To continue with MB servicing or not?

[jupiter2step]

My 54 plate W211 is due for a 'D' service soon. Question is, do I continue to pay out for a main dealer given the car has thus far a FMBSH? Downside is obviously the cost, and I intend to hold on to it for quite a few years so am not really concerned with any loss in residual value.

I understand some MB dealers will give a discount for older cars - just wondering how this would compare with a decent indy?

The other option is to have the vehicle serviced at the Nissan franchise from where I bought it a couple of months back. I will get a 20% discount on the service price, plus if there are any issues it will be covered by the warranty and they should be able to fix them there and then (without having to run around obtaining quotes / authorisations, etc). However, given that they aren't MB experts would they be up to the job do you think?

All advice gratefully received!

 

[Charles Morgan]

Don't use Nissan, that will be a big question mark on the history and I wouldn't use someone without experience on a 211 of that age. They won't have the software, nor, given your warranty, the incentive to find problems.

At 6 plus years, I can't see the merit in sticking with Mercedes, even if they give you a discount, unless you haven't got a competent independent near you. No recommendations given your absence of location!

 

[e55]

I hope you are just kidding about taking it to Nissan to service?

Find a good indy

 

[Dryce]

I understand some MB dealers will give a discount for older cars - just wondering how this would compare with a decent indy?

Decent MB specialist indy will offer much lower labour rates. And will likely as not be more communicative.

The other option is to have the vehicle serviced at the Nissan franchise from where I bought it a couple of months back. I will get a 20% discount on the service price, plus if there are any issues it will be covered by the warranty and they should be able to fix them there and then (without having to run around obtaining quotes / authorisations, etc). However, given that they aren't MB experts would they be up to the job do you think?

The usual concerns are that they will use the right kind of oil (see your manual - it will probably state MB229.3 or MB229.5), won't know about the SBC brakes, and whether they'll use MB parts.

A simple test might be to ask them about the oil they use - note the brand and type - and then ask them if that meets the MB229 spec from your manual).

 

[st4]

I hope you are just kidding about taking it to Nissan to service?

Find a good indy

The Nissan garage will probably have an MB dealer in its group and they'll run it round to the MB dealer to do.

 

[Dryce]

The Nissan garage will probably have an MB dealer in its group and they'll run it round to the MB dealer to do.

*Your* local Nissan dealer is most likely to be Arnold Clark .

Now their local MB branch would be ...... ?

 

[markjay]

Indeed, the loss of value due to not having FMBSH for a car this age is negligible.

Find a good Indy.

If you are in the south, got to Olly (Black55) near Portsmouth - he is looking after my car now, which so far had FMBSH.

 

[Fizzer]

Yep I'm thinking its time to go to Olly. I've decided I'm gonna keep the CLS as long as possible. I am only going to be in the UK for around 6 months of the year so it seems like poor economy to buy a new car and have it sat in my UK drive. So I am paying up the PCP and keeping it. Its got a few issues but overall its not a bad car. I had intended to keep it in the mercedes "family" but its just had its 1st a service and now its telling me the next service is a "D" service. I'm anticipating that this will be an expensive one but by then it will probably only have done, at the most, 20000 miles. Just feels like a rip off.

 

[steve333]

As your car is out of manufactures warranty indi is the way to go

 

[verytalldave]

Indy gets my vote.

Find a good indy near you from the relevant section on this forum.

Plenty to choose from.

 

[Gareth]

I went the Indy route.

 

[jupiter2step]

Thanks for your feedback guys. I guess an indy is the way to go. I am in Nottingham / Mansfield area if anyone has any suggestions.

Also, service isn't due for another 800 miles (which I should cover in about 5-6 weeks), but I am getting the message "Brake wear - visit workshop". Would I be ok to leave it til the service or is it the sort of thing that should be seen to straight away?

 

[Gareth]

I'd of thought you'd be ok, but best to check.

 

[markjay]

Thanks for your feedback guys. I guess an indy is the way to go. I am in Nottingham / Mansfield area if anyone has any suggestions.

Also, service isn't due for another 800 miles (which I should cover in about 5-6 weeks), but I am getting the message "Brake wear - visit workshop". Would I be ok to leave it til the service or is it the sort of thing that should be seen to straight away?

I would go the other way around and bring forward the service... nothing wrong in getting the service done a bit earlier. With regards the brake pad warning, you still have reserve left but it is difficult to say how long it will last - as it obviously depends on driving conditions and driving style. If you mainly do motorway mileage and have a light foot it will obviously last much longer than if you drive in city-centres...

I would just get it all done in one go as soon as reasonably possible.

 

[chord]

I'm not too far from you and I've used Olly! Luckily I was visiting a friend in Waterlooville at the time.

I used SportsTech in Ilkeston and MB centre in Nottingham, Sportstech were very mixed and the labour rate was 80-90 an hour. MB Centre were better but they are close to £70 an hour. So still not that cheap!

 

[jupiter2step]

Thanks for the recommendations guys. I'd like to hold off the service til next month if poss (when bank account will be a little more in the black)!

I'll go with one of the indys in Nottingham I think. Do you think it would be unreasonable to ask the Nissan dealer who sold me the car to put new pads on before the service?

I've had it around 6 weeks now, and have brought it back and they have sorted a couple of minor niggles without quibbling. I wonder if it would be a bit cheeky to ask them to change the brake pads given that (a) it is a 6 year old car with near 100k on the clock, (b) I've had it for 6 weeks and bought it knowing it would need a service fairly soon, and (c) brake pads are a wear and tear item? What do you think?

 

[Ullevi]

...... it would be a bit cheeky to ask them to change the brake pads ......

That ^.

Very cheeeky!

I don't think they'd entertain changing your pads but you won't know unless you ask!

Depends how cheeky you're feeling.

 

[st4]

*Your* local Nissan dealer is most likely to be Arnold Clark .

Now their local MB branch would be ...... ?

Oh christ....

 

[jupiter2step]

OK, now I'm in a dilemma! MB Derby have offered me a B service for £289 inc., vs. £216 with the indy (Bavarian Benz of Duffield).

Car has been maintained by MB Derby to date. Question is, is the stamp worth £73 extra???
My fear is that if there is any extra work to be done the dealer's price will rise a lot more sharply than that of the indy!

Decisions... decisions...

 

[mr. shr]

OK, now I'm in a dilemma! MB Derby have offered me a B service for £289 inc., vs. £216 with the indy (Bavarian Benz of Duffield).

Car has been maintained by MB Derby to date. Question is, is the stamp worth £73 extra???
My fear is that if there is any extra work to be done the dealer's price will rise a lot more sharply than that of the indy!

Decisions... decisions...

Check with the dealer that this includes any additional service items that are required based on time and milage.
For me (and this is just me talking here) I would go to dealer if the difference is so small. Your car has the SBC braking system and for a few extra quid your are ensuring the warranty on that is maintained (Some say this is 10 years, other say it's life.)

Also, does your indy have the high pressure brake bleed system required to change your brake fluid? Not all of them do.