Recently acquired a pre-owned 2005 ML350, with 128,000 kilometers.
It has been serviced by a dealer under the only prior owner. I often have low expectations for "dealer service," but this is very, shall we say, insufficient.
It received services A and B consistently. For a duration of 19 years. Superior to the majority of automobiles available.
The most recent service invoice indicates a charge of $365 for an oil change. I assume they did not do the checks.
Upon meticulous examination of the vehicle, I have observed the following:
The coolant is original, overdue by 4 years according to the manufacturer's specifications, and 14 years overdue in practical terms.
The engine air filter was replaced 8 years and 40,000 miles ago.
The cabin air filter was obstructed with debris - refrain from inquiring.
Shocks are novel.
The differentials and transfer case have not undergone servicing.
The front brakes are very worn.
The spark plugs and wires are original.
The drive belt seems to be original.
All coolant hoses are authentic.
I purchased this with the understanding that I would need to do all the outstanding maintenance, so nothing here is surprising in the least. I contacted the most recent dealership that serviced the vehicle to get its history, but they informed me that they could not provide a printed record. However, I was able to acquire some historical information over the phone. The gearbox was drained and filled at 65,000 miles (hence, it is due now), and the brake fluid and power steering fluid have been changed once previously (also due now). I informed the service adviser that I wanted to get the history in order to update the maintenance records. He essentially said, "excellent, best of luck." It is strange that no proposal was made to develop an estimate. Likely due to the fact that at $350 per hour, the labor costs would exceed the car's worth.
I seldom visit dealers, and only for a component that is unavailable elsewhere, which has become very uncommon in itself. I fail to see the value they provide. If I were on a conversation with someone and had the year, make, model, and service history of the vehicle in question, why not take a minute to attempt to convert that individual into a customer?
I provided them an opportunity. I typically do all maintenance on my vehicles alone. I have overhauled many engines, manual gearboxes, and performed extensive suspension maintenance, including the pressing of bushings and ball joints. A plethora of technical tools for a hobbyist, plus I own an Xtool scanner that interprets all the codes. I fabricated the oil cooler alignment tool for the 944 using my lathe. I worked as a mechanic for 15 years in a different industry, which has instilled in me respect and understanding for technicians. It is rather intriguing to be condescended to by some mechanics who presume to possess superior knowledge. You are familiar with that individual.
I am not criticizing this dealership for any wrongdoing; I only find it challenging to understand how they justify a value of $350 per hour. Am I really so disconnected?
It has been serviced by a dealer under the only prior owner. I often have low expectations for "dealer service," but this is very, shall we say, insufficient.
It received services A and B consistently. For a duration of 19 years. Superior to the majority of automobiles available.
The most recent service invoice indicates a charge of $365 for an oil change. I assume they did not do the checks.
Upon meticulous examination of the vehicle, I have observed the following:
The coolant is original, overdue by 4 years according to the manufacturer's specifications, and 14 years overdue in practical terms.
The engine air filter was replaced 8 years and 40,000 miles ago.
The cabin air filter was obstructed with debris - refrain from inquiring.
Shocks are novel.
The differentials and transfer case have not undergone servicing.
The front brakes are very worn.
The spark plugs and wires are original.
The drive belt seems to be original.
All coolant hoses are authentic.
I purchased this with the understanding that I would need to do all the outstanding maintenance, so nothing here is surprising in the least. I contacted the most recent dealership that serviced the vehicle to get its history, but they informed me that they could not provide a printed record. However, I was able to acquire some historical information over the phone. The gearbox was drained and filled at 65,000 miles (hence, it is due now), and the brake fluid and power steering fluid have been changed once previously (also due now). I informed the service adviser that I wanted to get the history in order to update the maintenance records. He essentially said, "excellent, best of luck." It is strange that no proposal was made to develop an estimate. Likely due to the fact that at $350 per hour, the labor costs would exceed the car's worth.
I seldom visit dealers, and only for a component that is unavailable elsewhere, which has become very uncommon in itself. I fail to see the value they provide. If I were on a conversation with someone and had the year, make, model, and service history of the vehicle in question, why not take a minute to attempt to convert that individual into a customer?
I provided them an opportunity. I typically do all maintenance on my vehicles alone. I have overhauled many engines, manual gearboxes, and performed extensive suspension maintenance, including the pressing of bushings and ball joints. A plethora of technical tools for a hobbyist, plus I own an Xtool scanner that interprets all the codes. I fabricated the oil cooler alignment tool for the 944 using my lathe. I worked as a mechanic for 15 years in a different industry, which has instilled in me respect and understanding for technicians. It is rather intriguing to be condescended to by some mechanics who presume to possess superior knowledge. You are familiar with that individual.
I am not criticizing this dealership for any wrongdoing; I only find it challenging to understand how they justify a value of $350 per hour. Am I really so disconnected?