Mercedes servicing

[Sprinter16]

First post but a long time lurker!

Bought myself a 2 years, 3 month old (67 plate) C Class in January this year, it will be due an A service in November and Mercedes have kindly offered to do this for £550 plus anything they deem to add on!

I would love to have a pretty Mercedes service record when I sell it in a few years but no way am I paying £550 for an oil change, then £800 for the B service next year.

I've looked at independents and their prices are cracking comparatively but when I read through what they (or even Mercedes) actually do its an oil/filter change and 35 other things (all checks) that I can (and do) myself on a regular basis.

Selling a car with no service history is fraught with danger I would imagine so do I just bite the bullet and spend £200 to have a piece of paper from an independent?

Love to hear opinions on this,

Thanks all

[Sprinter16]

Thanks for your reply. It's a C-CLASS C 220 D AMG LINE PREMIUM so nothing extravagant. The list of what's done is:-

Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check & advise if cabin pollen filter is required according to age/mileage
Check front and rear lights
Check horn
Top up screen wash bottle
Check wiper blades
Check front (and rear) wash and wipe system and adjust jet settings
Check coolant strength and level (minimum -25C)
Check power steering fluid level
Visual look over top of engine compartment for obvious faults
Visual check underneath for excessive oil leaks
Check condition and security of undertray
Check battery condition
Check for correct clutch operation
Check for correct gearbox operation
Check and top up clutch fluid where applicable
Check drive shaft gaitors for security and report leaks
Check for timing belt (cambelt) replacement interval and report if replacement due according to mileage or age
Remove road wheels
Check tyre condition and tread depth (including spare)
Check and adjust tyre pressures (including spare)
Set wheel nut torque to manufacturer's settings
Inspect exhaust system (including catalyst if fitted) for leaks, security and noise
Visual check for exhaust smoke
Check brake pads for wear or damage
Check brake callipers for leaks and security
Visually check brake hydraulic system, pipes and hoses for any leaks, chafing and corrosion
Check brake discs and drums for wear, cracks, corrosion and scoring or pitting (excluding internal drums)
Check brake fluid level and top up if required
Check dashboard warning lights
Reset service indicator
Stamp paper service book or update Mercedes Digital Service History
Carry out road test and final checks


"To be honest I'm not sure even places like WBAC put a premium on main dealer history vs indie history these days, isn't it just whether it's "full" or "partial"?"

You're probably correct and it's a very good point you make

Edited by Sprinter16 on Monday 21st September 15:17

[Sprinter16]

I've done some back of a fag packet calculations and think I'd probably spend £2,000 more at Mercedes than an indy over 6 years, the question is of course, will that £2,000 be reflected in it's value on an 8 year old car, (worth circa £6-7,000 by then) I feel it wont but that's why I came here for opinions as I'm no expert or car dealer!

[Sprinter16]

Checked that out, they want £1,824 for 4 services, (£456 each) didn't immediately see any discounts but would still be £364.80 each after 20% off.

Thanks for all the replies, I think considering everything I'll go to a local Indy I've found, as Benmac states, digital records are added and they charge £146 for an A service, I'm not a skinflint but equally don't want to pay more than necessary. The car if all goes to plan will be kept 5/6 years, I'll then be retired so maybe more so full main dealer service record will have less of an impact by then.

The £550 I mentioned was quoted to me "over the service desk" whilst I was there for another reason at Lookers Mercedes, Worcester, that was the minimum plus any parts found to be required!!