Service Plans

[krisw123]

As a first time MB owner which is due a 3 year A Service shortly I wondered if anyone has a view on the MB pay monthly Service Plan in terms of whether it is worth doing?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Rory]

As a first time MB owner which is due a 3 year A Service shortly I wondered if anyone has a view on the MB pay monthly Service Plan in terms of whether it is worth doing?
Thanks in advance.

There's quite a lot that needs doing at 4 years so it might be worth looking at a 2 year/2 service plan, especially if the car is an auto, needs the ATF change and it's included in the plan. I think even changing the spark plugs on your car is a chunky price at the dealer.

 

[killwilly]

I recently bought a new CLC 180 and decided to go for a 3 year service plan at £24.99 per month, which includes VAT and is inflation proof.

Based on today's menu servicing costs I shall save about £200, that is if VAT stays at 17.5%, which it wont.

During that period my car will require a brake fluid change and an auto gearbox fluid and filter change in addition to the menu servicing.

Being retired and on a fixed income I can manage the £24.99 per month, but a bill for £300/400 would be a bit more painful.
Before anyone mentions it. Investing the money in a savings account every month would be better, I don't think it would, not at current interest rates.

 

[krisw123]

Thanks Guys. Sounds like its worth looking into.

 

[Colin_b]

Just taken one out for my SLK. £33/month for 3 years, covers 3rd, 4th and 5th services.

Seems good value to me.

 

[st13phil]

Just taken one out for my SLK. £33/month for 3 years, covers 3rd, 4th and 5th services.

Seems good value to me.

That does sound good value, bearing in mind that it should include and ATF change and a plug change for your 350.

However, I think the value proposition depends upon where you are in the service cycle. For example, I reckon it would cost me roughly £180 more to have the first three services done on my W204 under Service Care as opposed to the routine fixed-price servicing. As such, I'd say it's probably of greater value after service #2 if you're planning to keep the car.

 

[crockers]

What's the position if say you enter into one of these plans (I know there is a 3 month waiting period before it covers servicing) and have a massive service and then decide you want to sell the car....

 

[st13phil]

According to the bumpf on the MB website, you sell the Service Plan to the next owner.

 

[crockers]

According to the bumpf on the MB website, you sell the Service Plan to the next owner.

So it's a contract that the next owner HAS to maintain.....and if he doesn't who do MB chase for the monthly premiums?

 

[borz]

hi
i think their well worth the money ,i took a two year plan this year and just had a B service done which I'm very pleased with because thankfully they found something wrong with the break caliber which was fixed just before the warranty ran out.

 

[Colin_b]

That does sound good value, bearing in mind that it should include and ATF change and a plug change for your 350.

However, I think the value proposition depends upon where you are in the service cycle. For example, I reckon it would cost me roughly £180 more to have the first three services done on my W204 under Service Care as opposed to the routine fixed-price servicing. As such, I'd say it's probably of greater value after service #2 if you're planning to keep the car.

I must admit the idea of a pricey service coming up did have some influence

The car will be out of warranty in October, so I'll get the next service done a month early just in case.

Otherwise, I plan to keep the car for the next 3 to 5 years. I'm not inclined towards anything more than routine DIY on this car, so I know how much servicing is going to cost, and keep FSH.

I look at it as service cost, plus a couple of quid a month insurance against the unexpected. Works for me

 

[crockers]

I look at it as service cost, plus a couple of quid a month insurance against the unexpected. Works for me

What unexpected do you expect it to cover? I thought it only covered service items.

 

[Rory]

...plus a couple of quid a month insurance against the unexpected.

I don't follow this bit - it doesn't cover anything except scheduled servicing.

I've never seen a clear indication that covers the ATF change (and it still seems random whether ATF comes up on the ESS or not).

You *might* have a problem trying to take it in early although as your plan is for 3 fixed services it should be OK. I was refused an early service with ServicePlus.

I think what you've paid is there or thereabouts what the servicing would cost if you paid as you went, but it does avoid that sick in the stomach feeling that you get when you take an MB in for service never knowing what it's going to cost.

 

[Aoraki]

According to the bumpf on the MB website, you sell the Service Plan to the next owner.

So it's a contract that the next owner HAS to maintain.....and if he doesn't who do MB chase for the monthly premiums?

Only transferable if the full amount is paid upfront and not on the never never I'm led to belive.

 

[Colin_b]

I don't follow this bit - it doesn't cover anything except scheduled servicing.

I've never seen a clear indication that covers the ATF change (and it still seems random whether ATF comes up on the ESS or not).

You *might* have a problem trying to take it in early although as your plan is for 3 fixed services it should be OK. I was refused an early service with ServicePlus.

I think what you've paid is there or thereabouts what the servicing would cost if you paid as you went, but it does avoid that sick in the stomach feeling that you get when you take an MB in for service never knowing what it's going to cost.

The unexpected? Price rises, extra service items added retrospectively? No more 'do you want this extra petrol treatment/oil treatment/magic ungents?'

If I knew, it wouldn't be unexpected

 

[st13phil]

I've never seen a clear indication that covers the ATF change (and it still seems random whether ATF comes up on the ESS or not).

According to the MB website,

Mercedes-Benz Service Care allows you to sign up to a simple Plan that not only includes all the standard service items recommended by Mercedes-Benz but also includes all the mandatory service parts such as spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters and screen wash.

AFAIK, on the SLK350 at service #3 an ATF change is a "mandatory service" item so I don't see why it wouldn't be covered?