W203 Servicing costs...

[Bobby Dazzler]

That's highly unlikely at 35K miles. They last twice that at least.

Who told you that nonsense ?

'tis true - a weakspot on W203s - the bushes especially.

 

[duncanh]

It may be a weak spot on some W203s, but not mine.

The only suspension parts to be changed on mine were ARB bushes and droplinks at 100K miles. ARB bushes were OK, one droplink had a bit of play. All other suspension parts are original.

Mileage is now over 150K, and passed MoT last month with no advisories.

 

[c240yaz]

It may be a weak spot on some W203s, but not mine.

The only suspension parts to be changed on mine were ARB bushes and droplinks at 100K miles. ARB bushes were OK, one droplink had a bit of play. All other suspension parts are original.

Mileage is now over 150K, and passed MoT last month with no advisories.

Nor mine. 79k and only a track rod end done, which there was no real need to do.

 

[Robbie T]

The more town driving you do, the more quickly you'd wear them out. If yours lasted to those sort of mileages you probably do a lot of "straight-line" miles.
To be honest, the majority of the 203 suspension is flawed. They modified the torque arm bushes, the anti-roll bars and ARB links over its life span which tells you they can be a serious problem. This goes for 209 CLK's also as they use all the same chassis parts.

 

[c240yaz]

The more town driving you do, the more quickly you'd wear them out. If yours lasted to those sort of mileages you probably do a lot of "straight-line" miles.
To be honest, the majority of the 203 suspension is flawed. They modified the torque arm bushes, the anti-roll bars and ARB links over its life span which tells you they can be a serious problem. This goes for 209 CLK's also as they use all the same chassis parts.

I never knew that. Flawed, that is.

 

[ddentrec]

In what way would that manifest itself? Just got back from a long trip in my car and really noticed that the car seemed to rock from side to side at steady speed on the motorway.

That's highly unlikely at 35K miles. They last twice that at least.

Who told you that nonsense ?

My W203 was purchased new in Nov 2003 using my own cash. It has an easy life..lots of motorway cruising, no school run, no speed bumps, no towbar, no delinquent driving.

After 18 months and 16K miles the front suspension started squeeking. Went to the stealer 'Nothing wrong' they said. Yeah right. 5 weeks later it was still squeeking...and the passnger side was now sitting 2 inches lower..back to dealer..whole new front suspension - 'modified wishbone kit', bushes and springs..and all of these were kept in stock . Not impressed. 11 months later rear suspension creaking..more parts. Then anti roll bar problems (noise when cornering). Then front spring broke...and more front suspension noise. After all this I was not happy and queried the dealer who would only say that the all MB dealers carry a full W203 front suspension modification kit/part as they are considered to be service items! Jeez. Says it all really. This was all ££££££££ under warranty - make sure you are covered as its gonna happen to you sooner or later.

 

[Rory]

My W203 was purchased new in Nov 2003 using my own cash. It has an easy life..lots of motorway cruising, no school run, no speed bumps, no towbar, no delinquent driving.

OK, but mine, and the OP's car, being an 07, are facelift versions. Didn't the suspension change considerably between the pre and post mid 04 facelifts? ("Yes" would be a good answer ).

 

[Ian B Walker]

After 18 months and 16K miles the front suspension started squeeking. Went to the stealer 'Nothing wrong' they said. Yeah right. 5 weeks later it was still squeeking...and the passnger side was now sitting 2 inches lower..back to dealer..whole new front suspension - 'modified wishbone kit', bushes and springs..and all of these were kept in stock . Not impressed. 11 months later rear suspension creaking..more parts. Then anti roll bar problems (noise when cornering). Then front spring broke...and more front suspension noise. After all this I was not happy and queried the dealer who would only say that the all MB dealers carry a full W203 front suspension modification kit/part as they are considered to be service items! Jeez. Says it all really. This was all ££££££££ under warranty - make sure you are covered as its gonna happen to you sooner or later.

After 18 years and 147000 miles my 124 has no rust. I does not rattle and has no broken springs (not saying that it has never had a broken springs mind). The paint work is original apart from the passengers door. Says it all really 124's in my opinion were better made and have proved themselves over and over again. Here's looking to the next 18 years trouble free motoring. (kiss of death statement )

 

[ddentrec]

....my 1984 W123 200T has well over 300K and is still mostly original with some cosmetic rust...my W123 280 has 'only' 150K.

And both have original the front suspension...

 

[allencarter]

i have a c180k 07 so whats the difference between A service and a B service apart from the price ?

 

[Paddcomp]

£257 for a B service not far away from this computer (add £50 if 3353 atf used) and this includes brake pads and fluid change. Hasten to add this place does not touch cars in warranty etc.

I was quoted £410 for a B service at two of my local MB Dealers, this doesn't include brake fluid or ATF. After reading the above I know where my W203 will be getting serviced next .

 

[Dieselman]

i have a c180k 07 so whats the difference between A service and a B service apart from the price ?

Remove rear wheels and check brake linings, fit wipers, fit pollen filter.

 

[crockers]

ATF change according to my dealer - 50k miles - had mine done - costs £206.

Brake fluid every two years - £56

 

[jeremytaylor]

Hey, I hit the jackpot this week. An 38,000 A service with VAT hit 4 figures!!

And that was after declining the offer of replacing the rear tyres at £166 a pop as they had 'only' 3mm tread left (s'funny, I thought the legal limit was 1.6mm?).

OK so they changed the gearbox oil and filter as well as the engine oil and filter and changed the V-belt and, er, oh yeah, they put new wiper blades on, recharged the A/C and adjusted the xenons ...

I tell you, the price of low-ash oil these days is just horrific!

Now it's out of warranty, and with car values dropping like they are (how much value does FMBSH add?), I reckon it's time to find a good indie!

 

[Aoraki]

"A" service (10K miles) on my W204 last Thursday at MB Mansfield £204 inc vat, of that £103 was on oil! I did get 25% discount on labour and 10% on parts as well.

 

[Dieselman]

I tell you, the price of low-ash oil these days is just horrific!

Only if you allow the dealer to supply.

of that £103 was on oil!

+VAT.

Supply your own and save about £100 on a service.

I'd tell you what my last service cost...but you wouldn't be happy...

 

[Aoraki]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Aoraki
of that £103 was on oil!

+VAT.


No Dieselman, inc vat (£88 + vat) and yes, will provide my own next time, good prices at Opie Oils.

Go on, tells us how much you paid, ya know ya wanna

 

[Dieselman]

It wouldn't be fair, but I supplied my own oil and then had a B service, front springs, pollen filter....for less than your A service..

 

[Aoraki]

It wouldn't be fair, but I supplied my own oil and then had a B service, front springs, pollen filter....for less than your A service..

 

[GeorgeA]

Hey, I hit the jackpot this week. An 38,000 A service with VAT hit 4 figures!!

And that was after declining the offer of replacing the rear tyres at £166 a pop as they had 'only' 3mm tread left (s'funny, I thought the legal limit was 1.6mm?).

OK so they changed the gearbox oil and filter as well as the engine oil and filter and changed the V-belt and, er, oh yeah, they put new wiper blades on, recharged the A/C and adjusted the xenons ...

I tell you, the price of low-ash oil these days is just horrific!

Now it's out of warranty, and with car values dropping like they are (how much value does FMBSH add?), I reckon it's time to find a good indie!

Having read this post I decided it was time to find an indie. Had an A service completed today by my local indie garage and was charged £7 a litre for oil. I questioned this thinking that the wrong grade oil was used but he assured me that Castrol Edge low ash oil, suitable for cars with extended service intervals and diesel particulate filters was used. If I had supplied the oil it would have cost more!!!!!!!!!!!.

I still can't believe it