant, or 3 or 4-years for plugs.

At the end of the day it's not rocket science and it's manufacturer-specific recommendations for things like cambelts etc. that are the important variables. They also don't seem to include things such as flexi-hoses etc. (nor do most manufacturers), whereas Rolls-Royce used to list them as part of certain services, amongst other things never mentioned by most manufacturers, although I accept that they should be picked up during inspections.

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi , I do have an element of sympathy for a dealer refusing to install customer supplied service parts.

We are not aware of the contract Mercedes and the dealer enjoy.

What happens if as an example the customer supplied the incorrect service part ( spark plugs ) and damage is caused to the car engine.

Who pays for the damage caused by installing the incorrect customer supplied service part ?

I am not saying that the Mercedes dealers don't make mistakes , they do , but in my case they resolved the problem immediately, by changing the engine oil to the original correct specification oil on the car service.

I read the service invoice I received from the dealer and that how I picked up the problem.I contacted the oil company who told me the oil would be fine but the oil has not received Mercedes approval in my M276 engine.

 

[BfgSLKMan]

If the car has done so few miles then maintainance is even more important. I am assuming it only does short journeys so the engine and exhaust never warm through properly. Lots of of short cold/warm cycles create condensation so oil and filter changes are vital. Dust filter (under the engine) is literally a 60 sec job to replace (see my Youtibe videos on it) and you can buy the part at any motorfactor for about £10 to £15 for a decent brand (Mehyle makes for MB for exmaple). Cabin pollen filter is more challenging and probably takes about 15mins to change but actually needs doing as lots of nasties can get stuck in it. Brake fluid must be changed as mileage is fairly irrelevant as its hydroscopic.

The next buyer of the car will assume that such a low mileage example will have been well looked after - don't skimp or you'll never see the benefits.

That said, I'd walk away from such a low mileage car as the engine wear will be far greater than one that has been used - we won't even talk about the condition of the tyres....

 

[Headhurts]

I should clarify as I’m the original poster.

The car was purchased by me at just over a year old and the mileage was 2300 as it was a COVID lock down car, it was garaged from new and is garaged by myself.

When I picked the car up it was like new and is still in mint condition.

The car is now reading 7600 miles, it’s a petrol 48volt mild hybrid not a diesel.

I originally asked the question because for the first time I was booking in on line and brake fluid, cabin filter were shown as extras which is something I had never come across before as I normally just take my cars to the dealership and let them get on with it.

I am not a technician so I asked forum members if having brake fluid and cabin filter changed was necessary on a car around 2 year old with very low mileage and garaged was necessary.

I never scrimp on my cars regarding servicing, tyres etc but I also hate wasting money so hence my question to forum members and thanks for all replies they are much appreciated.

It turned out that the dealership charged the basic price of from memory was £495 and within this included brake fluid and cabin filter, the online process gave the basic service at £495 but was charging or showing pricing for brake fluid and cabin filter bringing price up to over £600.

Phew!

Robin

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I should clarify as I’m the original poster.

The car was purchased by me at just over a year old and the mileage was 2300 as it was a COVID lock down car, it was garaged from new and is garaged by myself.

When I picked the car up it was like new and is still in mint condition.

The car is now reading 7600 miles, it’s a petrol 48volt mild hybrid not a diesel.

I originally asked the question because for the first time I was booking in on line and brake fluid, cabin filter were shown as extras which is something I had never come across before as I normally just take my cars to the dealership and let them get on with it.

I am not a technician so I asked forum members if having brake fluid and cabin filter changed was necessary on a car around 2 year old with very low mileage and garaged was necessary.

I never scrimp on my cars regarding servicing, tyres etc but I also hate wasting money so hence my question to forum members and thanks for all replies they are much appreciated.

It turned out that the dealership charged the basic price of from memory was £495 and within this included brake fluid and cabin filter, the online process gave the basic service at £495 but was charging or showing pricing for brake fluid and cabin filter bringing price up to over £600.

Phew!

Robin

I suspect that some main dealers only provide the all-in price for simplicity, and to reduce the possibility of the customer saying “just do the service and leave the spark plugs, transmission service, cabin filter, air filter and brake fluid”.

The flip side is that then some customers are then confused, disappointed or angry when their service £800 but last time they - or someone they know - paid £300.

It also plays into the hands of general garages who say “They said £800? Thieves. I’ll do it £400” but then only do a basic service so it ends up costing the customer more in reality.

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi , I purchased a service plan for my car when it was new.

Car was £50000 and the service plan sort of guarantees the car is service to MB recommendations.

A car that is on a normal service schedule allows the owner to skip in and out of the specification at will.

It comes down to do you trust the MB dealer.

 

[markjay]

Hi , I purchased a service plan for my car when it was new.

Car was £50000 and the service plan sort of guarantees the car is service to MB recommendations.

A car that is on a normal service schedule allows the owner to skip in and out of the specification at will.

It comes down to do you trust the MB dealer.

In theory, a dealer should refuse to update the DSB with the service info, if a customer refuses any due additional items.

But whether they all adhere to this, is another matter.

 

[Fastcar155]

In theory, a dealer should refuse to update the DSB with the service info, if a customer refuses any due additional items.

But whether they all adhere to this, is another matter.

Hi , quite agree with your comments. In a previous employment my boss company car was a Jaguar XJ6.

He tried to skip important service issues and the dealer point blank refused to service the car.

 

[Smiley]

The responses you have on here correlate to maybe less than 5% of the car buying population (others may describe them as obsessed or OCD or pedantic); ime most buyers of used cars will take at most a cursory glance at the service history (how many "stamps") and will not delve into the detail of whether the brake fluid was changed or not. I bet most cars on the road have not had a brake fluid change in years and years - when did you last hear someone say that their brake fluid boiled? I'm not advocating not getting it done; just that it is not quite as critical as some would make out.