Star Prepaid Maintenence

[c21]

Has anyone purchased or considered a MBZ prepaid maintenence plan for their Sprinter. Best price I have received so far is $2639 for a 6/60k plan which for me would be 6 years. It gets you 3 "A" services and 3 "B" services including the one at year 4 that includes changing belts and transmission fluid and filter.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by c21bill

Has anyone purchased or considered a MBZ prepaid maintenence plan for their Sprinter. Best price I have received so far is $2639 for a 6/60k plan which for me would be 6 years. It gets you 3 "A" services and 3 "B" services including the one at year 4 that includes changing belts and transmission fluid and filter.

Didn't even know they offered something like that. I never even took my Interstate to an MB/Sprinter dealer until it was nearly a year old already, and they never mentioned it then.

[c21]

they do offer one however you have to purchase it prior to one year or first 10k service. On the 14' I believe you can purchase up to 1 year or 15K and the plan is a little cheaper as you are only paying for 4 services.

[Foiled Again]

Hmmm. This is different from the usual warranty-extension ripoffs. Sounds intriguing. How much did your last trip to the dealer for service cost?

Slight hijack: I get about 3 calls a month offering to extend the warranty on my 2008 Silverado. Yeah, the one that was totalled last June. So much for data mining.

Paula

[c21]

Haven't been to a dealer for service yet as my rig only has 2,500ish miles. One service manager I spoke with estimated $4,580 for the fist 6 services so the potential savings would be $1,941. Smoking deal if his numbers are correct.

[Bikerbill]

Does everyone feel that they have to go to a Mercedes dealer to get service, especially oil changes? Once my cars are out of warranty I have no issues with utilizing any competent garage for service.

[TinTin]

I'm speaking regarding MB automobiles not motor homes, this is the information I was given early on: oil changes can be done anywhere (keep your records in your service book). The scheduled a and b services should be done by your MB dealer. Failing to do so could compromise warranty.

After the warranty period, any capable location can do the routine maintenance, most for a much better price than MB.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Bikerbill

Does everyone feel that they have to go to a Mercedes dealer to get service, especially oil changes? Once my cars are out of warranty I have no issues with utilizing any competent garage for service.

I'd go back to Mercedes Benz for engine repair, but for any other service, I'd go wherever is most convenient.

[c21]

My previous rv which was on a Sprinter V6 chassis was damaged by a Ford/RV dealer when doing an oil/filter and fuel filter change. That dealer somehow managed to damage a turbo hose at the top of the engine while accessing the fuel filter. He had the vehicle transported to a Dodge/Sprinter dealer who fixed the problem at the Ford dealer's expense. I have never before purchased a maintenence contract on any vehicle however due to the complexity of the sprinter and the expensive recommended service items I decided to go with the Mercedes Prepaid plan. Wound up getting it for $2,399 for 6 years/60k miles.

[Boxster1971]

Wow -- that is a very good deal!

[Wayward]

Originally Posted by Bikerbill

Does everyone feel that they have to go to a Mercedes dealer to get service, especially oil changes? Once my cars are out of warranty I have no issues with utilizing any competent garage for service.

I would not hesitate using an independent garage - if it is good. Even under warranty.

We have owned an number of Mercedes sedans. Never took one to the dealer for service, just warranty issues. We used a local service shop that was the best. Factory parts and high quality fluids is all he uses. Services were 1/2 - 2/3 the price the dealer charged. Repairs were always done right.

On the other hand, our Ford trucks have been serviced only by the dealer who is consistent, fast and reasonably priced.

I would look carefully at such a service plan or anything with terms and conditions. There is a good chance the dealer may have to find ways to "improve his profit" years down the road when labor, parts and fluid prices go up due to our vodoo economy.

Your option to take your business elsewhere is a major incentive for the service center to keep you satisfied. With a plan like this you have to take it or leave.

If you put that money in the bank and find a top notch truck shop for service, you have the option of the dealer or other shops, even while on the road.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Wayward

I would not hesitate using an independent garage - if it is good. Even under warranty.

Some states, including Louisiana, prohibit third-party warranty service. In those states, warranty service must be performed by a dealer. But once the warranty expires, or if the repair is something not covered under warranty…

[Wayward]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

Some states, including Louisiana, prohibit third-party warranty service. In those states, warranty service must be performed by a dealer. But once the warranty expires, or if the repair is something not covered under warranty…

Maybe I did not write that well.

Regular service work as prescribed by the factory, was done on our MB's at an independent garage. Warranty work was done by the MB dealer.

[c21]

I hear what you're saying Wayward but this plan doesn't lock me into a particular dealer. It is a MBZ plan good at all MBZ dealers who are reimbursed by MBZ for the services.

[73shark]

FWIW, this vehicle is the easiest to change the oil & filter on since my son's CJ-7 as long as your drain pan will hold three gallons.

[MILATV]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

How much did your last trip to the dealer for service cost?

I just had my 10,000 mile "A" service done (basically an oil change) and it was $290 at the Van Nuys, California MB dealership.

[c21]

Originally Posted by c21bill

My previous rv which was on a Sprinter V6 chassis was damaged by a Ford/RV dealer when doing an oil/filter and fuel filter change. That dealer somehow managed to damage a turbo hose at the top of the engine while accessing the fuel filter. He had the vehicle transported to a Dodge/Sprinter dealer who fixed the problem at the Ford dealer's expense. I have never before purchased a maintenence contract on any vehicle however due to the complexity of the sprinter and the expensive recommended service items I decided to go with the Mercedes Prepaid plan. Wound up getting it for $2,399 for 6 years/60k miles.

The plan I bought doesn't include the DEF which MB charges an arm and a leg for (plan is available with or without DEF) however my service manager told me to bring my own fluid when I came in for service and he would have it added for me. I just picked up my 14 AI after the one year service and they not only added the DEF but they also washed my coach which was filthy from a recent trip. Anyone condsidering one of these plans, keep in mind the dealer needs to tie the plan to the sale from MBZ to Airstream, not from Airstream Dealer to you. My plan was written for 6 services or 63,000 miles. Seems like a very good buy.

[73shark]

That's a great deal. Based on my dealer's prices, those services would run about $5,500 and that doesn't include any rotate/balance or alignment.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by c21bill

they also washed my coach which was filthy from a recent trip.

My MB/Sprinter dealer in Baton Rouge does that for every vehicle they service, whether you've got a prepaid maintenance plan or not. Now if I could just convince them to scrub the toilet in the wet bath for me as well…

[c21]

Originally Posted by Protagonist

My MB/Sprinter dealer in Baton Rouge does that for every vehicle they service, whether you've got a prepaid maintenance plan or not. Now if I could just convince them to scrub the toilet in the wet bath for me as well…