Merc Maintenance

Dr Nic

Hi Guys... Im thinking about making the plunge for a '04-'06 e200 w211 model. They're going for ok money, maybe 10-15k. At 1.8 the tax and insurance is fine. What i dont want to be caught with is massive maintenance costs, and repair costs. I've been told average service is 400euro. 75euro per hour for a merc mechanic. 4k for an expensive part to be fixed Has anyone with some expierence fill me in here? How much could i be looking at realistically per year. Id be doing very low mileage... Thanks John

Nonoperational

€75 is probably correct for the labour rate, most main dealers for most marques are that price.

"4k for an expensive part to be fitted" is a competely ridiculous statement on so many levels I can't respond to it. If you needed a new engine 4k would be good, a new wishbone bush then no it wouldn't.

"An average service" would not cost 400 euro. An average service is an oil and filter change and wouldn't cost more then 150-200 even at a merc dealer. I'm not familiar with the maintenance schedule of mercs but a stanard service wouldn't be 400 quid.

Per year you'd be looking at spending whatever the car needs. Could be €200 could be €1500. Same as any car, research the model and check for common problems. Assume you will encounter at least a few of the common issues and budget for it. Owning a merc will cost you a bit of a premium on a non executive car but can still be affordable if you play it smart.

bmstuff

gpf101 wrote: »

€75 is probably correct for the labour rate, most main dealers for most marques are that price.

I seriously doubt most official car dealers hourly rate is 75 euro, especially with Mercedes, you can probably double that.

Hal1

Have a look on some Merc forums for that model and they will give you an idea of common faults and what to look out for etc. If you see one your serious about get the AA to give it a full mechanical check. It be be worthwhile investing in knowing afterwards that it's in good shape.

Nonoperational

bmstuff wrote: »

I seriously doubt most official car dealers hourly rate is 75 euro, especially with Mercedes, you can probably double that.

I've dealt with ford, mazda, alfa and vw service departments and they have all been €50-80 per hour. Perhaps mercedes are €150 per hour as you say if so I apologise for my ignorance. That seems very steep!

bmstuff

gpf101 wrote: »

I've dealt with ford, mazda, alfa and vw service departments and they have all been €50-80 per hour. Perhaps mercedes are €150 per hour as you say if so I apologise for my ignorance. That seems very steep!

No probs I just speculated compared to a BMW dealer which is around 150 euro / hour, so I doubt Mercedes is cheaper. I do not have the exact Merc dealer figure though, I would be curious to know how much they charge actually...

Dr Nic

Thanks Guys...
I was on a MB forum and thats where i got the stories from.
I know its just chance, and you could get a dud aswell as a minter.
I think i wont go for an MB this time...
Some other coupe for the 10grand mark.
So what to buy?
Any tips?

EPM

Get the car checked by a Merc specialist and get your servicing done there too. Might save a few quid for you

mickdw

Dont let a fear of repair costs put you off. If you are doing small mileage, your mercedes should need very little by way of repair in any given year provided you buy a good low mileage car.
Any modern diesel is likely to cost you more with flywheel guaranteed to fail yet you dont see people be afraid of maintenance costs of vw golfs etc