Worth a check up ahead of opting out of network?

[fabes]

Hi

Mine is pre faclieft 53 reg (early 2004 car)

It was last serviced by MB and it has FMBSH ,but next service in a few thousand will not be main dealer

I understand that I will be losing the secondary benefits of Mobilo, corrosion / rust protection etc, but is that all?

MB Southampton have quoted £450 PLUS all consumables and I know indi's such as Burseldon Motors or PCS will be a couple hundred cheaper all in, so I am going outside main dealer in the current climate. But I would like to be clear on what I am giving up.

AND in light of that, despite having no visible rust any where (only the burning smell - see other thread) is it worth having it into the Main dealer for some form of (thorough) inspection on the body work?

I do have a TP warranty on the car which expires soon (two years form purchase) and I thought that if anything mechanical is picked up I can lean on MB and the warranty company between them to lessen any pain.

But the body work does concern me ONLY because of numerous pre facelift W203 issues mentioned on here.

Your advice on its worth it and how to approach the main dealer if yes appreciated

 

[verytalldave]

To be honest, you are so close to PCS that I would not consider going anywhere else anyway. I live in Kent, and Ollie looks after my car.
Forget all the other stuff like warranties and the like. What you want is GOOD HONEST servicing at a price that is competitive and done by someone who you can TRUST and KNOWS what they are doing.
I wish I lived where you do.
If I did I wouldnt even bother asking the question.

 

[WLeg]

I THINK if you get it done ever two years (alternate services-ish) you are still covered by Mobilo and corrosion). - worth checking your book, as this seems to differ depending on model (my W202 is like this).

 

[fabes]

To be honest, you are so close to PCS that I would not consider going anywhere else anyway. I live in Kent, and Ollie looks after my car.
Forget all the other stuff like warranties and the like. What you want is GOOD HONEST servicing at a price that is competitive and done by someone who you can TRUST and KNOWS what they are doing.
I wish I lived where you do.
If I did I wouldnt even bother asking the question.

Ollie arranged the MOT last year for me, but he won't be able to undertake a bodywork inspection, it needs to be main dealer - though actually thats not related to servicing is it - its 8 years or so I seem to recall?

MB dealer is on my way home, so easy to ask for an inspection, and Bursledon Motors (whom two friends and several here recommend) are just over half a mile away, so they are local and recommended (and there is logistics for me to consider....)

As to the main dealer fringe benefits of Mobilo, I am leaving them behind -I just want to be clear on what they are, so I don't have a false understanding of what I have and no longer have.

Ta for the views though