Mercedes Service Question

[johnft]

Hi all,

Long time reader, etc. I've got a question I'm hoping one of you helpful lot can answer.

My A-Class, which I have on PCH, is due a B Service this month. I don't have a service plan, and this will be the last service I pay for before I hand it back next year.

Because it's PCH I have to use a main dealer, and the cheapest I can find within reasonable driving distance is c£470 through Mercedes' service portal.

But the same main dealer, is quoting £300 for a "major" service on bookmygarage.com, or £230 if I use their secret service thing, which is like one of those secret hotels websites, but is clearly the same dealer. This seems too good to be true!

So, does anyone know if the major service (see "What's Included?" at that link) is the same as a B service?

Would appreciate any advice. Cheers!

Edited by johnft on Saturday 30th June 16:26

[Sheepshanks]

One of the first things it says is "This offer is only available for vehicles 4 years or older."

That major service is much more extensive than the Mercedes B service though - there'll be no air and fuel filter changing, or wheel removal, on the Mercedes service.

However what's missing, and is likely included in the MB prices, is the brake fluid change. That'll be the best part of £100.

For the work that's done, the MB "rack-rate" pricing is insane. But it's designed to make the ServiceCare scheme seem like a no-brainer. The trouble is if the dealer doesn't update the service record - and they're unlikely to do that unless they mess up if the service didn't follow the offical MB schedule - then you'll get whacked on returning the car.

I'd be minded to call the garage up, quote that deal and then see if they'll apply it to your car bearing in mind it needs a lot less work. However getting hold of someone who has the authority or interest to negotiate may not be easy. You could take a chance and not mention the brake fluid if they don't mention it either but you may get a call on the day and they've got you over a barrel then.

Edited by Sheepshanks on Saturday 30th June 16:47

[Auto810graphy]

As long as a service is logged on the Mercedes portal and the light reset it is a service. MBFS won’t check that time dependant additional items are changed.

You can hand the car back with the service overdue by up to 28 days.

[johnft]

Thanks both, yeah I need to clarify with them the "4 years" thing, it's badly worded and don't quite get it. This is what they offered me based on my reg though, so let's see what happens.

Good shout on the brake fluid, they want £90 for it on the Merc portal and it's required to avoid end of lease charges. Even adding it though, will still be a bargain.

I will give them a shout when they open on Monday to discuss whether they'll give me the deal.

Thanks again!

Edited by johnft on Saturday 30th June 16:55

[Jim AK]

If you are using an MB dealer group place like Lancaster (other dealer groups are available) & ask for Service Booking you will most likely be put through to a call centre type place & the operative will have very little, if any, authority to change anything for you.

I`d ring & say its regarding a progress report & you will then actually get an advisor who knows a bit about it.

Last time I was at my local MB emporium there was a customer bartering over extra items with his car!

[Sheepshanks]

On the website the Interim Service is probably more like the Mercedes B Service. So start with that price!

The Major one is more like what MB would do at 4yrs old.

The Mercedes B service does include pollen filter and key battery change, but apart from that it's an oil and filter change and a few checks.

The different levels of servicing are mostly a load of crap as the big dealer groups work with their own vehicle health check list anyway and they'll do the same checks regardless of which service is being done. I very much doubt any of them take the wheels off these days (MB definitely don't) as is suggested by the Major service schedule on that website.