Servicing - stick with MB's recommendation or not? is main dealer's service worth the price?

[pete88epi]

Sorry I'm a novice MB owner. My C180 is due for service A soon. I drive rather low milage (<4000/ year) I checked with a local Indie and they recommend me to do a service every 2 years (so ~10K miles) instead, because the fluids nowadays are meant to last longer. How true is that?

Also, MB's service plan for my car would be like £500/ year for 4 years - is that really worth the price? I bought my car from Carshop and their service charge seems much lower. Does any MB owner service their car at car supermarket like Carshop at all?

Thank you for your advice in advance!

 

[Jigglyjohnson]

Hi
The reason for servicing your vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer schedule is that if u come across a warranty issue say for example engine/gearbox replacement and u haven't had it serviced at the correct intervals they have been known to reject the claim as not serviced correctly.
If serviced with a main dealer it also validates you mb breakdown cover if u need them at any point. Also re sale value is better with a good service history get a quote from a local mb indy then if you go on mb my service and type your reg in and postcode it will quote u for your service link below

Online appointment booking | Mercedes-Benz

Book appointments for a main inspection or another service at a workshop near you – conveniently and online with Mercedes-Benz appointment booking. Find a date that suits you right now!

www.mymercedesservice.co.uk

Hope that helps

 

[normanh]

See below you do not have to get your car serviced at a dealers. As long as you use Mercedes parts etc which when you order from your dealer they are shown in your vehicles history held at that dealers parts dept as long as you give them your reg / vin which is how they give you the correct parts.
I’ll give you an example my last car I decided to have it’s 4yr service done by an independent. I order the parts as per Mercedes service data. But the Mercedes parts dept told me I didn’t need a fuel filter £160 as they were recommended for a 24 mth life span and not required. Did the service dept tell me that NO.
This lawmay change but is unlikely to after brexit

 

[pete88epi]

Thanks for the replies! My car is out of main dealer warranty but is on another warranty requiring regular service in accordance to the manufacturer's recommendations.. so I guess I'll have to service it in time despite having driven only a few thousand miles

Even if I'm willing to pay more to go to a specialist, my problem is that there doesn't seem to be a good and reliable one in Oxfordshire...

 

[W1ghty]

Thanks for the replies! My car is out of main dealer warranty but is on another warranty requiring regular service in accordance to the manufacturer's recommendations.. so I guess I'll have to service it in time despite having driven only a few thousand miles

Even if I'm willing to pay more to go to a specialist, my problem is that there doesn't seem to be a good and reliable one in Oxfordshire...

How old is your car ?
I’m a fan of Indy servicing after a few years , I think your current Indy saying every 2 years is good advice for your pocket . Is he an MB Indy ?

 

[W1ghty]

Thanks for the replies! My car is out of main dealer warranty but is on another warranty requiring regular service in accordance to the manufacturer's recommendations.. so I guess I'll have to service it in time despite having driven only a few thousand miles

Even if I'm willing to pay more to go to a specialist, my problem is that there doesn't seem to be a good and reliable one in Oxfordshire...

Would Ian at Star Mercedes (Indy) in Reading work for you , he knows his stuff

 

[pete88epi]

How old is your car ?
I’m a fan of Indy servicing after a few years , I think your current Indy saying every 2 years is good advice for your pocket . Is he an MB Indy ?

It is a 2013 C180, but relatively low milage (<40K). He isn't a MB specialist, but seems very experienced with BMW - not sure if that means anything though..

Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[pete88epi]

sorry guys, a follow-up question, what does a service B normally cost with a main MB dealer vs Indie? trying to weigh the pros & cons of joining a service plan for this not-so-new car vs try a service A / diagnostic at a place first to see the quality...

 

[Deleted member 6183]

See below you do not have to get your car serviced at a dealers. As long as you use Mercedes parts etc which when you order from your dealer they are shown in your vehicles history held at that dealers parts dept as long as you give them your reg / vin which is how they give you the correct parts.
I’ll give you an example my last car I decided to have it’s 4yr service done by an independent. I order the parts as per Mercedes service data. But the Mercedes parts dept told me I didn’t need a fuel filter £160 as they were recommended for a 24 mth life span and not required. Did the service dept tell me that NO.
This lawmay change but is unlikely to after brexit

Still posting Norm?

 

[Teego]

Whatever you do, you should always get an oil and filter change every year. Nothing to do with warranties or stuff, just caring for your car.

 

[Merc220cls]

On a 7 year old car I would used a recognised MB indie.
I personally don’t think official MB servicing is value for money which is why I moved to using an indie for my 2017 CLS
On the other hand I serviced my own 2004 SL as it has only done 10,000 miles from new and 2,000 since the last service. I am of course a time served old school mechanic where preventative maintenance was the norm unlike today where they simply fit new parts irrespective whether they are actually required.

I agree regular at minimum yearly oil and filter change will improve the longevity of your car.

 

[Teego]

On a 7 year old car I would used a recognised MB indie.
I personally don’t think official MB servicing is value for money which is why I moved to using an indie for my 2017 CLS
On the other hand I serviced my own 2004 SL as it has only done 10,000 miles from new and 2,000 since the last service. I am of course a time served old school mechanic where preventative maintenance was the norm unlike today where they simply fit new parts irrespective whether they are actually required.

I agree regular at minimum yearly oil and filter change will improve the longevity of your car.

My indie only fits new parts when absolutely needed. For example, air filters get a blow through at every service, brake fluid gets tested each year. We'll have to have a discussion about 16 spark plugs next year.

 

[W1ghty]

sorry guys, a follow-up question, what does a service B normally cost with a main MB dealer vs Indie? trying to weigh the pros & cons of joining a service plan for this not-so-new car vs try a service A / diagnostic at a place first to see the quality...

10 mins on the phone to your 2 choices will tell you buddy , they all vary