Consequences of non-dealer service

masterboy123

So my Mercedes C class gets annual service by the dealer and I get charged approx 500 euros every year.
Car is no longer under warranty, and it's a 2015 model.

What would be the consequences if I go to a non-dealer reputable mechanic who can also update Mercedes Digital logbook?

Car required change of oxygen sensors 2 years ago when it was still under warranty and I didn't have to pay anything. No other issues with the car.

Let me know what you think please.

Eric Cartman

Id get its next service at the dealers and ask for a printout of the history, thatll be 5 years of dealer servicing which will cover you for all the recalls and software updates the car was ever likely to get, go to a mercedes specialist if possible after that and you’ll have no issues losing resale etc..

masterboy123

Alright. Just looking at the bill. It was 230 euros for labour's/diagnostic fees. The filters and oil were all extras. Does this sound right? Because I thought 230 euros service fee includes oil and fuel filter.

They did recall for me this time which was free.

And do they usually charge you to provide printout of the history?

Eric Cartman wrote: »

Id get its next service at the dealers and ask for a printout of the history, thatll be 5 years of dealer servicing which will cover you for all the recalls and software updates the car was ever likely to get, go to a mercedes specialist if possible after that and you’ll have no issues losing resale etc..

w211

The car does not hold the higher resale value if you go to the dealer. Only what it helps to do are faster sale, not by higher price. Yes you can ask the higher price, but do not hope you ever get it. 200+ for oil change and filters are really expensive. It should not cost not too much over 100 on garage or DIY around 50.

bazz26

Another thing you might lose is goodwill contribution by Mercedes once your beyond the warranty period. It really depends how long you intend to keep the car for though.

Eric Cartman

masterboy123 wrote: »

Alright. Just looking at the bill. It was 230 euros for labour's/diagnostic fees. The filters and oil were all extras. Does this sound right? Because I thought 230 euros service fee includes oil and fuel filter.

They did recall for me this time which was free.

And do they usually charge you to provide printout of the history?

if you were paying for a service already they'd likely do it for free, just strolling in off the street for it might attract a stupid 30 quid admin fee or something.

masterboy123

Thanks everyone.

Will do last service with them next year and get the history report. Following that I will get it done at Mercedes specialist mechanic.

I intend to keep the car for next 3-4 years.

David73

does it have the 220CDI engine?

Odyssey 2005

David73 wrote: »

does it have the 220CDI engine?

Yes with square tyres.

Odyssey 2005

I'm kind of in the same boat as the op. 151 car that has been to the Main Dealer for all its services. Does anyone know of a MB specialist in the kk/waterford/carlow area.?

masterboy123

It's c200 avantgarde

David73 wrote: »

does it have the 220CDI engine?

Toyotafanboi

The most tangible benefits of main dealer servicing are probably access to any potential goodwill, extended roadside assistance and a touch and go mini valet usually. That and "a day out in the dealers", sitting in all the new cars, sipping fancy coffee, nice waiting area and access to courtesy vehicle etc.

I would disagree that an independent service history wouldn't devalue a 3 year old Merc. There'll be oceans of them with a main dealer history, so one with an independent history would probably need to ask a little less to sell. I'd say this gets less important as the car gets older but at least while it's in manufacturers warranty a main dealer history is a good shout.

It's worth considering the last post on here comparing MB service prices found the local independent who updated MB online service history was only a tenner cheaper for a Service A than the dealer.

For menu servicing dealers can be a lot more reasonable than you might think and a dealer history is a nice to have. It's when you go off the beaten track into non standard repairs that dealers can get expensive and an independent may be worth a shout.