Are Mercedes Benz expensive to repair?

Mercedes-Benz is a car of class, style, and stability. These cars are durable, have a high price tag, and generally don’t need many repairs. But when they need repair, the cost is no joke. Usually, a normal checkup would cost $500 to $1,000, and labor alone will cost owners between $150 and $250 per hour.

Moreover, a 3-year maintenance would cost $3,000 to $5,000 if things go your way. If you don’t already own a Mercedes, you’re probably thinking: Do these cars have many issues

Why would someone be so willing to spend so much on a Mercedes if it means repeatedly driving the vehicle back to the shop?

So, if you plan to buy a Mercedes, you should expect the high repair cost and the extra attention it may need.  

Are Mercedes Benz expensive to repair?

The simple answer is yes. However, it also depends on many factors that will affect the cost. The car’s model, the damage, the type of damage, and the area in which you live will all affect this. However, Mercedes repairs are generally higher than those of most brands.

Mercedes parts are usually more challenging to find and of better quality, making repairs costly. For example, repairing a Mercedes engine would cost, on average, more than rebuilding an engine of any other brand. However, that does not apply all the time. 

Occasionally, you might come across good aftermarket parts that serve as an alternative. So, you might have to do some careful thinking and selecting to make sure your holding back hasn’t come to owning the Mercedes of your dreams.

Why is Mercedes Benz repair so expensive?

Mercedes-Benz produces high-quality cars with advanced technology and innovative construction techniques. Their new vehicles also originate from other parts of the world. Therefore, shipping and import charges are factored into the total cost, particularly for far-flung markets.

Like most Luxury brands, Mercedes overprices replacement parts because its clients tend to have more cash to spare than buyers of regular vehicles.

Maintenance and service charges are higher for luxurious products such as Mercedes than for automobile brands producing normal cars.

Over the years, Mercedes has employed smart marketing to establish its brand as a luxury brand. This allows Mercedes to price its products high while keeping its customers.

Having a Mercedes, whether new or old, means the possibility of expensive repairs, maintenance, replacement, and servicing.

To save money in the long term, opt for a prepaid package or look for a car guarantee after the factory guarantee period is completed.

Mercedes Benz Service Costs

Two main types of Mercedes maintenance services are regular maintenance and a more detailed, comprehensive service. Let’s break it down so current and future Mercedes owners know what to expect.

A Service

The A Service is the first routine maintenance your Mercedes needs. It is normally scheduled for about a year after purchase or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first. Fortunately, Mercedes has a Flexible Service System that alerts you when it is time for this service. It is a minor service similar to an interim checkup. You cannot do it yourself; you must visit a certified mechanic, a local garage, or a Mercedes expert.

The prices vary depending on the model, but generally, a Mercedes A-Class starts from $250.

The key checks involved in an A Service are:

• Replacing synthetic motor oil
• Replacing the oil filter
• Checking and correcting tire inflation
• Inspecting the braking system
• Resetting the maintenance counter

B Service

The B Service is a thorough check for Mercedes owners who drive long distances- 20,000- 30,000 miles a year or more. It usually comes into play with a vehicle having two years of age or one year after the A Service. Afterward, it is advised every two years.

This service contains the entire A Service yet adds additional inspections and maintenance tasks, making it longer and more costly.

The cost of B service, starting from about $340 for most models, can be variable, depending on the model, age, and mileage of your car. Even though B Service is more expensive than A Service, it helps keep your Mercedes in tip-top shape.

Mercedes Benz Service Plan Price Examples

Here are some sample costs for a Mercedes service plan, depending on the model, age, and mileage:

Example 1

• Car Age: Less than 12 months
• Model: A-Class
• Mileage: 0 – 15,500 miles per year
• Cost for two annual services: $910
• Monthly Payment: $76 per month

Example 2

• Car Age: More than 12 months
• Model: A-Class
• Mileage: 15,500 – 31,000 miles/year
• Cost for two annual services: $1,000
• Monthly Payment: $83 per month

Example 3

• Car Age: Less than 12 months
• Model: S-Class
• Mileage: 0 – 15,500 miles/year
• Cost for two annual services: $1,185
• Monthly Payment: $99 per month

Example 4

• Car Age: More than 12 months
• Model: S-Class
• Mileage: 15,500 – 31,000 miles/year
• Cost for two annual services: $1,370
• Monthly Payment: $114 per month

Prices may vary based on location and specific service provider.

Common Repairs and Their Costs

Repairs may still crop up if you care for a Mercedes quite well.

The following are some common repairs and their cost:

How Much Do Mercedes Benz Parts Cost to Replace?

Replacing Mercedes parts is usually on the higher side, particularly for their more luxurious models. But don’t worry; few websites are available that can allow you to compare prices, get a better sense of what to expect, and assist you in maintaining better control over your budget. Part prices can differ based on your car model and age.

Below are some standard prices of standard Mercedes repairs and parts, which should give you a rough estimate:

• New Clutch: ~$575
• Brake Pads & Discs: ~$390
• Brake Repairs: ~$505
• New Diesel Particulate Filter: ~$340
• Alternator Repairs: ~$445
• Parking Sensors: ~$215
• Starter Motor: ~$360
• Cambelt Change: ~$415
• Timing Chain: ~$890
• Fan Belt: ~$115

YourMechanic.com has listed this as the second unrelated-best average repair expense, just before BMW.

A Mercedes owner spends about $1200 yearly on maintenance and other normal inspections. It may depend on the model of the car, the amount of driving, and the area in which you live.

So remember to get price quotes from the local repair shops if you have many repairs to do simultaneously. They sometimes give discounts when fixing several things at the same time!

FAQ

Do Mercedes Benz Have Electrical Problems?

Like any other car, modern technology has advanced the electric system within the Mercedes, making it more complicated. Cars have become more advanced, like those made by Mercedes; repair shops now use special tools to check the electrical systems in vehicles much more than they did 30 years ago. The success of these tools depends on three main parts of the electrical system.

There are three major components on which the electrical system in Mercedes relies heavily:

• Alternator
• Battery
• Starter

Keeping up with them and avoiding overloading the electrical system would keep your Mercedes running smoothly. For example, never disconnect the battery while the engine runs, and never jumpstart a battery with an alternator—these are instructions from the manufacturer and professional Mercedes technicians.

Do Mercedes Benz Have Engine Problems?

Mercedes-Benz engines are known for their durability and long life. One of the most often troubled areas in these engines, after they go beyond the 100,000-mile mark, is firing problems that are inherently coil- and spark-plug-related. To avoid that, it is better to change them between 75,000 and 90,000 miles, depending on normal application; it is quite normal wear and tear, especially on a Mercedes daily driver.

At What Mileage Do Mercedes Benz Start Having Problems?

Things start to happen at one hundred thousand miles, and then you get into repair needs, but this depends on what model you have and how you drive that vehicle. For example, a car you drive daily will need more attention than one you only use on weekends.

What Is the Average Life of a Mercedes Benz?

If you take good care of your Mercedes, it can live up to 16 years. For example, get it serviced regularly and have a certified repair shop check it. Based on driving about 15,000 miles each year, it can go over 250,000 miles before needing big repairs.

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other Brands: Annual Maintenance Costs

Want to know how Mercedes-Benz maintenance costs stack up against other brands?

Here’s a quick comparison:

• Lexus – $551
• Chrysler – $608
• INFINITI – $638
• Mercedes-Benz – $908
• BMW – $968
• Audi – $987

Mercedes-Benz is more expensive than other brands like Lexus or Chrysler, but they often cost less to repair than BMW or Audi.

Conclusion

Mercedes might make you broke as repairs are more costly than other brands, but the perks of having a luxury car often make up for the extra cost. RepairPal gives Mercedes-Benz a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, suggesting their vehicles can have some problems. They rank 27th out of 32 different car brands. A decent range will see owners take their vehicle to a repair shop an average of 0.7 times per year, and there’s a 13% likelihood that a repair in this range will become a major costly one.

On the flip side, you should look for other car brands if you are trying to save on the cost of maintenance. Still, if it is your heart that desires a Mercedes, regular maintenance and an extended warranty will go a long way toward ensuring the good performance of your car without overwhelming you with expenses.