> Can anyone tell me what is involved (or point me to a link) and what I
> might expect to pay from a qualified independent?
>
> Thanks!
First let me say that after 24 years of Mercedes-Benz Dealership Parts
experience that in my humble opinion that there are few if any
"Qualified" independent repair shops as most don't have uptodate
factory training and probably none have the required test equipment
needed to properly diagnose the vehicles.
That being said here is a description of the service performed by a
recent employer Mercedes-Benz of Tampa 866-777-9545Service:
813-873-2360 Parts: 813-878-0040 4636 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 33614
on their website.
There are basicly only two types of services "A" and "B" with all
other letters being used to designate a "B" type service at least at
the above mentioned Dealership. So here it is:
Here is what we do:
◦Replace windshield wiper inserts and service windshield washer
system
◦Inspect and rotate tires, record tread depth, and correct tire
pressure (wheel balance additional) – Excludes AMG, Sports Models, SLK
and vehicles with staggered wheels
◦Engine oil change and oil filter replacement – Includes Mobile 1
synthetic oil
◦Lubrication service – Includes hood hinges, lock cylinders, striker
plates, sun roof tracks and a top-off of all fluids
◦Cooling system inspection – Includes antifreeze protection level,
hoses and clamps
◦Brake inspection – Includes checking pad thickness and condition of
discs, fluids and lines
◦Replace heating and ventilation dust filter – Dust filter prices vary
by model, please check with your Team Service Manager
◦Function check – Includes warning lamps, headlights, exterior lights,
seat belts, windshield wiper and washer
◦Inspect and lubricate throttle linkage
◦Replace air filter
◦Reset flexible service system counter
◦Inspect front axle ball joints; check steering play and power
steering clutch; and rear differential levels
◦Inspect Poly V-Belt for condition
◦Inspect starting and charging system, and service battery
◦Inspect climate control refrigerant
Here is why we do it:
During the B-Service, Certified Mercedes-Benz Technicians closely
examine your automobile’s engine components, using specialized
equipment to be sure that all the mechanical, electronic, and
computerized devices are functioning properly.
At this time, we also need to address your automobile’s heating and
cooling system. Over time, your engine coolant becomes contaminated,
losing its ability to protect your engine from freezing in cold
weather conditions and overheating in hot conditions. Very expensive
repairs could result from avoiding this required maintenance.
Next, we inspect your fuel lines and connectors for any damage or
wear, and we check your fuel tank vapor vent system, hoses and fuel
tank supports. As we said above on the A-Service, it’s important that
you trust only a Mercedes-Benz Factory Trained and Certified
Technician to perform these functions.
Prices are market specific and you should call your local Dealer for
that. Les
JD - 18 Dec 2008 18:57 GMT
>> Can anyone tell me what is involved (or point me to a link) and what I
>> might expect to pay from a qualified independent?
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
> factory training and probably none have the required test equipment
> needed to properly diagnose the vehicles.
Unless of course you live in the Seattle area and drive an older Merc.
The dealer service programs are more geared toward steering you to a new
car and the level of quality and competence on the older cars,
especially diesels, is lacking. My indy shop owner has 25 years of MB
dealer experience and his 3 mechs have dealer experience as well.
Despite trumped up "excellence" awards that our local dealers tout, the
only reason to take your MB to the dealer service dept around here is
for the warranty work. I would advise SLGreg to check in with his local
MBCA and see who the club guys like for indy work.
JD
der gediegene dgs - 19 Dec 2008 17:20 GMT
JD wrote, On 12/18/2008 10:57 AM:
> My indy shop owner has 25 years of MB
> dealer experience and his 3 mechs have dealer experience as well.
Which shop is this, and is this in Seattle?
SLGreg - 19 Dec 2008 19:14 GMT
>JD wrote, On 12/18/2008 10:57 AM:
>
>> My indy shop owner has 25 years of MB
>> dealer experience and his 3 mechs have dealer experience as well.
>
>Which shop is this, and is this in Seattle?
I'm in the SF Bay Area and stopped by Universal Auto Repair in San
Leandro for a quote (no word back yet). He's a German fellow and it's
always packed with MBZs and BMWs. Anyone have any experience with
them?
Thanks, Greg
JD - 19 Dec 2008 21:35 GMT
> JD wrote, On 12/18/2008 10:57 AM:
>
>> My indy shop owner has 25 years of MB dealer experience and his 3
>> mechs have dealer experience as well.
>
> Which shop is this, and is this in Seattle?
GP Auto. It's actually in south Everett just off
the 128th St exit.
the real dgs - 20 Dec 2008 07:19 GMT
On 12/19/2008 1:35 PM JD ignored two million years of human evolution to
write:
>> JD wrote, On 12/18/2008 10:57 AM:
>>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> GP Auto. It's actually in south Everett just off the 128th St exit.
Dang. Too far away for me. I asked here about a starting/idling
problem in this newsgroup and got some good ideas for troubleshooting,
but really would prefer to take my '91 300E to a decent shop somewhere
south of the Ship Canal.