60,000 mile service, why so expensive?

[spinedoc]

Hey guys, I was gearing up to drop my 1996 SL500 off tommorrow for its 60,000 mile service. From what I gather it is primarily trans fluid/filter, oil change/filter, fuel filter, air filter, and various lubrications and checks.

My independent quoted me $600-800, as did the dealer. I am wondering why it costs so much for these basic things. I have no problem spending money on my baby, so please chime in and tell me I am wrong. I would like to feel better about spending the money if it is worthwhile maintenance for the price.

[blackmercedes]

The same service on our Subaru is about the same price, so it's not a case of high prices for MB customers. We don't have the dealer do all those "checks" that I can do myself. I choose the things I want them to do, and it's much less. However, you should run through the items in the service yourself if you don't have the mechanic do them.

[Ali Al-Chalabi]

IMHO, this is where the big money maker for dealers is. If you are a DIY type and do the service yourself, you will probably find every part and fluid you need to be under $150 and will take a couple to a few hours.

On my C280, they would charge over $500, but I can do it myself in an afternoon for $100 worth of parts.

[spinedoc]

I'm hoping someone can post a full list of what is done, lubed and checked in the 60,000 mile service. I am figuring I can have the oil and trans service done at the dealer and do everything else myself. Only problem is it's in the middle of winter!

[Duke2.6]

Your owners packet should have a booklet with all the scheduled maintenance at the various intervals. Also, dealers should provide a multipage check sheet when you pick up the car that shows all the maintenance work done.

There is probably a flat rate hourly labor charge to do the recommended mainteance tasks (mostly inspections), so you multiply this by the shop labor rate to arrive at the labor charge. Add fluids, etc. and you come up with the estimate.

Any inspections that indicate that additional work is required due to something failing inspection will be extra, and they should call you for authorization.

Duke

[G-Benz]

...and I have found that the "A" service on my ML hovers about the same in terms of cost...so this is not just a model-specific factor...

[Southern]

Any inspections that indicate that additional work is required due to something failing inspection will be extra, and they should call you for authorization.

Unless you are capable of performing these inspections yourself (inspect brakes, suspension, etc.) it would be money well spent to have a mechanic do the inspection. It is cheaper to replace a component that is starting to wear than one which is beyound repair.

[slowmoe]

I agree that these are the money makers for the dealers. If you can turn a wrench and put a car on some ramps or jacks safely you can save a lot of money.

Every 30K on my cars I do:

- oil and filter - $30 (M1)
- trans fluid and filter - $50 (M1)
- replace fuel fiters (if so equipped) ($20)
- replace air filter ($20)
- radiator flush and fill ($12)
- rear axle drain and fill ($12)
- power steering suction and fill ( - )
- brake suction and fill ($10)
- Inspect belts and hoses ( - )
- inspect brakes and calipers ( - )
- replace spark plugs (if so equipped) ($30)

I do not know what is needed on your car, but I doubt that it is more than the above.

For a $150 to $200. You can have an afternoon of fun in a garage becomming more familiar with a car you love.

If you are new to wrenching, you may consider doing one or two at a time - lots of support here!!! As soon as you do it once you will realize how straight-forward and fun it is.

[joe p]

Here we do.

Air filter
Fuel filter
Spark plugs (117 through 119 engines)
Climate filter
Oil and filter change
Trans service
At 90K intervals, rear gear oil
Brake fluid change
Rotate tires
Check spare and service battery
SDS short test
wiper insert
power steering oil and filter change except for the plastic tanked pump which only gets the fluid changed.

Inspection of:
Brakes
Tool kit
Interior functions, lights etc....
Convienence features
underbody
front suspension
rear suspension
gear oil level (except on 90K as noted)
exterior lighting
belt
engine harness
body condition
top condition and function except on SL's with hardtop fitted
tighten and lube door checks
lube door, hood and trunk latches and hinges
Steering gear inspection (107s get the rag joint throughly looked over for wear)
ACC function test
road test


The upsells are rear gear oil, drive belts and coolant change.

4.0 plus parts, quite the bargin on a DIS M119 engine, 120 engines are 1.5 higher.


This is mostly out of the MBZ maintence manuals. The exception is the brake flush which is a upsell in most dealers. I cant answer for most Indys.

Of course thats for a M119 SL, the other models vary a little. (140 coupes do not get rotated for example)

Add'l parts can include wiper blades vs inserts, headlamp blades, wire sets/tips, caps and rotors on M119's w/EZL and so on.


Joe

[spinedoc]

I just was told today that my trans fluid does not get changed, they said it is lifetime. So take one away from my service charge, but it's still the same price.

[NormanB]

Originally posted by spinedoc
I'm hoping someone can post a full list of what is done, lubed and checked in the 60,000 mile service. I am figuring I can have the oil and trans service done at the dealer and do everything else myself. Only problem is it's in the middle of winter!

Pay the money this time. You do not want your car in less than tip top for the winter months.
Learn to do the jobs slow time once the sun reappears.

NormanB

[spinedoc]

Yes I'm going to have the service done, at least I can get someone looking at my auto and telling me if anything needs work. I am already used to the dealer putting a huge list of "to do" things on my final bill, even though most of these things usually dont have to get done right away.

My question is about the trans fluid change. If they are not deducting for not doing it, since I have the electronic trans that does "not " need fluid changes, should I try to get them to change the fluid or reduce their fee?

[albert champion]

NOW, WHAT IS THE COST OF A 60,000 FOR A LEXUS LS400/LS430?

why is it that i think it migrates into the thousands of dollars?

could i be wrong?

all ears.

[blackmercedes]

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=77237&highlight=LS400+service+cost

Check out the service costs for an LS400. Typical 60K service (miles) is about $900 or so, and 90K services run about a grand as well.

Also, check out the conversation. Lexus makes superb cars, but like any other flagship car sporting cutting edge technology, they are not inexpensive to maintain. People buy them in the used market expecting Corolla running costs. Those people should stick to owning Corollas.

[joe p]

Originally posted by spinedoc
I just was told today that my trans fluid does not get changed, they said it is lifetime. So take one away from my service charge, but it's still the same price.

Pay the extra to have it done. The fluid lists in the $14.00 per liter range, takes 7 to 8 to service it. While MBZ maintains the stance of "lifetime" fluid in the 722.6 tranny they never define the "life" of the tranny. It's also running a felt type filter which will slowly restrict with clutch material. I have been and will continue to recomend 60K service intervals for the .6.

I'm not suprised to hear that the price is the same, just ask then the cost per guart of dex3 and the cost per liter of the .6 fluid and offer to pay the difference in fluid costs alone. Most services are menu based and therefore dont change much price wise regardless off what is done. (or not done)



Joe