Mercedes Service in Dunners

[deeveus 81]

Lucky for me I have to have my brakes done, quoted $2700 for this from Mercedes all up, it also just about needs a B service also in 1800km so I'm going to get this done all at once which is about $750-$800 - I've been quoted about $1500 for the brakes from European Car services in Dunedin and about $350 for the service from them - does anyone know much about them if they've used them before e.t.c. I've always been a fan of dealership servicing (even though I've had a reasonably bad run with these guys down here Merc wise)

What are the main benefits (bar the cheesy service & extra zero's on the bill) of going dealership servicing over going external?

He advised some of the parts aren't genuine but said he'd fitted many of them before without hassle/issues.

[elmarco 56]

Non-OEM replacements are OK as long as they are reputable suppliers - I normally ask what brand they use if it is a mechanic I don't know. I won't let them fit any brand I haven't heard of (I recently had a "disagreement" with the insurance company that tried to put a chinese knock-off windscreen in) and stick with the known OEM suppliers. And to be fair, sometimes I will only fit BMW parts (like windscreen wiper refills - they are just so much better it isn't funny).

I think you are doing the right thing by asking about that particular company of you have no baseline. The alternative is to trust the Merc dealer and leave a couple of zeros lighter.... If in doubt, Google is your friend.

[my_e36 43]

Even if you go outside for servicing, you can still fit genuine parts. You'll have to BYO or tell the place you want genuine parts at least couple of days before your appointment so they can have them ready. Most external places don't stock genuine parts.

The main benefits of dealer servicing is when it comes warranty claims time, they would have all the details they need and if you stick with the factory's service schedule, you'll have no problem getting things fixed.

Borrowing (or hiring?) a late model loan car and getting dropped off at work is another plus.

Coffee at dealerships are average at best, so this doesn't count.

sometimes I will only fit BMW parts (like windscreen wiper refills - they are just so much better it isn't funny).

This I concur

Unless it's Bosch branded wipers, which is what the genuine BMW stuff is.

With wipers, I usually replace the rubber at 6 month, then the full blade at 12 month.

Edited September 26, 2011 by SpikeyLemon

[deeveus 81]

He's told me that the parts are either genuine or made by the same people that Mercedes contracted them to, so I guess this helps. I'm probably more worried about the major service it needs and hoping that everything is looked at and covered, will approach him again before I go ahead.

[elmarco 56]

This I concur

Unless it's Bosch branded wipers, which is what the genuine BMW stuff is.

With wipers, I usually replace the rubber at 6 month, then the full blade at 12 month.

Yeah I've tried to find Bosch ones (the only other ones I'll use) but they seem to be as scarce as rockinghorse sh*t...

I've learnt the hard way with that one.

[cliffdunedin 8]

Hey, is European Car services the wreckers down by the harbour? I have used them for parts before and they always seem to be competitive (price wise) but have not heard of their repair work. Our Mercedes is still under warranty and Armstrong Prestige have been pretty good with any issues we have had, but the warranty is due to expire in a couple of months. Out of interest what sort of bad run have you had with them? How about KG McLeod, I remember you recommending them a while back and they have done work on my Bimmer before and found them really good and a hell of a lot cheaper then BMW.

[deeveus 81]

Got the final price :

Armstrong's Dunedin : $3475 (service and brakes)

European Auto Services Dunedin : $1,949 (service and brakes)

Saving just over $1500 can't be ignored!

[my_e36 43]

That is a big savings.

With the difference, you can use it towards repainting the Corolla.

[deeveus 81]

That is a big savings.

With the difference, you can use it towards repainting the Corolla.

Ae?

[cliffdunedin 8]

That's a huge difference!

[my_e36 43]

Ae?

Didn't you said you want to touch up the Corolla couple of weeks back or am I imagining things?