how much does it cost to replace xxx,xxx,xxx in dealer

2089 Views 14 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Musikmann, Apr 1, 2009

KarlBenzSF

Discussion Starter · Mar 31, 2009

My right front and right rear fog light went out and and I need to replace them. And two value covers is broken and the oil leaked out near those two front wheels. I also need to change front brakes.

I don't know how much do those cost to perform them in dealer.

Does anyone done them in dealer before?

Karl

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· #3 · Mar 31, 2009

I think partly that's because if you're taking your car to the dealer to have light bulbs changed, cost is immaterial, you'll go broke in no time.

Each dealer charges what they like for various services -- as well as parts. Thus, call the dealers closest to you and ask what they charge for your list.

Some will treat you a bit kinder, for example if they are doing lots of work anyway they may not charge you the labor to change a fog light bulb, just the overinflated price for the bulb itself.

Given your distance to a dealer you're much better off learning a few DIY things (like bulbs) and finding an indie that is closer to you. Their labor rates are usually better and they are often more interested in keeping your business.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

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· #5 · Mar 31, 2009

[email protected] said:
It's not very clear what you are asking about. Lights I understand, the rest I have no idea; wheels, oil, value what does it all mean??

He means valve covers, and it's probably the breathers that are seeping. By wheels I'm guessing he means the location, but something may be lost in the translation. If it's the breather covers atop the valve covers it's a pretty easy DIY, it's on my radar.

Front brakes are definite DIY territory.

And of course light bulbs, particularly the exterior ones, are quite simple (with the possible exception of the license plate bulbs, those are a little more involved).

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

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· #7 · Mar 31, 2009

[email protected] said:
Quote: "And of course light bulbs, particularly the exterior ones, are quite simple (with the possible exception of the license plate bulbs, those are a little more involved)."

LOL Have you tried the front fog lights? THe lowest part of my front bumper is less than 4 inches from the ground. It is virtually ( but not ) impossible to get at these and if there is more wrong than just blown bulbs where do you start..

Regards.

Yep, I've got more than a couple of write-ups on them. Sure, you have to raise the car a bit on the side you're doing, but there is a little access door beneath each one. The first time you do one it's a bit of a challenge, but after that, breeze right along.

And another caveat, I'm talking about his car. Pre-facelift the headlight bulbs are also a challenge, some advocate pulling the assembly to make it simpler.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

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· #13 · Mar 31, 2009

KarlBenzSF said:
oh yeah.... I forgot to say something....

I got a sheet of paper from one dealer, I'll upload the copy of that paper to here tonight.

btw, should I buy those parts which I need to replace online? or from the dealer? Where to buy them online? what is the word "indy" means? I'm pretty new in America so I need to learn more words...lol thank you for everyone's reply!

Karl

We'll look forward to the document, dealers always find lots of things.

If I may ask, what is your native language and where are you from (in case they're not the same!).

I use autohausaz.com for most of the OEM stuff I buy. Good people, great prices, free shipping once you hit $50 in parts (which can be easy to do). After I bought my first (RIPOFF ALERT) bulb at the stealer, I ordered at least one of every bulb in the car from autohaus and have them in bubble wrap and a small box in the trunk. That way I always have one and I know I'm not getting raked over the coals. Example: The H6W City Light bulb (marker/parking light in front) cost like $10 at the dealer, autohaus' current price is less than $3.50.

Indies do not always charge less than the dealer. They usually charge flat rate plus parts, many will let you carry in parts so you don't pay a markup. However because they work from flat rate they sometimes are more. For example, Autobahn Motors always runs oil change specials for your car (call to be sure of course) for $99. However, indies that use the proper filter and spec oil charge about $120 or more. The dealer I think does it as a way to lure you in and then sell you the "A" or "B" service or other things. Those should be done but in most cases they are inspections you can do yourself. Since the indy will (typically) do only what you tell them, they just charge you the value of the oil change. However, where you are you'll spend close to that difference in gas and if you figure your time into it, $20 is nothing.

Ideally you'd like to find an indy that is close to you and is a former tech in a good dealership that got tired of the dealership environment and is familiar with the late model benz. (For example there are lots that are great on the older ones, but the newer ones with all the features and computer controls leave them a bit behind.) They should also have the Star Diagnostic system that plugs into your car and reads all of it's systems. I know a couple that are along the peninsula, but I'd be surprised if there aren't a few right in your area.

Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg

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