Are Mercedes service plans worth it ?

Jimmithecat

I have a Mercedes that is coming up for 3 years - all of the services to date were included in the cost of buying the car (from new) - so they will now be chargeable.
I really like the recovery aspect of this as I have used them twice for burst tyres - this is included if I carry on having the car serviced by mb.
They have quoted me a fixed monthly price for a service package which is expensive - and as with any insurance this goes up as the car gets older.
The alternative is that I get the car serviced and mot'd by mb and pay each time.
Any suggestions anyone?

flashg67

I'd think the only way is to ask (a different dealer?) what the cost of each type of service is (A and B service) and how often you'll need them, then compare to their monthly cost? Does the service plan tie you in to a fixed period which might be a disadvantage if you decide to sell.

Alternative is to use a local MB specialist & buy breakdown cover yourself?

walwyn1978

Assuming this is a dealer package rather than an MB package? If so, just run the numbers to see what you pay over the course of the plan - I was quoted a £350 difference in the dealers favour with their plan 'oh, it's only £10 a month' which was supposed to cover the next 3 services as opppsed to actually just paying for the service on the day. That wasn't an MB dealer, but still worth checking.

IamNotAllowedToUseMyName

I'm not overly convinced that they are worth it, and be clear that it is purely cover for the fixed price servicing that they offer, not anything extra that may crop up, for example, brake pads.

However, some of the services are expensive. I noticed that some dealers offer discounted MB servicing for older Mercs.

daveyjp

Play the dealers off each other. Its surprising how prices differ even between dealers a few miles apart.

philbostavros

You don't usually save any money on MB service plans, as they are priced based on the projected servicing requirements, which usually includes any additional items, such as brake fluid change every 2 years, ATF change, if applicable etc (but not any extra consumables, such as pads, discs etc).

I took out a 3 year/3 service plan for my C-class just before the 2nd service (B1) was due in December. That way, at least I get a B, A and B done over the 3 years and for £35 per month.

The only potential saving is if the cost of labour/parts rises in that time, which given the economic climate currently, could be likely?

Personally, I prefer the monthly payment, rather than the sharp intake of breath as they present you with the bill.

You would get it done more cheaply at most good MB independent garages, but as you say, would not keep the Mobilo assistance.