'88 300CE: Why is it $265.00 to replace spark plugs
 

I have a misfire and the plugs are fouled. Why does the dealer quote me ~$265.00 to replace them? Is there something special that they do? Is there something special about dealer spark plugs? what brand do they use? Thanks.

V/R,
Kurt

1. Dealer markup (most charge more than list, perhaps as much as $20 per plug).
2. Labor...depending on where you are, some charge as much as $150/hr.

Pretty easy DIY, if you're not interested in DIY, buy the plugs online (click the buy parts link to support the site and find a good indie.

Find a reputable independent shop nearby, I wouldn't be surprise if that number halves.

For about $25 and 30 minutes of your time you could replace them yourself. If they are fouled with oil more than likely you need new valve guides or stem seals depending on how many miles the car has.

Whereabouts do you live?

Someone might have an indie recommendation or even be willing to come give you a hand.

Replace the plugs yourself. Cheaper and you'll get to know your way around your engine. Replacing plugs is easy...removing the wires could be a bit difficult...use a wire puller if you can. Before removing the plugs....use air and blow out the plug area...

you can replace the plugs your self for under $6.00 per plug,its very easy to replace them,jjust remember what wire went on what plug.standard champion,autolite or another equally compatible plug will do the job,get a plug gapper and check the gap make sure its correct,

With an '88CE you should have a M103 engine.

The correct NGK non resistive plugs are less than two and a half bucks each in Australia. Last time I bought plugs they were $ 14.00 for six.

Buying the correct plug spanner to change them out will probably cost more than the plugs - that is if you don't have one in your original tool kit that came with the car.

That emblem on the hood and trunk really add a $175 cost to any job

I stopped by a dealer in a strange town on a trip. There was a line up at the service advisors desk. Some people were paying their bills with him describing what was done. After listening to two cases of them it was time to leave.

I really believe those customers had no ideal of what would be fair. Or even what was going on. Someone help those people if they ever have serious issues. Four hundred to change your spark plugs would have been cheap in my opinion at that dealership. Or does the free coffee compensate?

Of course the customer would have been informed the mechanic had to remove one plug at a time. That information alone has to be worth a couple of hundred. That place had the most abusive automotive service department I have ever seen.

What really irks me is the stealership owners...live high on the hog, most have beautiful homes, toys, etc. and pay their help slave wages. Most of the employees can't even afford to buy a house! Drive beat up cars, etc.!
The same can be said for a lot of business owners of any business. Employees are struggling. Sure, these business owners put a lot of money into their business and it's THEIR business. Still, it's the employees who are making them money. Be fair I say. But 300 for a tune up is a rip off. Plugs are what...10 bucks each if that. Takes what....an hour to R and R plugs! Sure, they do some adjustments after the plugs are installed..
Local oil change places here charge 100 for a oil change! Gesh! Stealership....200! Barrel of oil cost what...77 bucks! Ok Ok...it has to be refined, etc...still...
8.5 quarts of oil for my S500 plus the filter...25 bucks...oil is 50 bucks....do it myself! Waste oil disposal fee is free where I dump it at the recycling center.

There is no reason to visit a mercedes dealer unless you have a recall notice and its getting fixed on their dime.

And that is why this forum is awesome.

this stuff is NOT outside of anyone's grasp. Its a question of time. Do I read to my kids or do I inspect/research/test/inspect to confirm/order parts/install parts/test/repeat.

Yep.


Probably so. I have the same car. ('88 300CE M103). About 5 years ago, (at around 75-80,000 miles) it started to drink oil. Valve stem seals did the trick. A function of age not wear in my case.;) Indy skilled MB shop. About $200.00 for that.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?p=1665499&highlight=ditmire#post1665499

How many miles are on your car??
Also, check the Good MB shop forum for some indys in you state/area.

I can change all six plugs, from picking up the wrench, to closing the toolbox in around 20 mins. Copper plugs are, what $3? 265?! Go somewhere else.

The only way that price would be understandable it it include a cap, rotor, and wireset; but at that point, I doubt that would be the ticket.

+1

???????????

At my dealership, that job would cost about $215.00, including tax. It might also include a loaner car (GLK or C-Class) depending on the situation. If no loaner car is available, transportation to work, home ,train station, etc. is offered free of charge. The job includes topping off fluids, and performing a safety inspection. When the job is done, arrangements can be made to deliver the car to the owners home or workplace. The car will also get a wash and vac'.

Please excuse me now. I have to drive my '62 Falcon back to my one bedroom apartment, which I share with several of my co-workers. :D

Be careful yanking the spark plug wires from the engine. You could separate the wire from the boot connector. The wire set is around $100 new.

Get the correct spark plug boot tool and grip on the metal portion of the boot connector and pull from there.

I bought a supply of non-resistor Bosch plugs from Napa a couple years ago for $1.07 each. I admit I've had practice, but I could easily change all 6 in 5 minutes, while wearing a white tuxedo. Absolutely the easiest plug change of any engine I have ever seen.

Found a separated rear tranny mount the other day. Wanted to fix it fast, so I called the dealer for the part price. $240. Fastlane has it for $8.
Yes, it's Chinese steel and rubber, but 30 times the price for the German stuff?

DG

WOW! S-Class Guru is right... they are the easiest plugs I have ever changed!!

I changed the plugs on our '88 300SEL (same engine) today in like 8 minutes (and I am NOT much of a DIY'er). Plugs were $13.00. Easiest plugs I have ever changed. Someone is getting gyped! Tell the dealer to take a hike!

You da man! You funny!
You're the head tech and making decent wages I am sure. But as I posted....most employees are struggling to make ends meet. Some make very good wages...some.
Sure as you so eloquently pointed out...free loaner, return the car if needed, wash/vac, etc...top off fluids...all costs associated with running a business and of course the shop has to include it in the repairs or go out of business.....
but, how much is the owner paying the car wash guy? 10 bucks and hour if that! Tech? Commission and or hourly plus a percentage of the parts?
The more the tech finds and the more the service writer sells to the customer...more money for the owner.
Shops pay their top techs decent wages...I know some top techs here pulling down 80K a year here. That's pretty good. But you are not going to buy a decent house in Honolulu for under a million! Even rent goes for 3k a month for a 3 bedroom house or apartment.
My point was that prices for services rendered are going through the roof and wages stay the same.
How is that particular dealership owner able to buy a 5/6/7 million dollar home? Obviously the mark up is high for services.

Hey, Falcons ain't so bad. I once had a 20-year-old '62 Falcon Ranchero, loved that thing. I used it as a beater for years.
Nowadays our beater is a pristine 20-year-old Mercedes S-class, and I can't say which one I'd rather be seen in. But I do know which one is worth more today!

DG