Unsure How to Handle/Approach Mechanic

Lberty on 12/11/2023 - 19:30
Last edited 12/11/2023 - 19:47 by 1 other user

First time poster, long time lurker. Hoping for some advice as I'm not a "car guy".

Partner has a 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLA45 and I think the mechanic took advantage when it was taken in for a service last week.

Due for service, and she noted that the passenger airbag wasn't working (warning light which is still illuminated), engine stop/start wasn't working, and spare key was flat.

Ended up charging her over $2,200 for two new tyres (no service report provided with old tyres millimetres), two new batteries (stop/start and aux), etc etc and none of the noted issues were fixed.

Unsure on the next steps to try and resolve this…

Automotive Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA45

Comments

  • SBOB on 12/11/2023 - 19:36
    +23

    2018 Mercedes-AMG GLA45

    Unsure on the next steps to try and resolve this

    Out of warranty Merc with issues.
    I've got one suggestion. It would resolve the issue, but not with the mechanic…

    • HeWhoKnows on 13/11/2023 - 13:45

      Yes. Get rid of the ongoing issue

  • JimmyF on 12/11/2023 - 19:45
    +9

    Ended up charging her over $2,200

    Sounds like a cheap Merc service!

    engine stop/start wasn't working, and spare key was flat.
    two new batteries (stop/start and aux), etc etc and none of the noted issues were fixed.

    Generally the stop/start is caused be a weak main battery. So surprised this isn't working now.

    Same for the remote.

    Why not pop back to and ask how come the remote isn't working and see what happens from there when you raise the other items.

    • SBOB on 12/11/2023 - 19:55
      +9

      Sounds like a cheap Merc service!

      Considering the tyres for that size are about $500 each from somewhere like Jax (from a quick google), Stop start battery is likely another $500, auxillary another $300 (random battery dealer prices)

      Seems pretty cheap for all that, plus etc etc etc considering euro/Merc mechanic markups and excesses.

      • Gdsamp on 12/11/2023 - 20:15
        +2

        Yea tbh the prices seem about right

        whether or not they needed doing is another matter.

        all things considered permanently disabling the auto stop-start seems like a bonus

  • sumyungguy on 12/11/2023 - 19:48
    +1

    MB dealer or independent?

    • skillet on 14/11/2023 - 11:14

      At MB dealer he would be speaking to the Service Manager not directly with the mechanic and it would be the apprentice who will work on the car for these small stuff.

  • Muzeeb on 12/11/2023 - 20:13
    -2

    Is this a real AMG hand built engine Mercedes on ozbargain?

    I thought only AMG Line was allowed around here.

    Does the 4Matic drive train need all 4 tyres changed at the same time?

    • DashCam AKA Rolts on 12/11/2023 - 22:27
      +7

      High yield investment …. for the mechanic.

  • Malik Nasser on 12/11/2023 - 20:19
    +5

    For an Audi Q7, I was quoted $800 for the original start/stop battery, and another $500 for fitting and programming to car (directly from Audi dealer).
    Based on this, the $2200 that you were charged looks to be in the ballpark for these type of European cars.
    Did they take advantage of your partner? No more than they take advantage of everyone that owns European cars.

    • skillet on 14/11/2023 - 11:25

      Same price for a non-stopstart Mazda RX8 battery at the Mazda dealer. Fitting perhaps cheaper. This was year 2008.

      • Malik Nasser on 14/11/2023 - 21:19

        I ended up getting a Varta H15 Silver Dynamic Start/Stop AGM battery (950CCA 105Ah) for $600.
        Installed and coded it myself (used obdeleven for coding).
        Was pretty straightforward. Just spent a bit of time researching for the BEM code.

  • Some Human on 12/11/2023 - 20:23
    +11

    Trade it in for a camry.

  • randomusername2017 on 12/11/2023 - 20:29
    +15

    Under 5k 🙀

    Post as a deal.

  • berty on 12/11/2023 - 20:50

    Thank you for the replies everyone, I expected some AMG comments. The lack of stop/start is kind of a win but probably not if we want to sell it at some point.

    Independent mechanic, services the car every six months for ballpark $500.

    Tyres were $320ea (on special), batteries came to roughly $700.

    Just annoyed it was a lot more than expected, and the issues we were aware of were seemingly ignored. Footed the bill, tried to hop in for a drive and had the flat key, switched that and then immediately saw the airbag warning light still on…

    • Malik Nasser on 12/11/2023 - 21:04
      +4

      All of the other issues may have been triggered by the flat batteries.
      The mechanic may need to clear the codes for the dash warning light to go out.
      https://mechanicbase.com/airbag/srs-light/

      Did you mention to the mechanic the airbag warning light was still on?

      • Protractor on 12/11/2023 - 21:27
        +1

        I'm guessing the answer to that is the usual one, hence this post

    • Mikefr on 12/11/2023 - 22:51
      +2

      There’s a Battery Management System incorporated in Your car, needs a reset with a scan Tool. The vehicle is treating your new batteries as the old ones, due to a non reset. (Mechanic may/may not of reset).

    • kiitos on 13/11/2023 - 07:51
      +1

      How much were you expecting it to cost?

    • TrustNoBody on 13/11/2023 - 07:53

      why didn’t you say something to the mechanic while you were still at the shop as soon as you noticed the issues ..

      • Protractor on 13/11/2023 - 10:38
        -3

        …because some fiction has little logic….

    • skillet on 14/11/2023 - 11:16

      If the car is not reprogrammed for the new battery there will be more issues to appear as the car thinks it has a weak battery and start to disable things such as keyless entries. Find a Mercedes specialist for your car sake.

  • GordonR on 12/11/2023 - 21:06
    +3

    Hindsight and all that, but seems like these are things that could have been checked before paying for the service and driving off.

    Does the receipt have any items relating to the issues? If they say “fixed airbag warning light” and it isn’t, then you could go back and ask why it’s not fixed.

    • Protractor on 12/11/2023 - 21:27

      " these are things that could should have been checked before paying for the service and driving off."

      FTFY

  • berty on 12/11/2023 - 21:13
    -1

    Planning to speak to the mechanic tomorrow. Partner collected the vehicle and settled the bill there (when I say footed the bill, it comes from my account).

    Receipt doesn't have any items related to the issues. I'm surprised during the test drive they didn't notice the warning lights.

    • Protractor on 12/11/2023 - 21:26
      -2

      "Planning to speak to the mechanic tomorrow." Was that a plan before this post?

  • p1 ama on 12/11/2023 - 21:16
    +4

    Not sure what the issue is here.

    Partner has a 2018 Mercedes-AMG GLA45 and I think the mechanic took advantage when it was taken in for a service last week.

    By taking advantage, you mean that the mechanic charged for services not performed, or performed to not an acceptable standard?

    Due for service, and she noted that the passenger airbag wasn't working (warning light which is still illuminated), engine stop/start wasn't working, and spare key was flat.

    Sure, but none of these are service items, so any additional work would have had to have been agreed on in advance. Was she charged for these services? If not, then how has she been taken advantage of?

    FWIW, why would you ask a mechanic about a flat battery in your spare key? Just replace the battery. I would even recommend not keeping a battery in a spare key (they can cause leaks). You can just keep a battery next to the spare key if you're concerned about it not having battery when it comes time to use it.

    Ended up charging her over $2,200 for two new tyres (no service report provided with old tyres millimetres), two new batteries (stop/start and aux), etc etc and none of the noted issues were fixed.

    What was the price agreed upon in advance? Again, was she charged for any other fixes? If not, then what is the problem?

    Sure, $2,200 is an expensive service, but you knew that when you decided to buy a Mercedes. Sounds like this is a classic case of not agreeing beforehand with the mechanic on what work needs to be done, and the price.

    • skillet on 14/11/2023 - 11:20

      For a dealer car service, a new start-stop battery and 2x branded performance tyres can be easily $2000 for any vehicle these days.

  • bobbified on 12/11/2023 - 21:46
    +5

    That's what happens when you have a Merc. I have a similar german brand and they quoted me $2,400 for the last service. That didn't include include any tyres or batteries. The independent euro specialist quoted me $2,000. Do I like these prices? No… but I expected this shit when I bought the car, so it was no surprise.

    A few years ago, i put Michelin PS4S tyres on all four wheels. (The tread on those tyres "wrap around" towards the sidewall and the treads fade out so it looks worn). I took it in for service at the dealer a month later and they told me that the tyres are worn and need to be replaced because <2mm tread. I laughed, turned the steering wheel and pointed out the amount of tread there was towards the centre of the tyre (where the tread indicators are). The guy was just speechless. I'm not sure if they were playing dumb or if they were really dumb.

    For your car, 2018 model means the tyres are probably due for replacement if it's been regularly driven. And since it's AWD, all four should probably be replaced at the same time so you don't have two worn and two new.

  • GourmetFoodie on 12/11/2023 - 21:50
    +3

    I can’t understand why your partner would pay $2.2k and not check the issues had been resolved first? I’d front up at the mechanic and say things are still not working.

    That aside, based on all the stuff I’ve read I would not ever own an out-of-warranty euro car unless I had plenty of spare cash to blow. Might be cheaper to sell the vehicle.

  • Protractor on 12/11/2023 - 23:44
    -1

    "Oh Lord ,wontcha buy me…….a…"

  • boomramada on 13/11/2023 - 00:07
    +1

    Unsure on the next steps to try and resolve this…

    Did your partner checked if warning light which is still illuminated when she picked up the car?

    Service people usually notify before changing tyres.

  • bazingaa on 13/11/2023 - 00:13

    passenger airbag wasn't working (warning light which is still illuminated),

    how this relates to a normal service ? isn't it just replacing oil and filter, top up fluids etc ?

    spare key was flat

    isn't this a diy job ? just replace the battery ?

  • JIMB0 on 13/11/2023 - 05:15

    That's what happens when you keep it under a bridge.

  • Dollar General on 13/11/2023 - 08:11

    Consider it an education expense.

    Next time get them to itemise the costs and seek approval before commencing work

  • lost in transit on 13/11/2023 - 08:16

    Did he get your ok before replacing tyres etc…

  • spurf on 13/11/2023 - 08:40
    +1

    Next time take the car in yourself. You're clearly more comfortable / knowledgeable with this than your partner so well worth the time investment. You'll no doubt get extra brownie points by taking on this extra chore too (as long as you sell it properly)

  • Myone888 on 13/11/2023 - 08:58

    Mercedes car out of warranty and especially serviced with Merc dealer will always be on high side as compared to others.

  • JIMB0 on 13/11/2023 - 09:08
    +2

    This has to be a troll post:

    • Brand new account
    • High yield car with all the bells and whistles
    • Problematic euro car out of warranty
    • Dodgy mechanic
    • Asking for a friend
    • Protractor on 13/11/2023 - 10:36

      Agree. I guess they have to have something to do between soggy biscuits

  • reactor-au on 13/11/2023 - 09:34

    My old VW would show an airbag warning when the main battery was going flat, so maybe that's the same with other European cars.

    On my Ford, stop/start works be disabled when the main battery got too low.

  • Darayus on 13/11/2023 - 10:16

    A new main battery from the dealer will cost you around $ 900 plus $ 150 for fitting and reprogramming, with other batteries and NRMA will cost you around $ 700 but they don't program correctly so the error message keeps going. Aux battery will cost you around $ 300.

    Remote Key battery replacement Dealer $ 25 and Bunning $ 10 each plus labour how you get it installed.

    MB is notorious for burning out their tyre thread as they use run-flat tyres. if your mechanic has replaced tyres with run-flat then it will cost you around $ 450 to 700 each depending upon the manufacturer plus wheel balancing and fitting. I replaced my front tyres after a 20K run with non-flat Pirelli tyres for about $ 220 each through Bobjane.

    Looks like you had a cheap deal.

    If you are running MB then you are required to spend money for their spares and upkeep as driving MB around shows that you are not cheap and you have status, otherwise recommend you to tell your wife to drive either Hyundai and Kai or Toyota to keep running costs low.

    Always remember to ask your mechanic to give you a quote before he starts the work and not to give him blank permission to get the job done.

    • boomramada on 13/11/2023 - 10:51

      I replaced my front tyres after a 20K run with non-flat Pirelli tyres for about $ 220 each through Bobjane.

      What going to happen if you have a punch in your tyres now? call the tow truck?

      • mini2 on 13/11/2023 - 14:08

        Use a can of tyre goo.

        • boomramada on 13/11/2023 - 19:45

          Don't think you can travel much distances as run flat.

          • mini2 on 14/11/2023 - 14:00

            @boomramada: No shit but some models that doesn’t run run flats are supplied with tyre goo. The factory goo is $100+ a bottle and it’s like emulsified semen.

  • brad1-8tsi on 13/11/2023 - 10:20

    Dealership, specialist Mercedes independent or generalist garage?

    Your partner has paid for the convenience of not having to go to the tyre shop or Battery World, so they've paid full freight for everything.

    My partner had a 2000 Mazda 323 and her yearly service was always $1k+ because she let them fix everything and paid a premium for that time saving.

    My suggestion is stay out of it unless you want to take on full responsibility for the maintenance of the vehicle.

    • Protractor on 13/11/2023 - 10:42

      But maybe OP is the ' pay all the GF bills guy' ?

  • brendanm on 13/11/2023 - 11:39
    +1

    How did your partner know it was the passenger airbag that had a fault? If it's because the light says "passenger airbag", that is standard. If you read your manual it will tell you all about it. There is a sensor in the seat, and a manual switch somewhere.

  • mini2 on 13/11/2023 - 12:23

    They probably charged you $600 for the main battery (the equivalent Varta is around $400ish), $10 for the remote battery (or more now) and $3-400 for the aux (did your screen says 'auxiliary battery malfunction'? There are $79 alternatives…$250 for a Varta AUX14)

    Your GLA runs a weird tyre size. Off the back of my head…$500 a pop? $2200 doesn't seem that bad.

    • TransportPosters on 13/11/2023 - 23:14

      Price for a car remote battery replacement is $29 these days. Had it done earlier this year.

      • skillet on 14/11/2023 - 11:24

        Primary non rechargeable CR2032 is less than ~$4 rrp. $25 is installing it.

        • mini2 on 14/11/2023 - 13:58

          I shit you not there’s CR2032 in Merc packaging. I got stung by them once and never again.

      • mini2 on 14/11/2023 - 13:56

        That’s just as bad as $180 supplied and fitted front and rear wipers when a set of Aerotwins is slightly more than 1/3 of that and 10 minutes of my time to install.

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