Moment of Decision

[BrambleBurt]

This is a rather familiar topic, although I remain interested in others' perspectives.

I just acquired a 2012 SLK55 R172, which I am very enamoured with after selling my BMW Z3. I have resolved the air conditioning issue, but the service interval is coming in August.


The vehicle has 95,000 miles and a complete service history from a Mercedes main dealer, having had one prior owner. This likely incurred significant expense. However, I have identified a nearby independent service provider. Should I maintain servicing at the main Mercedes dealership or transition to the independent option?

I would forfeit Mobilo but retain AA; my primary issue is that if I need to file a claim for rear subframe corrosion, I would lack the whole dealer history.

Is anybody inclined to persist in paying major dealer pricing at this juncture, or would it be a waste of money?

[TypoQueen]

I would certainly maintain the whole main dealer service history, albeit I would be in the few. In my experience, maintenance at a big dealer is not much more costly than at a respectable independent, particularly when considering the value of recovery services.

[Lemmand]

Conversely, upon purchasing the same vehicle as you did just over a year before, I violated the FMBSH and sought assistance from my local independent mechanic.


The labour rate at MBS is more than fifty percent lower than that of my local primary dealer, and I have consistently received excellent service, quality repairs, sound advice, and occasional favours from them.

I had a suboptimal experience with the main dealer when the E400 had a recall last year; the process was excessively prolonged, and they left the driver's window open during a thunderstorm, offering no apologies, just a few paper towels to absorb the water inside.

It is a chaotic environment for the three-year PCP service plan operations.

[SundayShoes]

The loss of Mobilo is a disadvantage. I evaluated its performance; it is satisfactory, however not much superior than the AA, and it is unlikely to malfunction.

[Automan]

The service required is dependent upon your specific needs and location. Upon examining MB pricing during the New Year, I saw that select dealerships were providing very low rates on certain service items at various service intervals, including gearbox service. Consequently, my independent dealer reduced their pricing to maintain a competitive edge over the local Mercedes dealership.

I discovered that manipulating the mileage in the online booking tool enabled the inclusion of specific service items that were due, such as a brake fluid change or gearbox service. Additionally, further adjustments to the mileage resulted in these same services being available at a lower cost when booked online. It is unclear how it functions. I am uncertain if, upon discovering the lowest price, the dealer would then attempt to impose additional charges for services such as brake fluid replacement or gearbox maintenance if the car's mileage is excessive. I would want to ascertain the specific additional effort necessitated by the mileage mismatch on those goods. I could estimate none.

[Automan]

Through this means:

https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/passengercars/services/online-appointment-booking.html

[Captiva]

In my opinion, a comprehensive main dealer service history is more pertinent when purchasing a vehicle than when selling or trading it in. As long as the car has undergone regular servicing, that is what truly matters. Regarding trade-ins, the vehicle will typically command a price close to the book value, with some flexibility to incentivise the acquisition of the new automobile.

Many individuals regard an independent dealer as highly as a main dealership, as my observations over the years suggest that the former frequently provides superior service compared to the latter. However, exceptions do exist. The challenge lies in distinguishing the competent from the incompetent, and personally, I would prefer to rely on recommendations when possible.


Assuming the role of devil's advocate, I understand your perspective regarding the assertion of rear subframe rust, particularly if you were still affiliated with Mobilo, which is responsible for addressing manufacturer defects. However, I highly doubt they would fulfil such a claim for a 13-year-old vehicle, as you are aware of the tendencies of warranties and insurance policies; if they can evade responsibility, they will.

Additionally, consider your intentions for your 'baby,' such as whether you expect to retain her for a few years or indefinitely, as well as the anticipated yearly mileage, and I will explain the rationale for this statement.
I drive my Bentley very seldom each year and have no intention of selling it until I am carried out of our cottage in a coffin, which implies:

* I am unlikely to need road or home help and would like not to incur exorbitant costs for a service like Mobilo. I have been with the AA for almost 25 years, and they have always provided reliable service on the few occasions I have required assistance.

* I am not concerned about obtaining a primary dealer's stamp in the service book, which also eliminates the need for trip to locate one.

I can visit an Indy for specialised repairs and when I need their Bentley diagnostic equipment, which our local garage lacks.

* I may visit our reliable local garage that maintains all our vehicles and Transit, so saving a considerable amount of money.


I am curious about the financial implications and potential savings associated with selecting different garages in my situation.

Labour Charge for Bentley Indy Full Service, January 2020 - £562.25

Local Garage Comprehensive Service Fixed Labour Fee October 2024 - £119

[MuffinClaw]

Procure the necessary items from MB. Newcastle Place it in the trunk, and you will only incur labour expenses (if the primary dealer permits it). I have been doing it for years.

[BrambleBurt]

Thank you for the perspectives; they are all very valid. I have a little period remaining until the subsequent service is required.I will have my local MB indie elevate the vehicle on a ramp to do a thorough inspection of the subframe. Historically, they have sent vehicles to Mercedes for subframe repair without encountering difficulty when problems were identified. They noted that MB is becoming stricter, particularly in cases with incomplete history or significant non-MB work.

If everything seems OK, I will likely forgo the MB option, since the car is intended for weekend use in ideal weather, with my primary vehicle being a Tesla, resulting in limited miles.


I frequented MBS many years before when they operated from the 'huge shed.' The current Southampton facility is superior, albeit it requires a longer journey. To be candid, I am fortunate to have both them and PCS in such proximity.

Let us await the local independent's feedback about the subframe inspection.

Thank you

[NotePapa]

As a former main dealer employee, I assert that only the credulous pay main dealer pricing beyond the warranty term. Legally, one is not obligated to do so even within the warranty period, but that pertains to a separate discussion. Independent productions are at least as commendable and often superior as well. A FMDSH will increase the PX price by only a few pennies compared to an independent one, and it is highly unlikely to be as much as the additional cost incurred at the main dealer. Furthermore, the main dealer will likely attempt to overcharge for other services. How frequently do we encounter discussions on this forum regarding their attempts to persuade customers to replace brakes that are less than 50% worn, which subsequently endure for several more years? To those asserting it is just somewhat more costly than a primary dealer, I possess some enchanted beans and a bridge that may pique your attention! I like an automobile with some historical significance, however I am indifferent about its origin. I have seen pristine vehicles with little history, similar to when I purchased my previous ALFA, and I have also observed neglected automobiles with full manufacturer service history. The worth to me is determined by the specific automobile, not its history.
Regarding the subframes, several replacements have occurred with no dealer documentation, resulting in variability based on the dealer's practices.

[SlayNeo]

I have been informed that MB no longer provides subframes free of charge. My SLK55 AMG 171 was serviced a few years ago, and it was a CAT vehicle, so a history was not necessary.

[FreexPatty]

From what time?...merely inquisitive...I am aware of one completed FOC last month on a 2009 212.

[SlayNeo]

I was informed at SCITP in the beginning of May.