Why onn earth do MB main dealer charge so much for brake pads and or discs?

[MSG2004]

I got my 250d gLE brand new in April 2016. It was a step up from my previous 180k C class Mers


Around 2014 I do recall paying MB 250 for pads and discs to the front and felt it was reasonable. I did not seek other quotes
as I worked, therefore busy.

Moving on to this month, car went in for a service - charged almost 350 quid for an A service - fair enough as I want their breakdown cover
peace of mind and the car has FSH by MB

I knew the rear brake pads were going about 3mm left as a warning light came on the other day and booked with a fast fit for next week - driven the
car about 160 miles since the warning light for pads came on

Yesterday i was advised that i need to change the rea pads and as there is a lip on the discs (21000 miles on the car by me a gentle driver)
the pads and disc need to be changed - I did not say anything but felt, you jokers, as the lip is less than half a mm.

Anyway, the price for rear pads 387 & for pads and discs 655

Fron pads 485 and pads and discs 840

I thought WTF, WTFingF (I do not swear out aloud.

Reading the 'suspension and brakes forum here - a member posted about his classic SL AMG and I think the front pads & discs were 2300 and the rear set 25000

Yes, buying a merc, you are expected to pay high prices, but for ruddy pads and or discs - why do they charge so much other than some of us falling for it as I did years ago?


My GLE - fast fits quoted pads to rear 210 to 250 I think and an Indy was 280

Brembo or Bosch pads, can be bought for 68 quid at ECP and a lot cheaper online - wear sensor about 7 quid. I think you have to do something to the settings via the dashboard before changing the rear pads as linked to the electric handbrake - but MB prices? (Changing rear pads is the dashboard always conslted set up to change rear pads or does MB use their computers to do the pre-change setup up etc?

Is it very time consuming etc?



Up until about 25 years ago I changed the pads myself

 

[geoffus]

Mintex pads for mine are £33 on ebay, same for the wifes B200 with electric brake, wasn't aware of any settings to be reset after fitting, maybe its for newer vehicles. Changed both rear pads recently.

 

[Riva811]

wow that is a steal

 

[Will]

I got my 250d gLE brand new in April 2016. It was a step up from my previous 180k C class Mers


Around 2014 I do recall paying MB 250 for pads and discs to the front and felt it was reasonable. I did not seek other quotes
as I worked, therefore busy.

Moving on to this month, car went in for a service - charged almost 350 quid for an A service - fair enough as I want their breakdown cover
peace of mind and the car has FSH by MB

I knew the rear brake pads were going about 3mm left as a warning light came on the other day and booked with a fast fit for next week - driven the
car about 160 miles since the warning light for pads came on

Yesterday i was advised that i need to change the rea pads and as there is a lip on the discs (21000 miles on the car by me a gentle driver)
the pads and disc need to be changed - I did not say anything but felt, you jokers, as the lip is less than half a mm.

Anyway, the price for rear pads 387 & for pads and discs 655

Fron pads 485 and pads and discs 840

I thought WTF, WTFingF (I do not swear out aloud.

Reading the 'suspension and brakes forum here - a member posted about his classic SL AMG and I think the front pads & discs were 2300 and the rear set 25000

Yes, buying a merc, you are expected to pay high prices, but for ruddy pads and or discs - why do they charge so much other than some of us falling for it as I did years ago?


My GLE - fast fits quoted pads to rear 210 to 250 I think and an Indy was 280

Brembo or Bosch pads, can be bought for 68 quid at ECP and a lot cheaper online - wear sensor about 7 quid. I think you have to do something to the settings via the dashboard before changing the rear pads as linked to the electric handbrake - but MB prices? (Changing rear pads is the dashboard always conslted set up to change rear pads or does MB use their computers to do the pre-change setup up etc?

Is it very time consuming etc?



Up until about 25 years ago I changed the pads myself

There will be some mark up on the parts for sure (genuine MB, probably no discount offered) but you’ll find a large chunk of that total will be the labour.

If you want to save some money source the parts (genuine MB) from a a dealer that offers discount.

Fitting wise you could use any local garage if you want to save on labour.

Or buy OE parts and save even more?

This has always been the case with owning cars like MB, main dealer labour rates will be very high in particular.

 

[Will]

Mintex pads for mine are £33 on ebay, same for the wifes B200 with electric brake, wasn't aware of any settings to be reset after fitting, maybe its for newer vehicles. Changed both rear pads recently.

On the 166 you have an electronic handbrake - you need to put this into a service position to release before working on the brakes

 

[markjay]

MB FSH is fine, you can do that on a Service Care Plan. But for anything that isn't routine servicing, strike a relationship with a reputable local independent specialist.

 

[MSG2004]

Many thanks, I'm aware of that and hopefully they are as well.

MB labour rates I believe in Londo are about 210 an hour. But charging almost 400 for pads to the rear, its a joke.
I'm no mechanic, but if I had access to their tools ad ramps, I'd guess I'd do it within the hour.

I will update my experience once pads are done and price I paid - hopefully,

On the 166 you have an electronic handbrake - you need to put this into a service position to release before working on the brakes

all goes well

 

[Will]

Many thanks, I'm aware of that and hopefully they are as well.

MB labour rates I believe in Londo are about 210 an hour. But charging almost 400 for pads to the rear, its a joke.
I'm no mechanic, but if I had access to their tools ad ramps, I'd guess I'd do it within the hour.

I will update my experience once pads are done and price I paid - hopefully,


all goes well

£387 for the read pads inc. fitting?

30 mins a side - they have to get the vehicle from the car park, into the workshop, find the locking wheel key, wheel off, strip down, clean and refit everything.

Document the work etc.

Few sundry items - wear sensors, brake cleaner etc.

How much are the pads from MB? On my 166 (admittedly it’s an AMG) they are over £200/set.

Soon adds up at the dealer

 

[markjay]

...I'm no mechanic, but if I had access to their tools ad ramps, I'd guess I'd do it within the hour...

I'm guessing that part of the labour cost they're charging goes toward covering the cost of buying, maintaining, and periodically renewing the tools and ramps ......

I don't have an issue with that, BTW, they should look after their own interests, and I'll look after mine

 

[Peanut Budda]

Well number 1, it depends on what you mean by "so much".
2. Expectation. Even after a job well done, if something goes wrong that is not connected to the original fault, the customer often expects the business to pay for it and a certain amount of this is factored in.
3. Greed. Cos they can.
4. Dishonesty. On the part of the customer. It doesn't specifically, relate to your particular case but I remember when I was younger the partner of a member of the group used to order clothes wear them out a few time, deliberately pull off a button or something and take it back for a refund. The item was then binned or reduced.
5. Tax. Never forget when I started my business I was told to put away half of what I earned for tax. HALF!! Turned out that wasn't too far wrong.
6. Staff. We all expect perhaps more than we are worth. Use their resoruces, (pens, paper, computers), that we're not entitled to. Leave lights on. Leave doors and windows open. Drive without a cares as the car isn't ours. etc etc.

This list is by no means complete. But just a taste of what goes into pricing.

 

[MSG2004]

Do't forget most other, inc all well known fast fit places can do Brembo type pads for 210 to 250

The poster that posted about "200 pounds " for their "AMG" - please read my OP, where I mention a member from this forum during recent days postign about ther AMG and 2300 for front pads and discs and 2500 for the rear.

Since owning a Mercedes as I always wanted one like my dad as he had always had a MB, I've always used main dealers for servicing and smaller items.

However, recently, I changed the car batter at 7 yrs and 4 months - still ok but changed as I'm cautious - MB recommended I changed it 2 years ago cost was around 440 at the time - got Halfords to do their stop/start batter its a big old thing, 230 it cost and all good

MB offered to change the rear wiper, 35 quid - got bosch wiper for 11 quid and changed in less than 20 seconds,

We laso had a Range Rover Sport - everything was much cheaper at the main dealer. Up until a few years ago we had an Audi A6, cheaper by miles at the main dealer - IMO, MB charges way over the odds.

MB is nowhere near perfect as they did not change the car battery on two occasions, ie about 15/17 years ago and about 2 years ago - how do I know you ask - well I gave them the key that did not do the global window open/close but the key still opens the doors and tailgates - the other giveaway was at the time no second battery given to me. When I told them via phone call, the call handler doubted me, lol - I insisted and asked him I'd not try a get a 2 quid battery from them when i had spent hundreds for a B service - reason i rang is they trashed the wheels by putting too much of that balck stuff on the wheels and when they brought the car back and parked it on our new grey drive, they drive got marked. Credit to them they offered to come and clean the drive but i said leave it to me as I'd try and if it did not work, I'd let them know - well i cleaned it took me and hour but just shows if they are missing ket batteries and are ticking the box that it has been done, me being a suspicios guy then starts to lose faith in them



btw, as I've started I'll finish - a couple of years ago car went in for a recall - they did free health check i think - they noted rear wiper rubber was split, credit to them as i had not noted it - i said i will do it, and did at fraction of the price a month before car went back for a service - they offered to change my rear wipper for the same reason = I asked the customer services to show me where it was "split" as I'd personally replaced it myself - "it must have been a mistake sir."


IMO, main dealers are better and to more trustworthy than some of the smaller outfits but even with them you have to be aware of what is needed or not.


With me, though like most we are careful with our money, like most I don't like being taken for a ride. Importantly, I'm a very reasonable man and have been advised that and when my car or anything else goes in for fixing/servicing, I won't blame the dealer for trying to repair the shock absorber and then accuse them of naffing my engine up. Even when they often just stick the piece of paper in front of me to sign, I pick it up and try to have a good 10/20 second glance before signing rather than moaning about something afterwards that may have been priced in and I was not aware of.

Btw - when my cars nox sensor naffed up when the car was just over three years old with FSH by MB and at 11/12k miles - I managed to speak to the right person in the right tone and they repalced FoC -- YES, I got very decent help from this froum before I acted.

 

[MSG2004]

It does, but when compared to the likes of Audi, Fords, Landrover and even bmw for that matter, MB prices are steep -

Sorry, not great with quotes, this post was aimed at Wills, thanks

 

[sgregory124]

No idea what Audi dealer you were using, I had my A6 serviced at 3 different dealers over 4 years and not one of them could be considered ‘cheap’.

MB charge no more on labour than anyone other manufacturer, to think other marques franchises are cheaper is naive in my opinion.

 

[MSG2004]

No idea what Audi dealer you were using, I had my A6 serviced at 3 different dealers over 4 years and not one of them could be considered ‘cheap’.

MB charge no more on labour than anyone other manufacturer, to think other marques franchises are cheaper is naive in my opinion.

Where did I say "cheap"?
Compared to the main dealers I have used, MB has the highest price by a long mile when compared with Audi, Ford, bmw, Landrover etc.

its around 210/220 and hour south London

 

[sgregory124]

Where did I say "cheap"?
Compared to the main dealers I have used, MB has the highest price by a long mile when compared with Audi, Ford, bmw, Landrover etc.

its around 210/220 and hour south London

You didn’t need to, you implied it. Still doesn’t make it true though, I paid £700 for front discs and pads at Nottingham Audi for my A6 - personally don’t call that ‘cheap’.

 

[Skd884]

Main dealers should be used for servicing only and nothing else if one is wise

A friend recently purchased a 2019 95k mile 213 estate that has only been to mb brighton for all it's life, how the other half live......

 

[MikeInWimbledon]

Well number 1, it depends on what you mean by "so much".
2. Expectation. Even after a job well done, if something goes wrong that is not connected to the original fault, the customer often expects the business to pay for it and a certain amount of this is factored in.
3. Greed. Cos they can.
4. Dishonesty. On the part of the customer. It doesn't specifically, relate to your particular case but I remember when I was younger the partner of a member of the group used to order clothes wear them out a few time, deliberately pull off a button or something and take it back for a refund. The item was then binned or reduced.
5. Tax. Never forget when I started my business I was told to put away half of what I earned for tax. HALF!! Turned out that wasn't too far wrong.
6. Staff. We all expect perhaps more than we are worth. Use their resoruces, (pens, paper, computers), that we're not entitled to. Leave lights on. Leave doors and windows open. Drive without a cares as the car isn't ours. etc etc.

This list is by no means complete. But just a taste of what goes into pricing.

Amen:
A fee to start the transaction. Roughly 30 minutes worth of admin initiation, worksheet processing and invoicing
Full MB technician rate, including the cost of that very nice building.
Free coffee and wifi in the waiting area.
20% VAT
25% Corporation tax
15% Employer's National Insurance

And they will try to charge you for stuff which isn't quite necessary yet.

I love main dealer servicing. I always buy cars which have been annually serviced at main dealers. They're great and reliable.

But obviously I always use an MB trained independent, because they're usually a third of the price.

 

[Will]

Do't forget most other, inc all well known fast fit places can do Brembo type pads for 210 to 250

The poster that posted about "200 pounds " for their "AMG" - please read my OP, where I mention a member from this forum during recent days postign about ther AMG and 2300 for front pads and discs and 2500 for the rear.

Since owning a Mercedes as I always wanted one like my dad as he had always had a MB, I've always used main dealers for servicing and smaller items.

However, recently, I changed the car batter at 7 yrs and 4 months - still ok but changed as I'm cautious - MB recommended I changed it 2 years ago cost was around 440 at the time - got Halfords to do their stop/start batter its a big old thing, 230 it cost and all good

MB offered to change the rear wiper, 35 quid - got bosch wiper for 11 quid and changed in less than 20 seconds,

We laso had a Range Rover Sport - everything was much cheaper at the main dealer. Up until a few years ago we had an Audi A6, cheaper by miles at the main dealer - IMO, MB charges way over the odds.

MB is nowhere near perfect as they did not change the car battery on two occasions, ie about 15/17 years ago and about 2 years ago - how do I know you ask - well I gave them the key that did not do the global window open/close but the key still opens the doors and tailgates - the other giveaway was at the time no second battery given to me. When I told them via phone call, the call handler doubted me, lol - I insisted and asked him I'd not try a get a 2 quid battery from them when i had spent hundreds for a B service - reason i rang is they trashed the wheels by putting too much of that balck stuff on the wheels and when they brought the car back and parked it on our new grey drive, they drive got marked. Credit to them they offered to come and clean the drive but i said leave it to me as I'd try and if it did not work, I'd let them know - well i cleaned it took me and hour but just shows if they are missing ket batteries and are ticking the box that it has been done, me being a suspicios guy then starts to lose faith in them



btw, as I've started I'll finish - a couple of years ago car went in for a recall - they did free health check i think - they noted rear wiper rubber was split, credit to them as i had not noted it - i said i will do it, and did at fraction of the price a month before car went back for a service - they offered to change my rear wipper for the same reason = I asked the customer services to show me where it was "split" as I'd personally replaced it myself - "it must have been a mistake sir."


IMO, main dealers are better and to more trustworthy than some of the smaller outfits but even with them you have to be aware of what is needed or not.


With me, though like most we are careful with our money, like most I don't like being taken for a ride. Importantly, I'm a very reasonable man and have been advised that and when my car or anything else goes in for fixing/servicing, I won't blame the dealer for trying to repair the shock absorber and then accuse them of naffing my engine up. Even when they often just stick the piece of paper in front of me to sign, I pick it up and try to have a good 10/20 second glance before signing rather than moaning about something afterwards that may have been priced in and I was not aware of.

Btw - when my cars nox sensor naffed up when the car was just over three years old with FSH by MB and at 11/12k miles - I managed to speak to the right person in the right tone and they repalced FoC -- YES, I got very decent help from this froum before I acted.

It does, but when compared to the likes of Audi, Fords, Landrover and even bmw for that matter, MB prices are steep -

Sorry, not great with quotes, this post was aimed at Wills, thanks

Not really sure what to make of all that other than you are a little sceptical of main dealers/workshops and are price sensitive but continue to use the main dealer for servicing?

I was simply pointing out that by having brakes replaced at the main dealer, you’re aiming for the highest possible price.

You’ll be paying full whack for the parts, which will be the most expensive parts available.

And you’ll be paying the highest hourly labour charge. I’m not really sure what you were expecting from the quote?

 

[MSG2004]

Thank you all. I will exit this discussion as I've made my point and you are at your liberty to do/think/believe as you wish.
As another poster said, use the main dealers for servicing and brakes etc at other places.

I would add, that at times it is worth consulting a min dealer for a fault where they may be more aware of it than a non MB place

210/220 an hour is too. In south London, the main dealer prices are the same for all garages as owned by one company. However, about 2 miles across the river Thames, the MB dealer can carry out the same service a hundred quid cheaper. The brake pad/disc prices are also cost less but I can recall the figures but you can look them up - ie Lakeside MB vs south of the river MB's dealers.

 

[Will]

I think you maybe off the pulse a little bit here - many members on here look around for good value when running their cars, myself included.

You do what suits your own circumstances and preferences - whether that be main dealer, independent, local garage or DIY. Likewise there is a choice in parts - genuine, OE or aftermarket.

Definitely worth shopping around if you intend to use the main dealer network though. I’ve posted a few times before but Mercedes-Benz of Guildford (part of the Sandown group) are much better value for money for older vehicles. From memory, 40% off labour and 15% off parts - helps a lot when it comes to stuff like this.

FWIW, I usually do a lot of work myself. I have the correct tools and knowledge and can take as long as I like. Eg when I did front discs and pads I spent longer cleaning up the calipers, arch liners and wheels than I did on the actual fitting side of the brake components. No rush needed if you’re not paid by the hour!