Why are MB Oil Changes so expensive?

[Cal Ratcliff]

I have a 1994 E320 Cabrio and am due for my first oil change since I bought the car. My question is why does the dealership charge $70 for an oil change when it costs $20-$25 for most other cars? Am I missing something or is this just another example of MB overcharging?

Thanks!

[bwheitman]

My experience has always been to take it to the dealer unless you do it yourself. The reason oil changes cost more is because an MB typically holds more oil than other cars, also there are several other items that the dealer checks. When you service your car at your dealer, remember that any time you need a fluid topped off it is free, anytime you have a bulb burned out, it is free, if your wiper blade needs replaced, they will usually do it for free, but they make you pay for the blade. MB service is in a class all it's own. This is the biggest reason I drive an MB, I don't have to wait in dirty shops, I don't have to pay just to have someone change a light bulb. I do a lot of the work on my car myself, but when I take it to the dealer it is always a pleasant experience, and don't forget about that lifetime roadside assistance with all MB cars! It pays to have a relationship with your dealer! Happy Benzing!
Brian

[bobbyv]

Another reason for having it done at the Benz dealership is the history of service that you can lay claim to, which can increase the resale value of your car.

Also note that the recommended interval between oil changes for a Benz is longer than that of the average car.

[Bruno_300TE]

It might be (partly) justified if they use Mobil1 that costs 5$ a quart compared to 80 cents for cheap oil. Filters are also more expensive. My last oil change cost me 45$ - and I did it myself.
Bruno

_
300TE 1992 137'000 miles

[1991300SEL]

[QUOTE=Bruno_300TE]....compared to 80 cents for cheap oil.


And you will let us all know where we can find 80 cent oil these days....won't you?

[fahrgewehr2]

I think its funny that the same people that insist on owning the most expensive car, will not pay an extra $20 for an oil service. I pay $55 at the dealer and think that is completey reasonable.

I changed my oil myself for a long time, but realized that i didn't save much money, and when I added up the time to go to the store, change the oil, dispose of the oil and clean up and take a shower, that I was better off just taking the car to the shop. I use the dealer here as it is within walking distance. I also live in an apartment these days and changing oil in the parking lot is not something I want to do. Get a 'free' car wash at the dealer, too!

Plus, they can put the car up on the lift and see potential problems that I cannot.

That said, I like DIY, and tackling the less daunting tasks is fun.

[AusMBtech]

What sort of a job do you really think you'll get from the $20-25 workshop?

The oil alone will cost most of that $70. you're engine will take 6.5-7.0L depending on the exact model......most dealers use mobil 1 as well.

Also think of the indy mechanic looking over your car when they may not know anything about the systems fitted to your car. They may think there is a fault when it normal or not recognise a fault because they don't know enough about your car. Don't pay someone to learn on your car, pay someone to use their benz training and factory tools on your car.

[Cal Ratcliff]

Thanks! Everyone made some excellent points. I feel better now about the $75 oil change.

Have a great week!

[donbryce]

Originally Posted by inetd

Just do it yourself and take your time and look around. Sort of like the wife, the more attention you give her the less she *****es...

...and servicing the missus costs more than the girlfriend too, but if you want long-term maintenance value, ya gotta make the investment, right?

[blackmercedes]

Mercedes dealers don't lose money on oil changes. Most other makes have lowered their pricing thanks to the drive-through oil change places. Our Mazda dealer sells oil changes for $24.95, and there is no way they make money on it as that price includes parts and labour.

Don't complain about a $70 oil change. In my neck-o-the-woods, a Mobil 1 change at a Mercedes dealer runs close to $200. But, I have that money in my pocket thanks to DIY.

[Jackd]

I have never and will never pay $70. for an oil change on my Benz.
Our local Benz dealer charges a flat $39.95 for a simple oil change, (oil and filter). no appointment, no waiting, simply walk-in.

[deanyel]

Mercedes dealers charge a lot for oil changes, and for everything else, because they can. Mercedes owners tend not to be very price senstive (and sometimes not all that smart). You should not get your oil changed, or anything else done, at the dealership on an older car like that. Find a good, honest independent shop, or learn to do it yourself - it's incredible easy.

[MTI]

A high dealership charge for an oil change more likely reflects 1) What the market will bear: and 2) "Book Rate" service charge for labor. Keep in mind, the dealership does not pay "retail" for lubricants, whether dino or synth, or for filters and o-rings, but they can charge you full retail for them.

Originally Posted by inetd

Nah, that ain't bad. I run 0w20 M1 in mine, and it's about $5 a quart.

0W-20 Only Honda and Ford recommend that stuff so they can play games with the Feds on CAFE averages. Well, maybe NASCAR use it for qualifying.

[mctwin2kman]

Originally Posted by Bud

0W-20 Only Honda and Ford recommend that stuff so they can play games with the Feds on CAFE averages. Well, maybe NASCAR use it for qualifying.

That is what is in my W203 from the factory!

And I will not take mine to any lube shop after the Maint Agreement ends! It will be done in my garage like my W201 is. I do not mind spending 30 minutes of my time twice a year to do an oil change. That and the wife bought me a creaper from X-Mas and dad in-law bought me a nice aluminum floor jack, only 37 lbs......