The old Main Dealer vs Indy quandary...

[Blu3R]

SL55 2003 with 53k miles requires a B service in 1,000 miles. It has full MB history so what would you do???

[DocArbathnot]

Decent indy. No one would expect or want main dealer once it's a few yrs old.

[Derek Smith]

On the assumption that your question is regarding value for money:

I did some research on this when I edited a car club magazine. Given that all the main dealers advertised with us it was not published.

Condition is everything if a specialist car is being traded in as part ex. However, a full service history with a mix of main and specialist will generate a higher price. Not tremendously higher but noticeably. A full MD service history will perhaps go a little higher but certainly not enough to pay back any significant higher cost of servicing over a few years. It might make the car sell a bit quicker which is important to dealers evidently.

The question you have to ask yourself is what else the MD can give you for the price. If the answer is nothing then the answer is obvious. Any different answer then you have to work out what the cost and benefit balance is. But p.ex price is not significant.

If you invest the money save in improving you car, repairing that little scuff or having the squad re-upholstered then that will go further in increasing the price you'll get.

If your question is regarding peace of mind, then only you can answer that one.

[SavMan]

I would go with a decent Indy every time, I rarely buy new cars now but my last 4 Used Merc's have been serviced by Indy's from the moment I bought them until the moment I sold them.

[Blu3R]

I appreciate the comments but as you're all enthusiasts don't you think your views might be a little swayed? I'd much prefer to use an Indy for piece of mind, but a few years ago I had an RS4 with full Audi history. I then had a very reputable Indy carry out the next service and when I tried to p/ex it back to the same dealer I bought it from, he didn't want it at all due entirely to the fact it didn't have full Audi history any more.

[rassi]

If you are planning to keep the car for a good few years still = Indy.
if you are looking to sell it soon = MB

[DocArbathnot]

It's a 10yr old car, not really prime MB dealer stock.

If you were PXing a 10yr old RS4 the Audi dealer would be trading the car anyway so not be too bothered. It sounds like the Audi dealer were making excuses for not wanting to buy your car.

[msduk]

Mercedes do a cost reduced service over 7 years IIRC. £150 I last time I looked.

This will maintain the Mobilo rust warranty.

This is the route I followed with my '04

[Dog Star]

I always got my 2002 R230 serviced by MB - they've always been happy to match Indy quotes.

[ClaphamGT3]

We have the E63 looked after by an amazing Indy here innSouth London

[truck71]

ClaphamGT3 said:

We have the E63 looked after by an amazing Indy here innSouth London

Who is that? Looking for a decent indy in London.

[ClaphamGT3]

Merc Services in Mitcham. Absolutely faultless; couldn't recommend them highly enough

[truck71]

Thanks, these guys? http://www.mercservices.co.uk/

[ClaphamGT3]

truck71 said:

Thanks, these guys? http://www.mercservices.co.uk/

Those are the chaps. Le Patron is Dave and they really are top notch. They are the old Bradshaws of Chelsea service team and really know their cars