This is a very common question new Mercedes owners have and it’s a question we get asked often. Mercedes owners want the best service available for their vehicles and often, the best service available for their vehicles is not from the dealership. Often, the most highly skilled and qualified technicians work for independent repair facilities and are the best option. However, the misconception that having your Mercedes serviced at an independent repair facility will void the warranty often persuades people to do their Schedule A and B services or repairs at the dealership. This is a very common misconception that is proven false by the Federal Trade Commission.

“An independent mechanic, a retail chain shop, or even you yourself can do routine maintenance and repairs on your vehicle. In fact, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which is enforced by the FTC, makes it illegal for manufacturers or dealers to claim that your warranty is void or to deny coverage under your warranty simply because someone other than the dealer did the work.” – FTC Consumer Information

Automotive dealerships would like you to believe that your local independent repair facility doesn’t have the tools, correct diagnostic equipment, or skills to work on your vehicle. They have a vested interest in making sure you keep coming back to the dealership and continue to pay the high prices they sometimes charge. Most new car dealerships rely heavily on their service facility to survive and often sell vehicles at break-even prices (or even at a loss) hoping to make it up on your maintenance and repairs.

So, what can you do to make certain your Mercedes is being serviced according to factory specifications and by a professional Mercedes Benz technician?

• Ask to know who the technician is that will be working on your car, how long has the technician been working on Mercedes, and what certifications does the technician possess. Don’t be afraid to ask this, even at the dealership.
• Does the repair facility have the Star Diagnosis System (factory diagnostic tool)?
• Does the repair facility offer a warranty on the work being done?
• What does the A and B service include? According to factory specifications, the following should be done for each service:

Schedule A Service:Oil change and inspection

Schedule B Service:Oil change, inspection, brake system flush, cabin air filter, engine dust filter and tire rotation.

At Christian Brothers Automotive in Billings, we are well equipped to service your Mercedes Benz. Our Factory Trained Mercedes Benz technician came to us from El Dorado Hills, California where he serviced Mercedes vehicles for thirteen years and earned the highest level of Mercedes certification. We also have all of the factory diagnostic equipment that the dealerships have. We are locally owned and operated by Tony and Laura McCoy who have lived in Billings for twenty years and Tony is present at the business daily. Please feel free to contact us anytime at (406) 894-2124 or visit our website at www.cbac.com/billings. We are located at 1525 Zimmerman Trail in Billings.