[iamsuccessful]

This is my first post to the group.

My 2008 451 Passion is ready for its 50,000 mile service and needs to have the recall fix done. I requested an appointment online for just that and received the following message from the Mercedes dealer:

"Hello Again John, I did want to let you know that your car is due for a "B" service $610, brake fluid flush $220.50, and spark plug replacement $255. We will need to do a safety inspection during visit for additional recommendations. Once again, I will need this vehicle for about 6 hours to complete the "B", brake fluid flush, spark plugs and recall."

Is a "B" service the same as a 50,000 mile service? It seems to me $1,086 is way out of the park expensive but thought I'd ask the group. I haven't located any Smart capable shops any near where I live on the Oregon Coast. I realize that the recall has to be done by Mercedes but am thinking the other work could probably be done by another shop for much cheaper. Is $1,086 reasonable for what work I've requested? To me, $255 for spark plug replacement seems absurd. I am disabled otherwise I'd try to do it

Thanks for your help!

 

[jimvw57]

yup, that is high, and I'd probably skip the brake fluid replacement too, but that is just the way I am.

 

[sokoloff]

I'm just the opposite on the brake fluid flush. For me it's an every two year operation, but I DIY and the cost is under $10. The brake fluid absorbs moisture and left in too long, the moisture will start to rust something in the system whether its master cylinder, wheel cylinders or whatever, depending on your climate. I'd much rather replace the brake fluid than wait to have to replace something a whole lot more expensive. I know some people go forever without flushing the fluid.

As for the other things, they are a bit steep. Too bad you can't do some of them yourself.

Len
2014 EV Coupe 17,000 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 10,000 miles

 

[Mr Pink]

For my B service, I had my indie do the oil and brake flush and I did everything else

Brake flush $161
Oil $133

Cali

Kind of high, but I hate bleeding brakes!!

 

[iamsuccessful]

Got it figured out. At 41,000 I took my car to the Mercedes/Smart dealer in Medford, OR requesting the 40,000 service (apparently known to Mercedes as a "B" service), later to find out they didn't do it. I was never told how much the service would cost so when I picked up the car and paid the bill I drove off. I have now scheduled the service with another shop operated by an ex-Mercedes mechanic of 15 years for about $500 for what needs done. In my area that's about as good as it gets.

Thanks for your help!

 

[sokoloff]

I've been using the Speedibleed brake bleeder unit for over ten years and it is really a simple, one man operation - pays for itself the first time you use it too. Plus the company seems like almost a one man operation and the owner is very helpful when needed.

https://www.speedibleed.com/

Len
2014 EV Coupe 17,000 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 10,000 miles

 

[paulbob]

It's interesting to read what services cost. I did the complete 40,000 mile "B" service for $77. That's everything on the smart checklist, right down to replacing the battery in the remote. Spark plugs and filters were on sale at RockAuto and I had bought the oil a while back on sale so $77 is about as inexpensive as it gets.

I'll have to check out the speedibleeds. I use a Motive Products pressure bleeder and I haven't had any brake hydraulic problems with any of my cars in the decades that I've been changing brake fluid every 2-4 years.

For those who don't do their own work, driving an inexpensive car that is serviced by techs who are at the top of the industry is confidence inspiring. I know a former Mercedes tech and I get the sense that these guys are far better at what they do than your average tech servicing less sophisticated brands.

Paul

 

[sokoloff]

And the electrics are even cheaper - no plugs, no oil/filter. Just cabin filter sometimes, brake fluid every once in awhile and check this and check - that's pretty much it.

Paul - I hear the Motive products are pretty good too for the brake service.

Len
2014 EV Coupe 17,000 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 10,000 miles