M35 2009 30K service $295 to $850??????

[themacs]

Well it's time for the 30 K service. I called 7 dealers in driving distance and asked the cost. WOW a range from $295 to $850. $555 difference.

I asked what was going to be done and it did vary some BUT not a lot.

So......

1) does it really need to be done? (I have done all past service at an Infinity dealer).

2) if it should be done, just go to the cheapest dealer or???????

Thanks for any help

[chemjim1]

I just had the 30K service done on my M45 at a local Nissan dealer and the total charge was less than $200 for parts and labor. I had all the inspections done (easy and cheap to do), the oil changed (full synthetic), a new engine air filter installed, and the in-cabin air filter installed. They also marked in the Infiniti Warranty Booklet you get with car that these services had been completed. I went to them (Nissan) ahead of time and asked the service rep if they could/would do this - I even copied/printed out the required maintenance list so they would know exactly what to do. They marked or initialed everything on the Infiniti list I gave them. There were no questions or problems with anything.

Unless you are driving on a dirt road 90% of time in stop and go driving, you fall under the 'easiest' maintenance schedule (specifically 7500 miles between oil changes, etc). Hence you will not need to have any fluids replaced whatsoever (other than your engine oil) at 30K miles. Some Infiniti dealerships will recommend wildly excessive maintenance practices that are simply NOT necessary to maintain your warranty (or your vehicle); hence their estimated $850 fee. No you do not need your brake fluid, transmission fluid, differential fluid, or coolant changed or an oil flush at 30K miles (or even later).

The Nissan dealer charged less than half of what an Infiniti dealer would have for similar services. Example: they itemized a $40 labor fee for changing out the In-cabin air filter; see what an Infiniti dealer charges for this service that takes less then 1/2 hour to perform. Or you could do it yourself. The only item I did not have changed out were the under-seat air filters as they were remarkably clean and did not need changing.

[pedsemdoc]

I agree with chemjim1--a lot of the "maintenance" items that the stealership throws at you don't need to be done at the 30k or even 60k check unless you are really stressing out your engine/transmission/brakes eg. four wheelin' in the mud, towin' a 5,000 lb trailer in stop-n-go traffic, etc.

Nissan dealer is a good option, esp if you don't have an infiniti stealership near you.

A honest and competent mechanic could do prolly most of the things on the premium list and with a little research and this forum-you could to.

For instance...$40 labor fee + parts for in cabin filter!: check out this thread:
how-to-replace-in-cabin-air-filter-06-0 ... 39889.html

I am no mechanic, but if you get the field service manual, can follow directions, don't mind getting a little dirty, and are reasonably handy-you can do quite a lot on your own. It helps if you have a buddy who knows a little about cars. I thought it wise to make an investment in a set of ramps and jack stands so I could do some stuff on my car, but some folks have neither the time nor inclincation to do so-diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks.