30000 mile service

[Logan00]

My car is due for its 30000 mile service and looking at what is included on the dealers website, other than changing the oil and filter, rotating the tires, replacing the climate controlled seat filter, replacing the air filter and replacing the in cabin filter, everything else is just an inspection.

For this the dealer wants to charge me $481

My question is couldn't I get all of this done by my regular mechanic, who I know would charge me less?

[The Bodyguard]

Yes, your mechanic will do just fine... None of the service done is actually mechanical so they can't tell you otherwise...
Seat filters don't really need to be changed, air filter is as needed, tire rotation you can get anywhere for $20... I'd save up for the 60k service... Don't need anything from new til then...

[Logan00]

Thanks Bodyguard, once I looked at what was included I figured my mechanic could take care of it. I will just print the list and ask him to take care of everything listed.

I know the price will be different but right now they are charging $481 for the 60000 file service, but it seems to be the same service as now

[wingFeather]

At 60k miles, it's nice to replace the trans fluid & diff oil. If the dealer includes that for $481 then it's a good deal.

[M35SFIREMEDIC]

Good advice from the guys. Check my post on the 60k service of M45xATL . Hope it helps.

[The Bodyguard]

At 60k miles, it's nice to replace the trans fluid & diff oil. If the dealer includes that for $481 then it's a good deal.

I broke down the 60k service also... Actually my service writer recommended I do it since not much was really required... He suggested if I don't do much over the road driving or driving in the country or whatever may seem dirty conditions...I shouldn't need much anyways. Transmission service (not flush) was performed, coolant flush, and differential fluid, I needed new belts but wish I had booth my own instead it got oem that are expensive and not that great!!!. That's all as far as major stuff!! I had new wheels and tires at the time so no rotation was needed, oil change done ofcourse, again cabin and seat filters were as needed, changed wipers myself, ... Total was about $300 out the door!!! Plus internet coupon for service was like 10%-20% off!! I didn't even bring one, he just credited me the coupon... You gotta negotiate... Don't just agree to what they tell you... Schedule 1 and schedule 2 don't even call for those major service to be done, only the premium service schedule!!! So if you baby your car it shouldn't need much for atleast 100k

[Logan00]

Thanks guys for the advice, if the cost was closer to $300, which is what I expected and there was actual work that was scheduled to be done besides just inspecting everything, then I would just bring it to the dealer, but for $500, I expect to get more for my money.

I will follow your advice though and take it to the dealer after 60000 miles and see where things are then. I do baby my cars; my last 2 before the M I have had for almost 10 years each, of course they were Maximas.

I will try to remember to negotiate with the service team when I bring it in for the 60000 mile service. Since I am not going to the dealer for the 30000 mile I need to find time to go because my trunk lock needs to be replaced under warranty. I have to slam the trunk in order to lock it.

[wingFeather]

I've seen coupons from other dealers as low as $199 for a trans fluid exchange. Anyone have a link to one? My dealer claims they will accept others coupons. $199 is not bad as DIY the fluid itself would be $120 and the filter $30...

Logan: Why not try to bargain the 30k service price down at the dealer? Maybe they would take less.

[Logan00]

Thanks Wing, I guess I can see how much my mechanic will charge then see what the dealer can do for me, what is the worse that can happen???