I went with a friend to a NIssan dealer in Denver for a 30,000 mile check up. I asked for a print out of what they did. For $400 they inspected and looked at stuff and did nothing. We went to an indepentant shop and for $76 had oil change and full service to meet warrenty requirements. In the dealership when I told my friend they were charging $400 for looking at the car some other customers approached the service writer for info and such.
I am not sure what kind of Benz you got, like year or model. I have selected several different types of Benz models and years in my service manual and I had variations of services for all different models. For example, a 2007 Mercedes Benz C350 had a 30k miles check with power steering and wheel inspections. But then I looked up the SLR, same year, it had about 100 things that needs to be inspected. Everything from body panels to batteries to windshield wiper motor to steering and suspension components. It's all depends on type of a car it is.
The dealer is the place that is most in tune with your vehicle and the exact parts it needs. That's not to say that someone else can't do the same, just that they have all the OEM advice and parts.
Like ANDY said, the service manual will let you know what is "recommended". It is up to you to choose whether it might be necessary. If you have the cash, there are certainly many proponents who say getting all the regular scheduled maintenance will help fortify the longevity of the vehicle.
Hopefully, you can maybe find a good independent mechanic who will save you some money while keeping you on the road to reliability. Good luck!
Ok , lets start at the beginning . When you buy a 2006 and newer Benz these days they all come with at least a 4 yr or 60,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty . . Since 2013 the Benz comes with free oil changes and tire rotations for 2 years or 24,000 miles. Should your wife's Benz not be covered under an included maintenance ( nothing is free so we wont use that description ) then its up to you to change oil and check and perhaps add other fluids. They do not have to be done at a dealer. I have a 3 yr old AMG Mercedes and I get my oil changed wherever is the least expensive. Of course the dealer would love to have your service business but that is strictly optional and 100 % your choice and does not void any warranty.
I don't think they really charge $250 for an oil change. If they do, then theres a reason. Call the dealer and ask how much an oil change costs..
Ha! I'll tell you what VW did to me. Kept me waiting for 3 hrs while they did the service. I WATCHED. The opened the hood. Put the car up on the lift and left it there 3hrs. Later, took it down and returned it to me.
Subaru, similar. I caught them NOT changing my oil. I know, because it was an aftermarket filter and I mark it to determine the torque.
NEVER bring your car to the Stealership for service!
Check the service maintenance schedule. Then show it to her. Basically they don't do anything that a person like yourself can't do. Just use the correct spec oil that MBZ calls out [probably a synthetic like Mobil 1 or Castrol Long Life designation, LL] and a good filter like Mann that you can order online or at better auto supply stores. If you haven't renewed the brake fluid it should be done on all cars every 24 months. Not a do it yourself job with ABS brakes so have someone skilled do that. Check the air filter too and use a Mann. If the cabin air filters haven't been changed 30k is about right. They are located just below the windshield wipers. Check for any recalls on www.safecar.gov to insure you are up to date. After you are done with the oil change wash it for her.
That seems high even at the dealer. Keep in mind that the car may need 6 quarts of oil at $20 a quart, and a $20 filter. $90 in labor, some fees and taxes, and you are over $200.
You do not have to take it a dealer but I can tell you this with 100% certainty, you need to take that car to shop specializes in German cars. You need spec oil, not just off the shelf synthetic, and a $3 oil filter may break up and damage the engine, I it happens, and they have to take the splash guard off and attach it back properly.
And you may say what does that matter, well on my Audi I had an oil change place break the clips and use a couple of zip ties, and at 70 mph in the middle of PA at night having the plastic cowling come loose and jam up under the car was not a good thing.
So an independent shop will charge less, they will use spec oil such as Ravenol.
If your wife has a 4matic the tires need to be rotated and balanced at least every 15,000 miles. Some vehicles need the antifreeze changed every 30,000 miles. The Mitsubishi's I worked on had automatic transmissions that really needed the ATF to be drained and refilled every 30,000 miles because for some reason Mitsubishi's have transmissions that get dirty fast compared to say a GM vehicle. The other reason to go to the dealer is so they can look up any "open recalls" that may not have been preformed on the vehicle. Many newer vehicles have computer reflashes for certain problems that pop up as the mileage goes up. The biggest mistake people make is thinking now days you don't need to change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles. Fools that believe that find out the hard way. Especially if the motor on their car had adjustable cam timing as many do.
My wife insists on taking her Mercedes Benz to the dealer for an oil change and servicing. As far as I can tell they charge about $250 to change the oil and add windshield washer fluid. I have changed my own oil for 50 years and have never taken a new car to the dealer for anything other than warranty work. Do they really do anything more than just change the oil and add a few fluids? Her friends have brainwashed her that a Mercedes needs to go to the dealer for an oil change.
You ask because like 99% of the US car owners you have elected not to read the service schedule listed in the car manual. It is all there. Mostly the items are checked or inspected. Road damage, extra wear, abuse by owners, etc. can inflict stress or repairs needed. A local shop of a national chain just advertised a $20 synthetic blend oil change plus tax and fees. They service all vehicles. Any one can do the 30,000 mile or any mile service. The list is on their data base as to what to check. The luxury brands have standing free service within a specific period. This car may have this so the service could be free of cost. You failed to check on that either. May I suggest you start again? Call and check of the service for this car. Go from there.
Hello
Take a look at the service record or owners manual. They do a lot of checking of things like spark plugs and sorting out any problems. The service after this one may include replacing the spark plugs
Andy C
Any shop can do the 30M mile checkup. Only fools take their car to the dealer for those maintenance items.
Every different brand and model of car has a different check - list of items!
