I took my 99 ML430 over for the brake fluid flush and coolant change after the tech HIGHLY recommended it.
The coolant appears to be changed out Ok, the only reason I
never did it myself is because they said they would flush the heater core out and actually drain the block.
They also said the brake fluid flush is mandatory to keep the
brake components in good working order and corrosion free.
Well, the only thing that happened was the lower radiator
hose was removed and coolant drained out, then refilled
system, block drains were not touched (I checked) and the
heater core hose connections were with out a doubt
originally intact.
That's fine, it's something I can live with.
But I can't live with this; I checked the brake calipers and
they were absolutely not touched. I called the service man
and he said he is not sure how MB performs this service as he
has only been with this dealership for a week. (friggin great)
I told him to find out and call me the next day, no return call as
I expected, so I call him, and he replied the tech is gone for the day, and he would call me the next day, no call again!
I called him and the tech told him they only suck the brake fluid
out of the reservoir and refill. FOR 100 DOLLARS THEY SUCK OUT
THE OLD BRAKE FLUID IN THE RESERVOIR AND REFILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the original fluid remains in the calipers and all in the
expensive ABS system.
I'll die before I let this rest.
It's hard to tell how many hundreds of people have paid this
100 dollar service and got screwed like this.
My next step is to call the manager and Sim Fryson the owner.
Then I'll call MB USA.
I don't mind at all to pay 100 bucks to have the coolant flushed
properly, and I don't mind to pay another 100 dollars to have the
brake fluid properly flushed as per MB specs because I have
peace of mind as my wife drives her/our ML 430 daily.
But I cannot get over the fact that all they did was at the most
worth a pint of brake fluid and maybe 15 minutes work, and
charged 100 dollars for this, and left me with the impression
that 100 percent of my brake fluid has been replaced with fresh
new fluid.
I know this kind of crap happens every minute of the day across
the nation at garages and dealerships, the auto repair ripoff
industry runs into the billions of dollars a year.
Rant over. Good luck on your next trip to your dealership.
You'll need it.