Alternative to main dealer service

[Waitforme]

My car , Mercedes E400 D is coming up 7 years old , 35000 miles and is due a service.
It’s had 5 main dealer services to date but I’m thinking it’s time to use an Indy.
Do you think the service record look better with a local garage service or a Halfords Centre service ?

[Metric Max]

Go on here https://forums.mbclub.co.uk and ask where your local MB indy is.
They will likely have the MB Star diagnostic and be more experienced working on your car than a local garage that works on anything from an Audi to a Vauxhall
Also will be able to input the service onto the online MB website which may have some value at resale time

[SuperPav]

Agree with above, find your local respected independent.

What I would also personally suggest is once you've done that, if you're happy with your main dealer thus far, is ask them if they'd match it.



My local VAG specialist isn't actually any cheaper than the VW dealer for routine work and brakes etc.. I'd still use the indy for something properly major or tricky but for a service it's not as clear cut.

Same with Toyota, their dealers are generally very competitive on servicing.

[MDT]

Mate had a quote for his A class to get serviced and Main Dealer were cheaper than the indy and would give him a loan car.