Servicing low mileage car

[ro250]

When I bought my car new (A Class, A250, 2l, petrol) it came with 3 years servicing included. That’s been great. Heading to the 4 year anniversary means it’s ‘due’ a service very soon. I say ‘due’ because in the last 12 months it became our second car and so has only done about 3,000 miles.

I’m waiting for MB to give me a quote for the service (the booking clerk seemed surprised I’d like to know how much it would cost first!) but I have a feeling the B5 service might be pricey?

To be honest, I can’t see how it needs a service, and certainly not a very expensive one given the low miles it’s travelled (total mileage about 25k). But I want to do what’s right, I look after it and don’t want to wreck the resale value.

Would welcome views on best approach.

[ro250]

Thanks for the comments, looks like I'll be spending more money then

It isn't garaged and although does always get to full operating temperature, it's often short journeys.

I'm not aware of a local specialist other than a local Bosch approved service centre (who I have used many moons ago). Not sure how comparable their service would be to an approved MB one.

[ro250]

Sheepshanks said:

There's a list at the top of the Mercedes sub forum: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... or post up your location.

Having said that, there's nothing unusual about Mercs so any gargage could service it.

At 4yrs I think it'll need the plugs changing and it's considered a good idea to do that otherwise they can seize in place. Probably the air and pollen filter, and brake fluid too.

I would imagine a dealer service will be pretty expensive - you can look it up at https://www.mymercedesservice.co.uk/#/your-vehicle and it should pull the required work from the Electronic Service Sheet: http://lite.servicemercedes.co.uk/ess/pc/ but it sometimes misses stuff out of the mileage isn't what it expects vs age.

Thanks, one of those on the list isn't far from me. I'll have a proper look. I'd see that Mercedes Service link - it'd be good if it didn't just say, sorry every time you try to use it and tell me to phone my dealer for the quote!

[ro250]

Pica-Pica said:

Surely a car this young is on a condition-based service. So do what it says. But at 3000 miles a year;
a) do you need it? Would taxis do?
b) i would only change the oil every two years, along with brake fluid and micro filter, to keep services at the same time.

Yes, I need it. All over the place with kids at weekend and whilst it's no Ferrari, it's nice to have a blast in.

As others have said, it's time based and car has already told me it's due in 30 days (B5). I didn't care about any of this when the servicing was free!

[ro250]

Sheepshanks said:

That's strange - have you got a private reg, or did the car have one before? It just works straight off for my older car.

I do have a private reg although the system recognises my car correctly just won't provide a quote!

[ro250]

I thought worth an update on this now I have the prices.

MB wanted £820 for the service Stick the MOT on that and there won't be much change out of £900. I asked if they would match an independent they said no. After I got up off the floor, I said I'd let them know.

Independent using OEM parts has quoted £500 + MOT so heading down that route.

[ro250]

Sheepshanks said:

Is there an ATF change in there? If not, both those amounts seem pretty chunky.

I don't think so but it does include spark plugs (MB said they take a long time to replace - don't shoot the messenger). Using MB's quote as a benchmark, I think the £500 sounds reasonable.

[ro250]

SeeFive said:

This is where the missus’s SLC goes here at the south coast. Last “A” service, added windscreen wipers which were supplied and fitted cheaper than I can buy the blades at retail.

Not a chrome and glass place at all, but then again I only want to pay for the service not their prestige.

http://smercs.co.uk/servicing/

Cheers, I'm in Essex so that's a bit far unfortunately.

[ro250]

Thanks for the follow up comments, really useful and has got me thinking.

I mentioned a Bosch garage I'd used in the past and looking at their servicing options, if I add the extra menu items I know the B5 service needs (e.g. air filter, spark plugs) it'll still be way cheaper than the independent 'specialist'.

I did almost laugh when MB said it takes a long time to change the spark plugs. I assume you need to remove a few covers but he made it sound like it was a major job. And unless things have moved on since I was tinkering about with cars, air filters are not expensive!

[ro250]

SeeFive said:

Agreed, prices can spiral that is why I mentioned that they had hit menu prices each time on A and B service. Luck of the draw I guess.

The CM estimated dealer price included filters, spark plugs etc by the way.

When I had a quick look on click mechanic, I couldn't see any main dealers, it all seemed to be independents.

[ro250]

SeeFive said:

I just went on there as a result of a google search when I first bought SWMBO’s merc to get a dealer estimated price. So I put in my postcode and car reg (or the A250 I found on the classifieds) and hit the get quote button. I have taken a screenshot for you. Seems it doesn’t include plugs this time... a bit odd.

I believe that the principle of this is that some random independent mechanic does the work, which is something that I wouldn’t want but the dealer estimate was useful for me when checking out well reputed indies.

Edited by SeeFive on Friday 21st February 13:33

Cheers, I don't think I clicked through enough. Looks like this is very much a dealer 'estimate' and probably not clever enough to know the details.

I agree, I don't want some random mechanic servicing it. I know they may be very good but I prefer knowing where my car is and that they will be there tomorrow in case of issues.