Some interesting main dealer charges

[vijilants]

I had the car back today from the main dealer after an "A" service - £150 all in....pretty good price.

However here are the prices for the additional work (which I had already previously done myself) but they were unaware of:

Recommended:

Replace 4 spark plugs - cost £196. Time - 1.1hrs (I did this by buying the original Bosch plugs for about £12 in total and took me no more than 35 min)

Replace brake fluid - Cost £128 Time 0.8 hrs. ( I do this job every time I replace the pads - its a doddle and using original MB fluid, which I think cost me £12)

And the best one of all......

Replace Air Filter - Cost £89 - Time 0.5 hours. ( I got the air-filter which cost me £14 original and changed it in less than 5 minutes)

Where on earth are these people coming from with these prices and times ??? Makes you wonder

 

[recycled]

they have to pay tax and NI which you do not. and fat cat salaries. and cleaners and receptionists and heating and gas bills

 

[Gucci]

Very interesting list! My Indy gave me prices which were a tad cheaper, but still obviously making plenty out of the custom. The spark plugs is an interesting one. However, I was quoted £247 for my spark plugs to be replaced at my next service (is that 6 plugs for mine?)

How easy is this to do?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

However, I was quoted £247 for my spark plugs to be replaced at my next service (is that 6 plugs for mine?)

Twelve I think. That's only just cheaper than the main dealer charged me IIRC.

 

[nick mercedes]

Where on earth are these people coming from with these prices and times ??? Makes you wonder

Someone has to pay for the rent and rates on those big glass fronted dealerships...

 

[Gucci]

That's only just cheaper than the main dealer charged me IIRC.

mmmm, I think my Indy is enjoying their reputation at the moment. Always busy, but thanks for the feedback. I shall investigate other local options (including the stealers!)

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I think mine was £280-ish last year.

 

[rf065]

Someone has to pay for the rent and rates on those big glass fronted dealerships...

And the free coffee, or courtesy car!

Russ

 

[GRAV888]

A couple of years ago, Medway Brabus had on their service price board
'Spark Plugs - E-Class - All Models - £89'

I'll have 16 then, in the E55

 

[ant500sl]

A comparison I always like to make is based on the original dealer bills for my 500SL from 1990. List price of car £70k labour charge £25 per hour price of a spark plug £1.83.

Today an SL500 will set you back the same £70k, the spark plugs I bought from the dealer the other week were still £1.83. As for labour charges I think at £100 plus vat per hour we've just worked out where the dealers make their money.