B-Service - 5 YRS - 64k - Ouch!

[Rev2liv]

Also, at 64k, you're at the cusp of replacing some really fun stuff.

MAF sensor (maintenance)
seat control modules (I hate MB)
battery (maintenance)
catalytic converters (Some early W203 owners have this problem)
HID bulbs $200 for a set of Philips D2R 4300k bulbs (replace bulbs after 5yrs)
Tranny flush (Use Redline) (No such thing as lifetime fluid)
brake assist sensor/switch (it's mechanical but pretty cheap)
broken stepper motors (time to tear up your console/dash!)
crank position sensors (yippy!)
water pump (wear item)
alternator (wear item)

Most of this stuff is standard replacement on any car.

[MBC240]

Originally Posted by Rev2liv

That comes out to a total of $830 not including the warranty work which I assume was free.

Most people are under the assumption that MB's are super expensive to maintain and when they get a bill for $500 for anything, they just whine and whine. Electronics on MB's are ridiculously expensive, but besides that, maintenance stuff is either 3rd party or competitively priced with other car companies.

It's just labor and unscrupulous practices of even independent shops that screws things up.

I'm not whining or complaining. I knew what to expect cost wise, and I accept it. I don't have the receipt in front of me but my rear brakes were $276, I know that much. In Houston, nobody changes an MB's fuel filter for $70. I know the part isn't $20 at the dealership either. This shop used all MB parts.

Originally Posted by Rev2liv

Also, at 64k, you're at the cusp of replacing some really fun stuff.

MAF sensor (maintenance)
seat control modules (I hate MB)
battery (maintenance)
catalytic converters (Some early W203 owners have this problem)
HID bulbs $200 for a set of Philips D2R 4300k bulbs (replace bulbs after 5yrs)
Tranny flush (Use Redline) (No such thing as lifetime fluid)
brake assist sensor/switch (it's mechanical but pretty cheap)
broken stepper motors (time to tear up your console/dash!)
crank position sensors (yippy!)
water pump (wear item)
alternator (wear item)

Most of this stuff is standard replacement on any car.

I'm not doing the transmission fluid until 80k miles, which is what is recommended. I will use the Mercedes fluid.

Thankfully all those other things are covered by my warranty (excluding the battery). And I don't have HID's, it's a C240.

[Tri-Star]

Originally Posted by MBC240

Do I have to buy the ebay LED tails?

What's involved with the switch?

I purchased a set off of ebay and they were plug & play as long as you purchase the lights with your correct year of make. There are about 3-5 bolts and a plug. It is pretty simple and would prob fix your tail light issue plus add some style to your car.

[MBC240]

Thanks for that info Tri-Star.

I still don't have my car. I'm beginning to miss her!

The loaner is a 2001 Jaguar XK8 Convertible with about 90k miles. It's quite stiff compared to the Benz! I can't believe they use a Jag as a loaner though... I'm terrified it will blow up any minute now.

I guess the VDO screen is the hold up. I assume they had to special order the part and it probably takes some time to get it in there and reprogram everything.

Can't wait to get it back, doesn't look like that's going to happen until tomorrow though.

[MBC240]

I got it back!

Oh my god the bill was over THREE GRAND.

Read:

ITEM 1 - 3K SERVICE PACKAGE - $99.00

Oil and filter change, 27pt safety service, synthetic oil & filter change, top-off fluids, adjust tire pressure, check brakes & record % remaining, lubricate suspension, door & hood, road test w/written evaluation.

Job 2 - 60k Mile B-Service - Check for concerns $0.00

Oil leaking from valve cover, suspension noise and LCD screen in dash inoperable. Advised customer, work approved.

Brake Flush -$70.00

Fuel Injection Service - Fuel Injection service to intake combustion chamber and exhaust.

NOTE - Excessive carbon build-up in throttle body, cleaned and engine response is much better. - $169.00

Coolant Flush - $129.99

Differential Service (Non-Synth) - $89.95

Filters - $419.95

Fuel Filter
Cabin Filter
Air Filter Element

Rear Brakes - $269.95

Pad Set
Sensors

Check LCD in Dash

New Cluster - $825.00
Install - 145.00
Total - $970.00

VC Gasket Set - $295.90

Control Arm Bushings - Replace Lower Control Arm Bushings - $248.30

Four Wheel Alignment - $99.00

Loaner Car - 2002 Jaguar XK8 Conv - $40.00 Per Day - 3.5 Days - $100.00

Warranty Claim - VC Gasket, Dash Cluster, Control Arm Bushings

Total Cost Before Warranty Reimbursement - $3,107.66

Warranty Credit - $1,772.54

AMEX Payment - $1,335.12

Well I'm glad I took care of the car, and SUPER glad that I had this warranty. What a blessing.

While I know it wasn't the best deal in town, we paid a premium over other independents to feel comfortable and I'm fine with that. I like this shop.

Back in the saddle again, I guess!

[Tri-Star]

Originally Posted by MBC240

The loaner is a 2001 Jaguar XK8 Convertible with about 90k miles. It's quite stiff compared to the Benz! I can't believe they use a Jag as a loaner though... I'm terrified it will blow up any minute now.

Damn nice loaner I wouldn't mind having an XK8, I actually really like that Jag.

[MBC240]

Originally Posted by Tri-Star

Damn nice loaner I wouldn't mind having an XK8, I actually really like that Jag.

It rode so rough! Man I was pretty happy to not be in that thing anymore.

Good pickup though, about the same gas mileage.

[Buellwinkle]

You may also want to do a tranny fluid change. There's no MB recomended interval but I had it done on my kid's SLK230 at about 90K miles and there was a lot of sludge buildup and the fluid was a murky mud brown. One of my neighbors took his into the dealer for a tranny fluid change and they said it's not needed. A few months later his tranny went out and so did $4k from his pockets.

As for $1,300, a dealer may have charged you more, at least the ones around me. A good independant would have been cheaper. For example, I had the rear dif fluid changed at my indy, $35, fuel filter $70, coolant flush $70, brake flush $45. 4 wheel alignment at the MB dealer is $79.

[MBC240]

Well I'm going to keep using this independent shop, I like the people and I can afford the cost. So I'm not complaining. B-Service is only every 2 years anyways.

The tech (who is from MB of Houston) told me that they would do my transmission fluid at my next B-Service along with the spark plugs at about 80k miles. I'm dreading the cost of replacing those 12 plugs, but oh well.

Hopefully they'll continue to find things that break before 2010 or 90k miles! I'm loving using my extended warranty. Over 2k out of it so far. Cost me 1200 at CarMax. Totally worth it!