MB Service Plan - Or Not?
Discussion
I recently bought an MB E Class 2019 from an MB main dealer. All servicing done, up to date etc.
Thing is should I
A. Take out an MB Service Plan at £44 per month?
B. Don't bother with the service plan, just go back to the main dealer for servicing (Brooklands is not far away)?
C. Use an independant?
Thing is should I
A. Take out an MB Service Plan at £44 per month?
B. Don't bother with the service plan, just go back to the main dealer for servicing (Brooklands is not far away)?
C. Use an independant?
The car is 3 years old with full main dealer servicing, which is what expected of a 3 year old car.
Beyond 3 years most do not care whether main dealer or independant specialist is used for servicing...the important thing being that the correct servicing has been carried out and it is up to date. The value of your car will not be affected despite what some might say.
For this reason I would say your best (and cheapest) option is to use a reputable and trusted independant specialist.
On new or nearly new cars I would always recommend the manufacturers/main dealer service plan.
Beyond 3 years most do not care whether main dealer or independant specialist is used for servicing...the important thing being that the correct servicing has been carried out and it is up to date. The value of your car will not be affected despite what some might say.
For this reason I would say your best (and cheapest) option is to use a reputable and trusted independant specialist.
On new or nearly new cars I would always recommend the manufacturers/main dealer service plan.
Edited by Ron240 on Thursday 11th August 17:01
Every body has their own views but I don't necessarily agree that service plans are always a 'no-brainer'. The issue is that MB have increased their 'rack prices' for routine servicing in recent years, to such an extent that signing up to a plan is "cheaper". That's invariably true but "cheaper" doesn't necessarily mean good value.
Having said that, depending on the specific service reqt of your model/year, years 4 (air, oil, pollen filters, fuel filter for diesel and plugs on petrol) and 5 (atf change) services can be expensive, so a service plan covering those could be worthwhile. Check the atf change, though, because they've been altering mileage/frequency in recent years and 5-yearly might not be applicable to yours.
Brooklands have a good reputation and a service plan would renew Mobilo if that's a consideration. Indies, like dealers, come in varying degrees of competence, so a straight yes/no isn't easy.
As far as resale value, I don't think a dealer or indie service history makes much difference once 5 or so years old: some buyers would actually prefer a decent indie.
In conclusion, it's a definite maybe
Having said that, depending on the specific service reqt of your model/year, years 4 (air, oil, pollen filters, fuel filter for diesel and plugs on petrol) and 5 (atf change) services can be expensive, so a service plan covering those could be worthwhile. Check the atf change, though, because they've been altering mileage/frequency in recent years and 5-yearly might not be applicable to yours.
Brooklands have a good reputation and a service plan would renew Mobilo if that's a consideration. Indies, like dealers, come in varying degrees of competence, so a straight yes/no isn't easy.
As far as resale value, I don't think a dealer or indie service history makes much difference once 5 or so years old: some buyers would actually prefer a decent indie.
In conclusion, it's a definite maybe
TarquinMX5 said:
Every body has their own views but I don't necessarily agree that service plans are always a 'no-brainer'. The issue is that MB have increased their 'rack prices' for routine servicing in recent years, to such an extent that signing up to a plan is "cheaper". That's invariably true but "cheaper" doesn't necessarily mean good value.
Having said that, depending on the specific service reqt of your model/year, years 4 (air, oil, pollen filters, fuel filter for diesel and plugs on petrol) and 5 (atf change) services can be expensive, so a service plan covering those could be worthwhile. Check the atf change, though, because they've been altering mileage/frequency in recent years and 5-yearly might not be applicable to yours.
Brooklands have a good reputation and a service plan would renew Mobilo if that's a consideration. Indies, like dealers, come in varying degrees of competence, so a straight yes/no isn't easy.
As far as resale value, I don't think a dealer or indie service history makes much difference once 5 or so years old: some buyers would actually prefer a decent indie.
In conclusion, it's a definite maybe
Thank you. I think the definite maybe sums it up quite well.Having said that, depending on the specific service reqt of your model/year, years 4 (air, oil, pollen filters, fuel filter for diesel and plugs on petrol) and 5 (atf change) services can be expensive, so a service plan covering those could be worthwhile. Check the atf change, though, because they've been altering mileage/frequency in recent years and 5-yearly might not be applicable to yours.
Brooklands have a good reputation and a service plan would renew Mobilo if that's a consideration. Indies, like dealers, come in varying degrees of competence, so a straight yes/no isn't easy.
As far as resale value, I don't think a dealer or indie service history makes much difference once 5 or so years old: some buyers would actually prefer a decent indie.
In conclusion, it's a definite maybe
mk1coopers said:
Also depends on if you are planning on PX’ing it back to Mercedes when you change, a full MB service history is one less thing to be negotiated around.
Beyond a certain age a full main dealer service history does not matter in regards to value of the vehicle.People attach too much importance to these things.
I had a service plan on my E class when I first bought it. Thought a MB service history was worth having on a newish car, plus it seemed to work out cheaper because the service plan included the gearbox fluid change.
I now use a great Mercedes independent garage as the car is a bit older and I don’t see having a full MB service as necessary on car of this age.
I now use a great Mercedes independent garage as the car is a bit older and I don’t see having a full MB service as necessary on car of this age.
Ron240 said:
beyond a certain age a full main dealer service history does not matter in regards to value of the vehicle.
People attach too much importance to these things.
Totally agree, it depends on when the OP is planning on changing, I'd say up to 5 or 6 years old going back to the main dealer with a full MB service history may give you room for a little more negotiation on either its price or the new purchase as they may want the car to retail it again (with an approved warranty).People attach too much importance to these things.
Saying that with the crazy way the market has been over the last couple of years who knows what will happen, I've got 2 more services left on my plan and will then decide if I take out a new one.
My current car should have been replaced this year, current prices aren't something I personally want to pay just to have a slightly newer car when the current one is perfectly serviceable, time will tell if the upcoming economic situation creates any price corrections.
I think that it depends on your motivation.
If you are keeping long term just get it done locally when you think it needs doing.
If you will be selling in the short/medium term get it done properly.
If it’s diesel then don’t bother as it will be worth pennies in a few years.
BTW it’s independent.
If you are keeping long term just get it done locally when you think it needs doing.
If you will be selling in the short/medium term get it done properly.
If it’s diesel then don’t bother as it will be worth pennies in a few years.
BTW it’s independent.
Edited by Stella Tortoise on Saturday 20th August 17:34
I bought my A45 from a main dealer with the AMG 2 yr warranty. So, I've got the service plan for £50 a month to minimise the risk of them trying to weasel out of anything should I need to claim.
I also don't notice £50 a month as much as I'm going to a few hundred quid come service time, so it suits me.
I also don't notice £50 a month as much as I'm going to a few hundred quid come service time, so it suits me.
nordboy said:
I bought my A45 from a main dealer with the AMG 2 yr warranty. So, I've got the service plan for £50 a month to minimise the risk of them trying to weasel out of anything should I need to claim.
I also don't notice £50 a month as much as I'm going to a few hundred quid come service time, so it suits me.
It makes sense for you to use an official Mercedes service plan when you have a manufacturers 2 year warranty for the reasons that you state, although I am confused as to why it is only costing you £50 per month.I also don't notice £50 a month as much as I'm going to a few hundred quid come service time, so it suits me.
Official MB service plan paid monthly over 1 year for the minimum 2 services on an A45 costs £80 for a car less than 12 months old, and £102 for a car over 12 months old.
I have the 35 model (wrapped up in the more stylish coupe body) and paid £720 upfront in December 2021 for a 2 service plan on a new car, although this has increased to £744 now.
I checked the difference in price for 2 services on a new 45 model and it is an additional £216 when paying upfront.
This is completely unjustifiable in regards to servicing between 35 and 45 models.
Ron240 said:
t makes sense for you to use an official Mercedes service plan when you have a manufacturers 2 year warranty for the reasons that you state, although I am confused as to why it is only costing you £50 per month.
Official MB service plan paid monthly over 1 year for the minimum 2 services on an A45 costs £80 for a car less than 12 months old, and £102 for a car over 12 months old.
I have the 35 model (wrapped up in the more stylish coupe body) and paid £720 upfront in December 2021 for a 2 service plan on a new car, although this has increased to £744 now.
I checked the difference in price for 2 services on a new 45 model and it is an additional £216 when paying upfront.
This is completely unjustifiable in regards to servicing between 35 and 45 models.
I have no idea? I asked for a quote for a service plan, and they came back with £50.Official MB service plan paid monthly over 1 year for the minimum 2 services on an A45 costs £80 for a car less than 12 months old, and £102 for a car over 12 months old.
I have the 35 model (wrapped up in the more stylish coupe body) and paid £720 upfront in December 2021 for a 2 service plan on a new car, although this has increased to £744 now.
I checked the difference in price for 2 services on a new 45 model and it is an additional £216 when paying upfront.
This is completely unjustifiable in regards to servicing between 35 and 45 models.
What are your car's service costs, what's the next service and how long do you intend to keep the car are the questions you should ask yourself.
I timed mine to cover B-A-B on my C63 to get the best value for money knowing the Bs were the more expensive ones. My first B was over £1000 (all fluids and spark plugs) and made the £44pcm service plan good value for money.
I timed mine to cover B-A-B on my C63 to get the best value for money knowing the Bs were the more expensive ones. My first B was over £1000 (all fluids and spark plugs) and made the £44pcm service plan good value for money.
Good point. If the car is going to be kept for years and run into the ground by the current owner, nothing really matters.
If the car is going to be moved on in a couple of years, personally, as a buyer, I’d be disappointed that MB had been ditched so early for servicing.
For bog standard servicing, main dealers can often be fairly competitive.
If the car is going to be moved on in a couple of years, personally, as a buyer, I’d be disappointed that MB had been ditched so early for servicing.
For bog standard servicing, main dealers can often be fairly competitive.
swisstoni said:
Good point. If the car is going to be kept for years and run into the ground by the current owner, nothing really matters.
If the car is going to be moved on in a couple of years, personally, as a buyer, I’d be disappointed that MB had been ditched so early for servicing.
For bog standard servicing, main dealers can often be fairly competitive.
But it's not like you can trust me to service it correctly.If the car is going to be moved on in a couple of years, personally, as a buyer, I’d be disappointed that MB had been ditched so early for servicing.
For bog standard servicing, main dealers can often be fairly competitive.
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