MB Health Check
Discussion
I had the drivers airbag replaced under recall about a year back on my 2010 GL that hadn't been near a main dealers in at least 6 years. As part of this recall they would perform a free health check on the car and update any software necessary.
I was expecting them to create a list of work as long as my arm, more than the value of the car from this. Instead they declared the car to have a clean bill of heath and sent me a link to a video of the inspection. The video consisted of the technician under the car reporting the tread depth of each tyre, the thickness of each brake disc and the state of the brake pads.
They didn't mention the fact the glow plug light was on, or what might be causing it which I was hoping they would, saving me a code read fee. So no, I don't expect they will plug in the computer and check for any codes even if you do get a free health check.
I was expecting them to create a list of work as long as my arm, more than the value of the car from this. Instead they declared the car to have a clean bill of heath and sent me a link to a video of the inspection. The video consisted of the technician under the car reporting the tread depth of each tyre, the thickness of each brake disc and the state of the brake pads.
They didn't mention the fact the glow plug light was on, or what might be causing it which I was hoping they would, saving me a code read fee. So no, I don't expect they will plug in the computer and check for any codes even if you do get a free health check.
An optimistic glass-full (not even half-full) person would rate your chances of having a free star diagnostic as zero 
.
Considering my dealer charges, depending on the model/age, for a diagnostic are anything up to £185 for a check, you might understand why.
Eta: it's now £199 for a diagnostic check, price increase since I last looked
.Considering my dealer charges, depending on the model/age, for a diagnostic are anything up to £185 for a check, you might understand why.
Eta: it's now £199 for a diagnostic check, price increase since I last looked
Edited by TarquinMX5 on Tuesday 18th April 21:20
If it's a engine issue the a simple ODB2 reader should pick up most problems. The difference will be how well it pin points the issue.
I've got one of these which will scan each module on the car for errors. On my 2010 GL is scans 44 different modules including engine, transmission, dash, doors, seats etc. I've found it to be very good at pinpointing issues. Version 3 of the scanner is now available for a little more money. I've no idea what the difference is.
I've got one of these which will scan each module on the car for errors. On my 2010 GL is scans 44 different modules including engine, transmission, dash, doors, seats etc. I've found it to be very good at pinpointing issues. Version 3 of the scanner is now available for a little more money. I've no idea what the difference is.
jfdi said:
If it's a engine issue the a simple ODB2 reader should pick up most problems. The difference will be how well it pin points the issue.
I've got one of these which will scan each module on the car for errors. On my 2010 GL is scans 44 different modules including engine, transmission, dash, doors, seats etc. I've found it to be very good at pinpointing issues. Version 3 of the scanner is now available for a little more money. I've no idea what the difference is.
I have several ODB2 code readers with the cheapest one being around £15 and also an icarsoft model. There are readers at the lower end of the price spectrum that are advertised as being able to pick up at least a fair subset of MB codes. I've got one of these which will scan each module on the car for errors. On my 2010 GL is scans 44 different modules including engine, transmission, dash, doors, seats etc. I've found it to be very good at pinpointing issues. Version 3 of the scanner is now available for a little more money. I've no idea what the difference is.
No idea if it was free, but my 2009 E220D had a comprehensive Mercedes Health check two years ago, before I bought it @ 380,000 miles.
It had 39 Mercedes services, so I guess finding faults would be foot shooting.
Far from an upsell and finding faults, slight play in a front ball joint and a tyre worn on the inside was all that was noted.
Best 200 quid spent ever lol, never seen a car with history like it, inside was still excellent and apart from a dent in a wing, smart looking car with zero rust.
Now in Nigeria.
It had 39 Mercedes services, so I guess finding faults would be foot shooting.
Far from an upsell and finding faults, slight play in a front ball joint and a tyre worn on the inside was all that was noted.
Best 200 quid spent ever lol, never seen a car with history like it, inside was still excellent and apart from a dent in a wing, smart looking car with zero rust.
Now in Nigeria.
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff