ML Repair Costs from Dealer - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

al76slc · #1 08-02-2006, 07:25 AM

99 ML430 55K

Oil Service - $101
Coolant Flush - $101
Tranny Service (R/R Filter, Gasket, Magnet) $327 Including trans fluid - 9 qts (?) at 16.75 each = $142 !!
Tranny Connector Leak from O ring (R/R Spacer P/N 203-540-01-53) $116

Harmonic Balancer Recall - Free
Radio Service - Clean Antenna Ground - Free (problem since inception)
Checking various whistles, squeaks, rattles - Free
Picking up ML & delivering loaner (C280AWD) to me, re-delivering ML & taking loaner back - Free

I'm curious what people are paying for service at their dealers. Since I don't do a lot of my own work on this vehicle, I accept the annual cost of having the dealer look over the vehicle, fix some of the things that have been problems from purchase for free (i.e. AM radio), and keep up with knowledge base and recalls. I haven't used my MB Indie for this vehicle yet. Maybe I will start now.

The only thing that really jumps out at me above is the tranny fluid.

Al

blueeagle289 · #2 08-02-2006, 07:54 AM

So, you paid about $600 for this combination of items .... which could probably have been done for $300 to $400 at most by and Indie. My MB dealer has the same high charges and they are geared to provide a high profit from those MB owners who simply take their car in and pay the bill without much question. I have a 99ML and do most of my own work if I have the time and the tools. I pay $80 for an Amsoil syn change and I am sure a rad flush and refill would be about $70 or less, trans filter -- I don't know, but you are paying the Mercedes list for relatively simple items like the gasket etc and I guarantee you that the tranny fluid will not be anywhere near the MB price; probably less than half of that amount if that much.

That is why I don't take my car to the dealer, I can usually save 30 to 50 percent at an Indie -- or do it myself. As you can see from my car list, I have several that are 15, 17 and 38 years old -- and most dealerships simply don't want to work on them; they are making too much money on newer car maint and repair and they don't have the techs who really know these older cars.
I take my older ones to a guy from Australia here in Dallas who is an expert mechanic and who does know the older ones. A little selective use of good mechanics can save you a bundle and still provide excellent results.

mbdoc · #3 08-02-2006, 08:08 AM

No matter where you take ANYTHING for service or repairs you can find someone who will do that for less.. WHAT matters is whether you think you got your money's worth!

Many shops WILL & DO add $$ to repair bills to make-up for that "free" pick-up & delivery & loaner car..

As you pointed out the amount of trans fluid(should be 8 Liters @ $10) & the charge for service was out of line...also the trans connector should have been less than $50 total parts & labor..The part has a $6 list price & takes less than 5 minutes to install while the car is on the service rack..

roberthelfrick · #4 08-02-2006, 08:48 AM

Is it possible for you to outline o-ring repalcement for the transmission electronic connector? Thanks

mbdoc · #5 08-02-2006, 10:54 AM

You would replace the complete connector not the o-rings..Mb number 203-540-01-53 about $6 list.

Very simple job...disconnect the wiring harness by moving the quick-disconnect lever. Then use a 7mm socket to un-screw the bolt in the middle of the connector. Pull out on the connector. Catch any fluid in clean container to re-use. Install new connector & connect wiring. May need to check fluid level.

softconsult · #6 08-02-2006, 01:50 PM

A timely post for me. I am getting ready to do my first trans service on my new to me '97 S320. Thanks to the internet lists, I found out that the
Diagnostic Port Spacer tends to develop leaks. Routine replacement is recommended. I also bought the pan magnet from the dealer, $4.25.

When I called to order the part the counter man said they had 18 of them in stock and use them all the time. It's a little bit of a confusing part to look at and try to figure out exactly how it works.

The previous post helps.

I paid $8.00 for it from my local dealer. For them to charge $116.00 for something that is so cheap and so simple really borders on criminal.

My dealer wants $425.00 to do the service on the transmission. He told me the fluid was $18.00 a quart and the filter alone was $75.00. I told him he was insane and left.

I bought the dipstick tool for $38 and an infrared thermometer from Amazon for $45. MB Tranny fluid for 11.52 per liter. Filter and gasket kit, $18.50. So total exclusive of the one time, dipstick and infrared, the cost will be around $140.00 per 30,000 mile interval and a little messiness. I can live with that.

Appears to me that the only real differences between this and tranny service on my W124's is the fluid, the dipstick and measuring the fluid level relative to the specificied 80 degree centigrade temperature.

Steve

blueeagle289 · #7 08-02-2006, 01:59 PM

Your example of quoted costs from an MB dealer for the tranny work is representative of the charges they make to people for just basic jobs. As I have said many times, I don't mind paying a fair price, with a profit to the garage -- for work well done and I think you should use the "best" parts, not get a cheap item that will not hold up. But, you can achieve significant savings by going to an Indie or doing it yourself..... your experience is a case in point.

mbdoc · #8 08-02-2006, 05:06 PM

& that is why this forum is here!

Carson357 · #9 08-02-2006, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M.B.DOC

You would replace the complete connector not the o-rings..Mb number 203-540-01-53 about $6 list.

Very simple job...disconnect the wiring harness by moving the quick-disconnect lever. Then use a 7mm socket to un-screw the bolt in the middle of the connector. Pull out on the connector. Catch any fluid in clean container to re-use. Install new connector & connect wiring. May need to check fluid level.

one thing to add to this is do not over tighten the 7mm bolt in the center of the plug. i have seen a few that were, and not only will they start to leak again, but if you have to replace them you will likely end up having to pull the valve body and have to replace the conductor plate assembly.
what happens is if the 7mm bolt is over tightened, the little brass "nut" it screws into that is molded in to the conductor plate will be broken loose, and will just spin when it is being replaced, you will have to break the plug to be able to drop the valve body.

G-Benz · #10 08-08-2006, 05:30 PM

I too find dealership repair costs a bit too steep for routine maintenance...and I have a very skilled MB indie who does my service.

That said, consider that the dealership HAS to stand by their work. If your indie screws something up BADLY, will he accept the liability for said issue?

Though a lot of stuff can be repaired quite easily on these vehicles, it doesn't take much for a neophyte to jam up the works!