So ever since I started dabbling in the MB ownership experience the common mantra on the MB forums is 'find a good independent - you will save tons of $$'. I unfortunately live in a condo complex so doing work myself short of small items (air filters, battery replacement, wiper blades, etc.) is not possible and don't have any car friends with houses that could loan me a driveway or garage - I have been at the mercy of dealers or independents since I moved to Atlanta 6+ years ago.
Anyhow - most recent quote for engine mounts and transmission mounts from 1 dealer and 2 well rated independents is the 3rd time that the independents don't really come in much less than the well known dealership. The price disparity is typically 3-4% in the favor of the independents so its not the complete windfall it is made out to be. Here are the 3 examples of non-routine work that I have had quoted where the benefits of the dealership.
EIS/ESL lock on C300
Dealer $1600+tax
Indy 1 $1500+tax (only got one indy quote on this one)
Spark Plug change on C300
Dealer $426+tax
Indy 1 $380+tax + $125 to reset misfire CEL
Engine and Trans mounts on E350 4Matic
Dealer $2300+tax
Indy 2 $2200+tax
Indy 3 $2150+tax
Indy shop downsides
Pretty much none of them provide a loaner.
All 20-30 minute drive each way from where I am at - Uber/Lyft cost back and forth.
Some are complete holes in the wall with cars just stacked up all over their tiny lots.
Sometimes no car wash or interior vacuum.
I just wanted to quickly point out that independents are not always all they are cracked up to be in certain cases. I don't know if the market here in Atlanta is just odd where dealers are matching indy prices or vice versa, I can see the case if I lived closer to some of these independent shops but my local MB dealership is 5 minutes away and typically provides a loaner for any B services or above. Independent I would have to take 20-30 minutes each way to drive to and from then find transportation while my car was being serviced, all to save maybe $100. I guess I might just be lucky.
Your results may vary.
Anyhow - most recent quote for engine mounts and transmission mounts from 1 dealer and 2 well rated independents is the 3rd time that the independents don't really come in much less than the well known dealership. The price disparity is typically 3-4% in the favor of the independents so its not the complete windfall it is made out to be. Here are the 3 examples of non-routine work that I have had quoted where the benefits of the dealership.
EIS/ESL lock on C300
Dealer $1600+tax
Indy 1 $1500+tax (only got one indy quote on this one)
Spark Plug change on C300
Dealer $426+tax
Indy 1 $380+tax + $125 to reset misfire CEL
Engine and Trans mounts on E350 4Matic
Dealer $2300+tax
Indy 2 $2200+tax
Indy 3 $2150+tax
Indy shop downsides
Pretty much none of them provide a loaner.
All 20-30 minute drive each way from where I am at - Uber/Lyft cost back and forth.
Some are complete holes in the wall with cars just stacked up all over their tiny lots.
Sometimes no car wash or interior vacuum.
I just wanted to quickly point out that independents are not always all they are cracked up to be in certain cases. I don't know if the market here in Atlanta is just odd where dealers are matching indy prices or vice versa, I can see the case if I lived closer to some of these independent shops but my local MB dealership is 5 minutes away and typically provides a loaner for any B services or above. Independent I would have to take 20-30 minutes each way to drive to and from then find transportation while my car was being serviced, all to save maybe $100. I guess I might just be lucky.
Your results may vary.
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