$$$ Cost

[jdkirkk@sbcglob]

I purchased my '96 SL600 used and seldom drive it. I am approaching the 45,000 mile mark when MB maintenance is specified. I will have a dealer in the Chicago area do this maintenance but was wondering what I could expect to pay? Any thoughts?

[POS]

"A lot" is the only answer I have for you. My mechanic won't go near a V12 - says you can never get them "just right". Why not call the a few dealers/indy mechanics and just ask them?

[82gray380]

I agree with POS. Mercedes dealers, especially in the Chicago (big city areas) are charging top dollar per hour just for labor. I just had my 380sl looked at for a miss at idle. Took 20 minutes, was charged over $100. Plus all parts for Benzs seem to be double the average. Don't get me wrong, they are great cars, but expect to pay a premium for the maintenance. The main thing is, with proper maintenance, very little else will go wrong. Drive the car and enjoy it.

[tecqboy]

When you need genuine German made parts for these cars ( or any Euro cars ), the cost is high because the dollar is only worth about .62 Euro's. Labor rates at most shops are in the $100 to $150 per hour range. And, foremost, you are driving a $100,000 car so it is assumed you have very deep pockets which are ripe for picking.

[Roncallo]

Originally Posted by jdkirkk@sbcglob

I purchased my '96 SL600 used and seldom drive it. I am approaching the 45,000 mile mark when MB maintenance is specified. I will have a dealer in the Chicago area do this maintenance but was wondering what I could expect to pay? Any thoughts?

Well if they do only what the book says is required at 45K it wont be too much. Plugs, air filters, air pump filter, oil (lots of it most expensive item), oil filter, washer fluid, and washer additive, bottle of Techron, antenna mast wipe, air for tires and optionally they might do break fluid.

Now if they should step over the service line into the repair something zone, you might as well just drop your pants and bend over.

I believe at 60K miles you will also be doing 4 O2 sensors and a fuel filter.

Owner ship of this car is so high that dealer service is generally only for people who bought it new.