Service plan / individual servicing?

[markjay]

Hi
The £110 for MOT is for 2 years. I put together a list with all service costs for 2 years of ownership. My local MOT center charges £55. The service plan halves this.
Yes, I've been using the Dealer in Exeter for many years now and I never had a problem with them.
Actually I need to make sure there are no items that should have been done previously but have not been done. as this will be going on top of the service plan as advised by Mark, thank you!
Cheers

To be precise, it's not only a question of if items were done as such, but also if it was recorded on the MB DSB - i.e., a receipt from an indie garage won't help if the item's replacement isn't showing on the DSB.

 

[diselsam]

Hi Mark

I wanted to get something off my chest but was not planning to share it initially, but will continue on what you've said. Yesterday I had a phone conversation with a highly respectable independent garage on this forum. Name is irrelevant and I am not going to share it. I asked why a car you have serviced previously has 6 consecutive B services. (Car in question is a 9 years old, early 20 thousand miles, new for me). Because, that is our policy, that is how we do things here, and B is the more thorough service, was the answer. I then asked have you ever replaced the automatic transmission fluid. No, that is every 70,000 miles (was not sure). Ok, have you changed the brake fluid for all these services? No, but we check it, we check all fluids. Ok, have you replaced at any time the sparkplugs? No. Ok, so what have you done? Change oil and filters, and visual checking and testing fluid. Ok, thank you, have a good day. I was looking into the service history with my dealer and we were wondering what was actually done to the car as we could only see B services on the DSB, no items. By the way this is the 3rd independent garage which is leaving me with a sense of sadness. Needless to say I bought the service plan from Mercedes and my car will be services properly next week. Transmission fluid, brake fluid, spark plugs, oil, service A.

 

[markjay]

Hi Mark

I wanted to get something off my chest but was not planning to share it initially, but will continue on what you've said. Yesterday I had a phone conversation with a highly respectable independent garage on this forum. Name is irrelevant and I am not going to share it. I asked why a car you have serviced previously has 6 consecutive B services. (Car in question is a 9 years old, early 20 thousand miles, new for me). Because, that is our policy, that is how we do things here, and B is the more thorough service, was the answer. I then asked have you ever replaced the automatic transmission fluid. No, that is every 70,000 miles (was not sure). Ok, have you changed the brake fluid for all these services? No, but we check it, we check all fluids. Ok, have you replaced at any time the sparkplugs? No. Ok, so what have you done? Change oil and filters, and visual checking and testing fluid. Ok, thank you, have a good day. I was looking into the service history with my dealer and we were wondering what was actually done to the car as we could only see B services on the DSB, no items. By the way this is the 3rd independent garage which is leaving me with a sense of sadness. Needless to say I bought the service plan from Mercedes and my car will be services properly next week. Transmission fluid, brake fluid, spark plugs, oil, service A.

I have used independent specialists and have also had three service plans.

I was very happy with the dealer (Brooklands) and with the service plan value.

With regards specialists, I always knew what was due and simply booked it this way, e.g. 'Service A, spark plug, and air filter change, please'. And so I was happy with the indie services as well.

But for best value, I find that a service plan for scheduled services and an indie for all non-scheduled work (brakes, thermostat, suspension parts, etc) is a winning combination.

 

[diselsam]

But for best value, I find that a service plan for scheduled services and an indie for all non-scheduled work (brakes, thermostat, suspension parts, etc) is a winning combination.

Absolutely. This was my approach until I was quoted more by an independent than the dealer. That was for some suspension work on the front. Tyres make sense to be done elsewhere. For all the rest a control check with an independent for sanity check.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Hi Mark

I wanted to get something off my chest but was not planning to share it initially, but will continue on what you've said. Yesterday I had a phone conversation with a highly respectable independent garage on this forum. Name is irrelevant and I am not going to share it. I asked why a car you have serviced previously has 6 consecutive B services. (Car in question is a 9 years old, early 20 thousand miles, new for me). Because, that is our policy, that is how we do things here, and B is the more thorough service, was the answer. I then asked have you ever replaced the automatic transmission fluid. No, that is every 70,000 miles (was not sure). Ok, have you changed the brake fluid for all these services? No, but we check it, we check all fluids. Ok, have you replaced at any time the sparkplugs? No. Ok, so what have you done? Change oil and filters, and visual checking and testing fluid. Ok, thank you, have a good day. I was looking into the service history with my dealer and we were wondering what was actually done to the car as we could only see B services on the DSB, no items. By the way this is the 3rd independent garage which is leaving me with a sense of sadness. Needless to say I bought the service plan from Mercedes and my car will be services properly next week. Transmission fluid, brake fluid, spark plugs, oil, service A.

Are you sure that the customer did not say “no” to the additional service items. Many do, as they often cost more than the basic service, and with that much-cheaper basic services comes the stamp and a sense of security.

 

[diselsam]

The owner has nothing to do with this. They did not change any fluids because they check them instead, it is their policy I was told. There was no need to change them, I was told. They only do B services I was told, because they are more extensive checks.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

The owner has nothing to do with this. They did not change any fluids because they check them instead, it is their policy I was told. There was no need to change them, I was told. They only do B services I was told, because they are more extensive checks.

I completely understand checking brake fluid and coolant, and I’m saying that as someone who replaces brake fluid every two years and coolant as per the schedule (usually every 15 years).

The other fluid - transmission fluid - is less easy and more expensive - service intervals vary from never to once to every three years. Not many are prepared to pay for that one, as it’s very expensive.

However additional items go beyond fluids: air filters, cabin filters, spark plugs, etc.

 

[diselsam]

Nothing has been replaced on that car bar oil and oil filter for the past 6 years based on the recommendation of the garage. It got the brake fluid replaced once, in year 2, done by the dealer. The garage did not follow the service schedule of Mercedes. ESS for this model states replace ATF fluid every 7 years or 70,000 miles, by memory, not that it is sealed for life, which was an issue of the past.

 

[nickgar]

Hi
I've been quoted what it would cost me to service my car (C class estate from 2014) over the next 2 years:

Individual services:
Based on 15,500 miles – whichever occurs first:

Service 1 – 2023 – A Service, air filter and spark plugs = £549.16

Service 2 – 2024 – B Service, brake fluid and automatic transmission oil and filter = £1151.62 - based on today’s costs

Estimated total for 2 services without a service plan = £1700.78 – Based on today’s costs

Service plan:
There are two options to cover the costs for one of our service plans: Either £49 per month for 24 months or the full amount upfront.

2 over 24 months = £1176

The following benefits are included within our plans.
15% labour discount
Half price MOT – currently £54.85
Free puncture repair where applicable
Free loan car – normally charged @ £30

Obviously the service plan is better VFM. I am in Devon and had bad experience with independent Mercedes garages around here. So prefer to stick to the main dealer.

What would be your advise?

Cheers

I have taken out exactly the same service plan you have with MB Exeter. Mine was for 3 years and is for 2 B services, 1 A service, all additional work items and an ATS service. All confirmed by them in an email to me for clarity. (The car is a May 2015, 250cdi E Class cabriolet)
I did the maths like you, and it was the best option for me, especially as it includes full breakdown/recovery.
The "free" loan car they gave me in May was a nearly new EQB 350 which was interesting, being my first drive in a EV. I've been using this dealership for 8 years or so without problem.

 

[diselsam]

Similarly I've been using MB Exeter for several years now and have been very happy with the service and communication I've been given. I will be servicing the car next week, and I am excited to see what loan car they will give me. Certainly an EV will be nice! Last time I got a 200 mile C class. Taking a service plan makes sense.

 

[nickgar]

Similarly I've been using MB Exeter for several years now and have been very happy with the service and communication I've been given. I will be servicing the car next week, and I am excited to see what loan car they will give me. Certainly an EV will be nice! Last time I got a 200 mile C class.

Similarly I've been using MB Exeter for several years now and have been very happy with the service and communication I've been given. I will be servicing the car next week, and I am excited to see what loan car they will give me. Certainly an EV will be nice! Last time I got a 200 mile C class. Taking a service plan makes sense.

Might be just worth checking with them what you are responsible for with the loan car insurance wise, so it's not a surprise.

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi
I've been quoted what it would cost me to service my car (C class estate from 2014) over the next 2 years:

Individual services:
Based on 15,500 miles – whichever occurs first:

Service 1 – 2023 – A Service, air filter and spark plugs = £549.16

Service 2 – 2024 – B Service, brake fluid and automatic transmission oil and filter = £1151.62 - based on today’s costs

Estimated total for 2 services without a service plan = £1700.78 – Based on today’s costs

Service plan:
There are two options to cover the costs for one of our service plans: Either £49 per month for 24 months or the full amount upfront.

2 over 24 months = £1176

The following benefits are included within our plans.
15% labour discount
Half price MOT – currently £54.85
Free puncture repair where applicable
Free loan car – normally charged @ £30

Obviously the service plan is better VFM. I am in Devon and had bad experience with independent Mercedes garages around here. So prefer to stick to the main dealer.

What would be your advise?

Cheers

Hi , The last Mercedes I purchased was from Mercedes South West in Plymouth. I found the company very easy to deal with and would have no issues with recommending them to look after your car.

 

[Fastcar155]

Hi , as others have suggested the difference between an MB dealer and a specialist service is not as large as people suggest.

I use to have an Audi specialist to give my car a 6 moth service between the MB service and they missed many of the recommendation suggested by Mercedes.

The last service provided by the Audi specialist cost more than the Mercedes dealer previous invoice.

I have had quotes by Mercedes specialists for brakes replacement using genuine parts and much cheaper than in the Mercedes dealer.

Service = MB dealer

Replacements = in most cases obtain quote from specialist.

 

[Headhurts]

I have always had my cars serviced at Mercedes dealership in Norwich, my cars are either new or nearly so.

I have found them to be extremely efficient and so far as I am aware have done a good job also.

Price wise they have been very competitive, my current car is a 2021 GLC that I purchased from Marshalls In Blackburn and had a mileage of 2300, I took my car to the dealership for a B service which included changing brake fluid and cabin filter, I also had the underbody Star video, the cost was from memory £495 which I thought was quite competitive plus I retain the breakdown cover.

my next service will be an A service and when I looked into a service plan it just did not work out to be cheaper, this was for a 2 year quote.

Robin

 

[TC350]

I’ve had just service plans from the day I bought my car new in 2012. I’ve always been happy with them. One of the factors not mentioned in previous pricing is that the service plans also protect against price increases over the number of years of the plan. Despite my car now being old, I’ve recently taken out a new 3-year plan @£44 per month for my C-class. It’ll be B-A-B including several additional items such as 6 expensive plugs. A no-brainer for me.

An additional benefit in my case is that my MB dealer is a lot closer than any independent.

 

[chic0821]

As i have posted previously that for months I have tried to get a service plan set up with Arnold Clark. Filled up the online form to Mercedes at least 5 times who say that the dealer will get in touch. Never happened. Anyway the service is now due so phoned my local dealer, receptionist asked what department I required. "Service please", so she then forwarded my call to the Arnold Clark call centre about 60 miles away. Girl booked it in, I mentioned that I was p###ed about the non service plan so she said she would have a look, then immediately said the Mercedes site was down so she could not access it, could not make it up Also said she would phone me later in the day with the service cost. You don't have to be Einstein to know that she never phoned. Arnold Clark is up there with the worst

 

[diselsam]

I do not understand. There are two types of service plans. One type is offered by the dealership directly, and that is part of a group of several dealerships. Like we have one in Exeter, Plymouth and Taunton (I might be missing others). Point is I could choose where I want the car serviced in any of these. It sounds you tried this. But there is a national wide one. It is called Service care. You can buy the plan online and get your car serviced in any UK dealership. Here is a link https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/passengercars/being-an-owner/service-plan.html/

 

[diselsam]

Another thing. You do not just buy a service plan. Ideally you should contact your dealership of choice and ask them for service cost projection for the service duration you need. Like 2,3 or 4 years. Ask them how much it will cost to service the car with and without the service plan. You also have a rough idea of how much it will cost you at an independent posted earlier by me in this thread. People say get B, A, B for the most benefit. So it is case specific. I only needed a service plan for 2 years, and that is what I got. In fact next week I am having an A service, but practically all fluids will be replaced during that service, as part of the service plan. So the B, A, B thing works only because the B service is more expensive, not because you potentially need more things done. First things first, get an idea of how much it will cost you to service the car in the next couple of years with and w/o a service plan. And go from there.

 

[diselsam]

If no luck on the phone, get this done in person at the dealership where you will service the car. I can't believe you will be left hanging like this.

 

[geoffus]

Hi Mark

I wanted to get something off my chest but was not planning to share it initially, but will continue on what you've said. Yesterday I had a phone conversation with a highly respectable independent garage on this forum. Name is irrelevant and I am not going to share it. I asked why a car you have serviced previously has 6 consecutive B services. (Car in question is a 9 years old, early 20 thousand miles, new for me). Because, that is our policy, that is how we do things here, and B is the more thorough service, was the answer. I then asked have you ever replaced the automatic transmission fluid. No, that is every 70,000 miles (was not sure). Ok, have you changed the brake fluid for all these services? No, but we check it, we check all fluids. Ok, have you replaced at any time the sparkplugs? No. Ok, so what have you done? Change oil and filters, and visual checking and testing fluid. Ok, thank you, have a good day. I was looking into the service history with my dealer and we were wondering what was actually done to the car as we could only see B services on the DSB, no items. By the way this is the 3rd independent garage which is leaving me with a sense of sadness. Needless to say I bought the service plan from Mercedes and my car will be services properly next week. Transmission fluid, brake fluid, spark plugs, oil, service A.

Is the transmission fluid changed as part of the plan, or is it charged as an extra ?
Do the spark plugs need changing at 20,000 miles or so ?
Is the B service is the same as the A service but with just routine items checked or replaced and an inspection, on such a low mileage maybe the previous owner didn't think it financially worthwhile.

I remember we bought a new motorhome a few years ago, the dealer wanted to change the cabin filter at less than 3,000 miles, I said no as it wasn't essential for the warranty, I bought a genuine one from Ebay, fitted it myself in 10 mins and saved around £70. The old one still looked brand new.