W205 c63 Amg Service B

[Bobby Dazzler]

So I've spoken to the dealer that sold me it and they state it does have a full service history and I've requested it and after reading it the only thing changed in 2020 was the oil filter and dust filter, thus the customer declining the ATF fluid and spark plugs which ofcourse was due to cost. Therefore as the dealership claimed FSH, would I be able to argue that they should cover the costs?

Did you buy from a Mercedes main dealer, another manufacturer main dealer, or an independent trader, and how long ago did you buy it?

It seems the dealer is claiming it has full service history because it's had an A or B service, but that's not full service history as it has ommitted several big items from the manufacturer's service schedule. A Mercedes main dealer really ought to know what's required to claim full service history.

The acid test is whether your Mobilo breakdown cover is still place. You could give them a call and ask, but you'd need to do it before servicing it as it's only effective for 12 months following the last service.

 

[Mazzao]

Did you buy from a Mercedes main dealer, another manufacturer main dealer, or an independent trader, and how long ago did you buy it?

It seems the dealer is claiming it has full service history because it's had an A or B service, but that's not full service history as it has ommitted several big items from the manufacturer's service schedule. A Mercedes main dealer really ought to know what's required to claim full service history.

The acid test is whether your Mobilo breakdown cover is still place. You could give them a call and ask, but you'd need to do it before servicing it as it's only effective for 12 months following the last service.

It is a highly reputable interdependent dealership that offer 12months warranty 12montjs MOT and breakdown after purchase. But basically they hasn't serviced themselves the car was bought by them around Feb/March 2020 and I purchased the vehicle at the start of November 2020, they stated it had been advertised as Full service history as all services were carried out at MB. I've attached the photo below of the last 2 services, all other ones were at MB aswel. According to them the last one was only a service A therefore only oil and dust were required. But according to MB Glasgow they should of done the ATF and plugs aswel. A B service was carried out in 2019 but that's too soon for a ATF or spark plugs as mileage was low.

Basically, how can I argue this? With MB Glasgow to include it in my service plan or the dealership I bought it from?

Really appreciate the assistance guys! Thank you!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

It is a highly reputable interdependent dealership that offer 12months warranty 12montjs MOT and breakdown after purchase. But basically they hasn't serviced themselves the car was bought by them around Feb/March 2020 and I purchased the vehicle at the start of November 2020, they stated it had been advertised as Full service history as all services were carried out at MB. I've attached the photo below of the last 2 services, all other ones were at MB aswel. According to them the last one was only a service A therefore only oil and dust were required. But according to MB Glasgow they should of done the ATF and plugs aswel. A B service was carried out in 2019 but that's too soon for a ATF or spark plugs as mileage was low.

Basically, how can I argue this? With MB Glasgow to include it in my service plan or the dealership I bought it from?

Really appreciate the assistance guys! Thank you!

Unfortunately I don't believe that the onus is on MB Glasgow or the operators of the service care plan, as they are in no way responsible for the situation arising.

It could be that MB Sandown failed to make the owner aware that there were additional items due, but the likelihood of that is tiny - dealers love spark plug and transmission fluid changes as they're expensive - so I don't think they're culpable either.

Most likely is that the previous owner said "How much!?!?" when quoted, and said "just do the service, and not the expensive additional items" because they were probably part-exing. Probably the cause but you have no come back on them.

So the only remaining party is the seller. You could ask Trading Standards or Citizens Advice Bureau for advice, but I would be very surprised if you got anywhere with it.

You could go after the seller for false advertising but they could reasonably claim that it was an honest mistake because the car had been serviced. Legal proceedings are based upon reasonableness, and I think that argument would probably be seen as reasonable.

So I think you have the following options starting from least cost and shortest ownership, to most cost and longest ownership:

1. Accept that they've been missed, don't even service it, and sell now or very soon.

2. Accept that they've been missed, service it, and sell now or very soon.

3. Accept that they've been missed, just do what's due now, as it's unlikely that it will cause an issue in your ownership.

4. Accept that they've been missed, do spark plugs now, and save diff and transmission for a later date.

5. Accept that they've been missed, do spark plugs, diff and transmission now.

If you go for option 4, then I would go for spark plugs first as they can be a blighter to remove if they're left in situ too long!

Finally, skipping the transmission service and spark plug change is commonplace, especially because on other models they're due in year 4 or year 5, at which point many cars are outside of the main dealer network - usually triggered by the cost of those additional items.

You can imagine the scenario:
Owner: "Can you give me a price for my next service please?"
Main dealer: "Yes Sir/Madam, we can provide a car or you can wait, and that'll be £1,194".
Owner: "How much? I thought it was expensive last year at £340. I'll leave it thanks".
Owner: "Can you give me a price for my next service please?"
Independent garage: "Yes Sir/Madam, you'll have to leave it with us, but we can do it for £300"
Owner: "Brilliant. That's even less than last year. Does that include everything Mercedes include?"
Independent garage: "We follow our own schedule which includes the common checks for cars of all makes"
Owner: "That'll do for me"

Of course there are variations on that theme, including having all the same work done outside of the dealer network, but for less cost. Unfortunately many people aren't even slightly interested, and to be fair their cars keep running. Usually.

 

[Mazzao]

Unfortunately I don't believe that the onus is on MB Glasgow or the operators of the service care plan, as they are in no way responsible for the situation arising.

It could be that MB Sandown failed to make the owner aware that there were additional items due, but the likelihood of that is tiny - dealers love spark plug and transmission fluid changes as they're expensive - so I don't think they're culpable either.

Most likely is that the previous owner said "How much!?!?" when quoted, and said "just do the service, and not the expensive additional items" because they were probably part-exing. Probably the cause but you have no come back on them.

So the only remaining party is the seller. You could ask Trading Standards or Citizens Advice Bureau for advice, but I would be very surprised if you got anywhere with it.

You could go after the seller for false advertising but they could reasonably claim that it was an honest mistake because the car had been serviced. Legal proceedings are based upon reasonableness, and I think that argument would probably be seen as reasonable.

So I think you have the following options starting from least cost and shortest ownership, to most cost and longest ownership:

1. Accept that they've been missed, don't even service it, and sell now or very soon.

2. Accept that they've been missed, service it, and sell now or very soon.

3. Accept that they've been missed, just do what's due now, as it's unlikely that it will cause an issue in your ownership.

4. Accept that they've been missed, do spark plugs now, and save diff and transmission for a later date.

5. Accept that they've been missed, do spark plugs, diff and transmission now.

If you go for option 4, then I would go for spark plugs first as they can be a blighter to remove if they're left in situ too long!

Finally, skipping the transmission service and spark plug change is commonplace, especially because on other models they're due in year 4 or year 5, at which point many cars are outside of the main dealer network - usually triggered by the cost of those additional items.

You can imagine the scenario:
Owner: "Can you give me a price for my next service please?"
Main dealer: "Yes Sir/Madam, we can provide a car or you can wait, and that'll be £1,194".
Owner: "How much? I thought it was expensive last year at £340. I'll leave it thanks".
Owner: "Can you give me a price for my next service please?"
Independent garage: "Yes Sir/Madam, you'll have to leave it with us, but we can do it for £300"
Owner: "Brilliant. That's even less than last year. Does that include everything Mercedes include?"
Independent garage: "We follow our own schedule which includes the common checks for cars of all makes"
Owner: "That'll do for me"

Of course there are variations on that theme, including having all the same work done outside of the dealer network, but for less cost. Unfortunately many people aren't even slightly interested, and to be fair their cars keep running. Usually.

Thanks for the in depth reply, Option 1 and 2 are definitely a no go as I just bought the car recently and absolutely love it. Runs a clock and with the packages I have it's definitely a keeper for atleast another year or two minimum!

The reason I don't want to do just option 3 is because it will essentially cost me an extra £150 to do everything at a specliast if I decide to not go for the current care plan as spending £650 per year for 2 years at Mercedes seems quite unreasonable for just oil changes and dust filter and brake fluid!

Therefore I think I'll try speak further with the dealership that sold it to me and if I can't get anywhere with them I'll do everything at the specliast for £800 excluding the oil diff change as I forgot to mention that to them!

On a side note, would the diff change not be included if I go for the service plan as it's never been due in the last few services or is it not covered under that service plan?

Essentially I plan to keep this car until atleast end of 2022. So best opinion? Also is the transmission fluid and sparks necessary at 14.8k miles? The specliast recommend waiting till next year as mileage is low.

 

[Mazzao]

Update:

Screw Mercedes Benz dealerships Long story short the dealership I bought the car from have now offered to do the full job free of charge, honestly did not expect that, however there's a little problem. I bought it in York and I stay in Glasgow so I explained I appreciate it but it's quite journey down, therefore they stated if I can't come down they can offer a contribution to the works been carried out.

Hence, if I go for the MB specliast at £800 for all the required works, spark plugs, ATF change, oil change, air and dust filter and brake fluid they will contribute £400.

What do we think guys? Should I travel down once restrictions are eased and do around 450 miles trip there and back, plus probably £100+ in fuel, or accept there generous contribution?

 

[markjay]

Update:

Screw Mercedes Benz dealerships Long story short the dealership I bought the car from have now offered to do the full job free of charge, honestly did not expect that, however there's a little problem. I bought it in York and I stay in Glasgow so I explained I appreciate it but it's quite journey down, therefore they stated if I can't come down they can offer a contribution to the works been carried out.

Hence, if I go for the MB specliast at £800 for all the required works, spark plugs, ATF change, oil change, air and dust filter and brake fluid they will contribute £400.

What do we think guys? Should I travel down once restrictions are eased and do around 450 miles trip there and back, plus probably £100+ in fuel, or accept there generous contribution?

Whatever option you decide to take... make sure that the work is done by someone (specialist, or the selling dealer) who has access to the MB DBS and can update the Digital Service Record for the work done.

But either option is a good result!

 

[Mazzao]

Whatever option you decide to take... make sure that the work is done by someone (specialist, or the selling dealer) who has access to the MB DBS and can update the Digital Service Record for the work done.

But either option is a good result!

Yeah I definitely thought the same, will be going for the contribution option.

The specliast is TJ O'Neils, they do the full DBS, 30+ years of experience and one of my friends has the w204 c63 and always went there, it was actually recommended by him! Apparently a lot of the technicians are ex Amg from MB in Glasgow ha!

Not sure if anyone in this forum has used TJ O'Neils before

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Update:

Screw Mercedes Benz dealerships Long story short the dealership I bought the car from have now offered to do the full job free of charge, honestly did not expect that, however there's a little problem. I bought it in York and I stay in Glasgow so I explained I appreciate it but it's quite journey down, therefore they stated if I can't come down they can offer a contribution to the works been carried out.

Hence, if I go for the MB specliast at £800 for all the required works, spark plugs, ATF change, oil change, air and dust filter and brake fluid they will contribute £400.

What do we think guys? Should I travel down once restrictions are eased and do around 450 miles trip there and back, plus probably £100+ in fuel, or accept there generous contribution?

Are they contributing 50% or £400? Either way, that is an exceptional offer, well done.

Personally I would cancel the service contract, have it done at the main dealer and use supplying dealer's contribution to remove the sting. If you contribute the annual equivalent of the service plan, and they pay the rest that would be a good result, but a fair and reasonable outcome for all parties.

How much is the cost difference between MB Glasgow and the specialist?

Like Mark Jay suggests, I wouldn't have it done anywhere that the digital service book is not updated, or performed by anyone who's not familiar with doing it - there are too many downsides.

 

[Mazzao]

Are they contributing 50% or £400? Either way, that is an exceptional offer, well done.

Personally I would cancel the service contract, have it done at the main dealer and use supplying dealer's contribution to remove the sting. If you contribute the annual equivalent of the service plan, and they pay the rest that would be a good result, but a fair and reasonable outcome for all parties.

How much is the cost difference between MB Glasgow and the specialist?

Like Mark Jay suggests, I wouldn't have it done anywhere that the digital service book is not updated, or performed by anyone who's not familiar with doing it - there are too many downsides.

No not quite, it costs them £400 to do it in house, hence the £400 which ironically does work out 50% of the specliast cost.

I will see what MB Glasgow have to say, they said they will contact me just after 6 from the Service team leader and I'll explain it to them about this contribution but I have a feeling for all the work it will be in excess of £1,000 at MB.

Will update again after MB call me back but nonetheless I am happy with the offer. To be honest I was expecting to fork out the full cost so any bit helps!

 

[CrazyCow]

It is a highly reputable interdependent dealership that offer 12months warranty 12montjs MOT and breakdown after purchase. But basically they hasn't serviced themselves the car was bought by them around Feb/March 2020 and I purchased the vehicle at the start of November 2020, they stated it had been advertised as Full service history as all services were carried out at MB. I've attached the photo below of the last 2 services, all other ones were at MB aswel. According to them the last one was only a service A therefore only oil and dust were required. But according to MB Glasgow they should of done the ATF and plugs aswel. A B service was carried out in 2019 but that's too soon for a ATF or spark plugs as mileage was low.

Basically, how can I argue this? With MB Glasgow to include it in my service plan or the dealership I bought it from?

Really appreciate the assistance guys! Thank you!

Most likely it's only a typo but according to the invoice you have attached MB Brooklands used the wrong spec engine oil 229.51 instead of 229.5 ?

Also at the last service the box for the "Additional operations performed" is ticked as "accomplished" event though they haven't done it ?

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

No not quite, it costs them £400 to do it in house, hence the £400 which ironically does work out 50% of the specliast cost.

I will see what MB Glasgow have to say, they said they will contact me just after 6 from the Service team leader and I'll explain it to them about this contribution but I have a feeling for all the work it will be in excess of £1,000 at MB.

Will update again after MB call me back but nonetheless I am happy with the offer. To be honest I was expecting to fork out the full cost so any bit helps!

Don't be afraid to ask for a discount, you may be surprised. Personally I would cancel your current service contract, and then speak to the Service Advisor/Manager in the dealership rather than in a call centre, and ask each of the following questions in this order:

1. Are you able to offer a discount?

Regardless of the answer, continue to #2

2. The specialist said they could do exactly the same work for £800, could you match it? (be ready with the list of work included)

If they say anything other than yes, then continue to #3

3. I really wanted you to do the service, because I also wanted to take out a service plan today for the next 3 services - if I have to get it service elsewhere, then there's less point in getting a service plan. If I sign-up today then could you do the work for £800?

If you speak to the right person, then the difference between the main dealer and the specialist might be less than you think. You can then sign up to the service plan again and be back in the position you started in, but with the missed work done for very little additional cost to you. If they can't get close enough even after #3 then go with whichever outfit you trust most to do the job.

 

[Mazzao]

Don't be afraid to ask for a discount, you may be surprised. Personally I would cancel your current service contract, and then speak to the Service Advisor/Manager in the dealership rather than in a call centre, and ask each of the following questions in this order:

1. Are you able to offer a discount?

Regardless of the answer, continue to #2

2. The specialist said they could do exactly the same work for £800, could you match it? (be ready with the list of work included)

If they say anything other than yes, then continue to #3

3. I really wanted you to the service, because I wanted to take out a service plan today for the next 3 services - if I have to get it service elsewhere, then there's less point in getting a service plan. If I sign-up today then could you do the work for £800?

If you speak to the right person, then the difference between the main dealer and the specialist might be less than you think. You can then sign up to the service plan again and be back in the position you started in, but with the missed work done for very little additional cost to you. If they can't get close enough even after #3 then go with whichever outfit you trust most to do the job.

I'll follow this exact method, much appreciated Bobby! Will let you know how it pans out once they ring me back!

Also should I mention the contribution from the Dealership that sold it to me? Or will it sabotage my chances of a discount? And if they agree to the discount I think it's best to mention the contribution then?

Cheers for all the advice!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I'll follow this exact method, much appreciated Bobby! Will let you know how it pans out once they ring me back!

Also should I mention the contribution from the Dealership that sold it to me? Or will it sabotage my chances of a discount? And if they agree to the discount I think it's best to mention the contribution then?

Cheers for all the advice!

Steer clear of the contribution

Completely avoid it. Once the deal is done, let the supplying dealer know what you're doing and if they'll transfer the money to your bank account if you send them a copy of the paid invoice.

 

[Skd884]

As per BD above ask dealer for a price and haggle.

 

[Mazzao]

Bobby, the transfer will be into my account after I show the paid invoice copy, so I would essentially pay the full amount first and then get reimbursed.

So MB got back to me, to put the outstanding service back in line it will cost £680 so that's the ATF change, sparks air etc.

This means on Monday I would continue my service plan the £54 a month and pay the additional £680 on this date to have everything rectified. Total cost spent by end of this year means £680+(£54 x12) = £1328 - £400(Dealership contribution) = £928.

Opinions?

 

[theworkerb]

For what eventually works out at £128 more I would use the main dealer

 

[markjay]

Bobby, the transfer will be into my account after I show the paid invoice copy, so I would essentially pay the full amount first and then get reimbursed.

So MB got back to me, to put the outstanding service back in line it will cost £680 so that's the ATF change, sparks air etc.

This means on Monday I would continue my service plan the £54 a month and pay the additional £680 on this date to have everything rectified. Total cost spent by end of this year means £680+(£54 x12) = £1328 - £400(Dealership contribution) = £928.

Opinions?

Sounds good.

 

[Mazzao]

For what eventually works out at £128 more I would use the main dealer

Not quite it's an extra £528 as the specliast will carry out all the work for £800 minus the £400 dealer contribution, meaning I'm only forking out £400 instead of £928.

I most likely will still stick to the dealer but was looking at opinions, the reviews do put me off the dealer aswel tbh, 2.5 out of 5 stars whilst the specliast is 5 stars and plenty of reviews.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Bobby, the transfer will be into my account after I show the paid invoice copy, so I would essentially pay the full amount first and then get reimbursed.

So MB got back to me, to put the outstanding service back in line it will cost £680 so that's the ATF change, sparks air etc.

This means on Monday I would continue my service plan the £54 a month and pay the additional £680 on this date to have everything rectified. Total cost spent by end of this year means £680+(£54 x12) = £1328 - £400(Dealership contribution) = £928.

Opinions?

£928 sounds fairly reasonable to me.

But I think if you cancel you existing service contract the main dealer may be able to do it for less than your service contract will cost this year, and so could cost you less than £928.

You may still prefer to pay monthly but if you want the maximum discount then it may be worth asking for total cost without using the service contract.

 

[Mazzao]

£928 sounds fairly reasonable to me.

But I think if you cancel you existing service contract the main dealer may be able to do it for less than your service contract will cost this year, and so could cost you less than £928.

You may still prefer to pay monthly but if you want the maximum discount then it may be worth asking for total cost without using the service contract.

Cheers Bobby, we'll I haven't actually got a service contract it was supposed to start on Monday when I pop in for my service B, on the phone 2 days ago I only gave my sort code and account number, nothing else. Then ofcourse I realised once I got the confirmation email that it's only an oil change and brake fluid which I thought doesn't sound right.

I'll see what the total cost for everything will be on Monday without a service plan and see if they can offer a discount.

Cheers everyone!