Just had my 20K service

[ASmartMan]

Hey All

Well I decided to have my dealer do my 20K/double spanner service, I figured what the heck spend the money every 20K, well did I get a shock.

This mechanic it G&K trained, and this dealer is about 30 min from my house, and is a nice guy. We talked printed the suggested service from Kane's site and the FQ101 site.

He said it was too early to change the plugs (he suggested 30K not 20), he said brake fluid should be changed with the brakes, so we came up with a life plan for my 450.

@ 30K plugs and transmission fluid, fuel filter at 40 K brakes, fluid, and belts. so it kind like a A,A,B,C type service plan.

We spoke about some of the Smarts he has seen (a person in Fl had his Smart towed up here to NH), a persons Diet Coke fell over atop the dash board, and it leaked into the SAM, they have all the computers as well as access to TAN codes (he also implied they have some MB friends)

So anyways I got my double spanner service (minus brake fluid and plugs) for $58.90, I can only just barely change my own oil for less than that price, I'll do the 5K oil change but I'll keep going back to this dealer for all the 10K stuff.

This dealer is listed on the dealer page if anyone gets stuck in the area.



ASM

[Padawan]

So for $60.00 total, what exactly did he do as a 20,000 mile service?

[Old smart]

Looks like a pretty rational approach by an independant, experienced shop.

[ASmartMan]

Well

The car was in the bay for 1.5 hours (As I was able to see via the window),
I know the oil was changed, as well as the fluids topped off, I know the belts were tightened (sound/visual observation). because I didn't focus for the full 90 min other thing may OR may not of been done.

Regardless

I have found a partner (remember (OOPPS that's right you don't know me) I have done all my own service as well as worked on the the Smart Electronics (various SAM stuff))

I find myself (Hoping) I could rely on someone else to accomplish the needs of the daily maintenance, I believe I have found that (wait till you are 50+ to cherish this) will provide me with the quality of service I need

ASM

Originally Posted by Padawan

So for $60.00 total, what exactly did he do as a 20,000 mile service?

[Padawan]

Finding a trustworthy service technician is definitely important. I'm glad you were able to locate one who is providing you with honest and proficient service.

[Padawan]

Originally Posted by ASmartMan

I know the belts were tightened (sound/visual observation). because I didn't focus for the full 90 min other thing may OR may not of been done.

For the record, the belts are not manually adjustable on the 451 gasoline engine, so I'm not sure what it was you saw him doing.

[NeWave]

Originally Posted by Padawan

For the record, the belts are not manually adjustable on the 451 gasoline engine, so I'm not sure what it was you saw him doing.

To quote him, he said 450.... and this is the 450 forum =p

[Padawan]

Originally Posted by NeWave

To quote him, he said 450.... and this is the 450 forum =p

You're absolutely right. The low mileage threw me off, and I thought that Smart has just introduced the extended service interval schedule for the 451.

Sorry about that.