infamous 30,000 mile service
 

Hey guys, I just had my (MUCH NEEDED) 30,000 mile service done. My car now has about 175k on the dash and although it's still running strong, it has had a hand full of little problem. The 30k service really helped get rid of a lot of them, but I was wondering what your guy's experience was with this. Being that it's the first major service I have had done I was hoping to gather others opinions on it. I found a trusty shop to have it done for me and I totalled out at $1,113 for both parts and labor. This seems like a huge amount for what I'm used to but it included a lot. I also had some extra stuff done that was needed. It's kind of long, but I'm gonna list what I had done:

-6 spark plugs $36
-spark plug wire set $181.72
-distributor cap $129.80 <--- wow, expensive ignition parts!
-distributor rotor $42.25
-7 quarts of oil $12.60
-oil filter $8.20
-new oil filler cap $8.05
-distributor cover $7.33
-fuel filter $40.12
-air filter $28.63
-ps fluid $2.20
-brake fluid $2.25
-windshield wiper fluid $1.95
-antifreeze $7
-3 qts AT fluid $5.70
-AT filter $14.95
-AT oilpan gasket $11.95
-engine degreaser $5.95
-silicon lube $4.95

parts total was $577.49 with one extra thing i can't understand on the sheet so i didnt include. He also did the rear differential fluid which he said he ended up forgetting to charge me for but he said it was no big deal.

labor total was 448.50, and once again total was $1,113

Does everything seem to check out okay? The guy seemed to have done a great job and was very fair in price and work. I'm just curious because it's the first time I've had it done.

Kevin

What is the labor rate? Just curious ...

Couple of comments-

-$6 a plug makes me think they are platinums, not the best choice for you car. (I know, some people have had great luck, but for my 103 engine, the standard Bosch copper work well)

-Did you need antifreeze? Did they do a flush? What color is the antifreeze (Type)?

-$5.95, engine degreaser - Did they clean your engine? Wonderful.

Overall, it does seem a bit expensive, but then I do my own maintenance so I never count labor.

Haasman

3 quarts of ATF is less than half of what should be in there. Sounds like they changed what was in the pan but didn't drain the torque converter. Makes me wonder if this shop works on many MBs.

Antifreeze seems cheap at $7 compared to everything else so my guess is that it's Prestone and not MB or G-05 as is more frequently recommended for these cars.

At 30K miles I'd expect to have the brake fluid replaced with a fluid cost of more than $2.25.

I'd also expect a power steering system flush and fill and a new power steering pump filter.

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL
83 300SD ... $950, see cars forum

Haasman,

Labor rate is $65 an hour which isn't too much of a kick in the crotch considering my local dealership charges about $90/hr.

The plugs I don't believe are platinums although I would have to double check that. I know they are Bosch because the car had NGK's before and the guy explained to me that the NGK's had different seats to them and temp ratings and so they were wrong.

The antifreeze was a full flush, I believe he used the long life stuff (red), but I haven't really looked yet.

The degreaser I hadn't realized he charged me for until I went over the sheet, but yes he did clean my engine and it looks great. It was also in bad need of it so I'm actually glad he did.

Actually it's an old german guy who runs the shop and he only works on german cars. He drives an MB himself. He seems very knowledgable.

For better rates go to Everett, WA
The parts rates are high.
Try GP Automotive, ask for Mike. He is a former MB Tech

Interesting. Everett is a long ways for me to drive but I guess it might be worth it. In this case I wouldn't have even made it that far anyways. I'm completely satisfied with the work quality, I guess the price was just a little concerning to me. Still, considering the cost of the dealership I'm not gonna cry over it.

The parts do seem a little high but overall looks like he covered everything.

IMHO if you find a good mechanic that is honest and takes care of your car when you come in it's worth a little extra $$$. In the long run your car will have less trouble and if you continue to take it back he'll make adjustments here and there without charge. At least that's my experience.

So is the car running really smooth now? Any difference in mileage and acceleration?

Tip: Sometimes I go to Bellevue Auto Rebuild for repairs or add on when it is in their shop. They can do most things for body, antennas, door motors, switches etc. For body electrical they are quite good and $45 hour. Certainly thats closer, they do not do tune ups since they are a body shop. They have a contract with the dent wizard and their prices are not too bad for non paint body fixes.

Yes, the service really did make a difference. The car runs real smoothe now and starts much quicker as well. It feels as though it really got a refresher.. I think it really needed it.

I'm really satisfied with the service and I feel that I will probably end up going back there for future service as well. It's nice to not have to schedule appointments or deal through 3rd person to the guy working on my car. I was able to watch the guy do half the work in his shop anyways while he talked me through some of it and explained certain points to me.

KNanthrup

Some of the shops use Cascade Auto Service in Redmond. I saw an invoice for $263 for a 300E Tune-up, includes cap, rotor, plugs and fluid check and brake check. That should be right around the corner from you. This is not an endorcement just what I have saw.

They are by the speed shop on the side street of Millenium Motors and KFC.

$12.60 for 7 quarts of oil? Wow, what kind of oil? Is that some kind of mechanic 's price or something?

He gets his oil in bulk. Large drums.. nothing wrong with the oil.

Oil price seems reasonable to me. Dist cap and wires high though.

Kevin,

The dealer (Barrier) is charging well over $100/hr now.

Actually, the costs that your guy charged do not seem out of line for around here.

But he certainly didn't screw you. Mechanics have to charge list prices for parts...it's really the only way they can stay in business.

I have found a gem of a mechanic among common stones in the area. He is:

Ernie Schmidt
Mercedes Benz Service
Automeister II, Inc

mobile (866) 964-2886
work (425) 822-5708

12029 NE 85th Street
Kirkland WA 98033
USA

One block east of Lee Johnson Chev on the same side of 85th tucked back in the corner of an auto strip mall.

You will not be disappointed.