New (to me) car - a few questions

rosscouk

Hi All,

I just purchased a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C Class 2.1 C250 CDI BLUEEFFICIENCY AMG SPORT PLUS 5d. I have had it a week and I am wondering about a few things;

1) Servicing, is the official Mercedes ServiceCare Plan worth considering? It looks to be £36pm over 3 years (3 services) or £1296. Looking at a local independent in Somerset they state they charge £170 for a Assyst Plus Minor/A Service and £271 for a Assyst Plus Major/B Service. Looking at those prices it seems like a no brainer to stick with the independent although I have not used them yet. Any thoughts or comments?

2) Warranty - the car is 5 years old, is it worth considering buying an extended warranty? The official Tier 1 Mercedes cover is quoted as £666 per year. Whereas Click4warranty will offer a three year deal, with their top cover for £973 so £320 ish per year. Do people think a warranty is worth it, and if so, any suggestions or comments?

3) Tires - the car is shod in four new Goodride SW608 which appear to be a winter tire, and a fairly cheap one. I am wondering about swapping out for some decent rubber, or should I just wait for them to wear out first? I don't have any other wheels, but I could consider a summer/winter set I suppose, any thoughts?

Any other general comments about ownership are gratefully received.
Thanks

Bl4ckGryph0n

1. I would not have it main dealer maintained.
2. I don't think it is worth it, but it may depend on the options on your vehicle. Eitherway double check that all are covered anyway. Especially if you have airmatic the cost could make you cry
3. I wouldn't run on winter tyres in the summer, totally wrong compound. Likewise I wouldn't have put Chinese ditch finders on such a car in the first place. Considering it is rear wheel drive, I'd treat it to some decent tyres.

AMc

1 - I used to drive an older Merc.  I used to get mate's rates main dealer servicing - you'd be horrified to see the difference between what the list price per hour is and what I was paying to cover their wages.
When we moved I considered commuting the car 2hrs to London to get it serviced that was how much difference it made but I got a recommendation for a local indie.
Local indie had fully Merc trained mechanics framed certificates on the wall, run by two former head mechanics.  They used to have a yard full of classic Mercs and often the very top end on brand new plates but they always did their best to keep my bills under control.
I wouldn't pay main dealer rates if there's a well reputed make specific indie near you.

2 - Never had a warranty so can't comment only do a lot of searching on either to discover if they pay or wiggle out of any claim because it's "wear and tear" etc.

3 - Put some decent tyres on it.  I'd be concerned that someone fitting budget tyres to a 5 year old premium vehicle might have made other economies too but hopefully not.

mjn

Find a good Indy.

Don’t bother with 3rd party warranty.

Fit decent tyres!