Guys, it is not surprising that the local car repair shop , even if it specializes in MB, will cost less than the Mercedes Benz service shop. The latter will claim their technicians have all been fully trained and certified in repairing MB cars, and they have much larger overheads...
I mean think of it, they have to hire a hot looking receptionist to take appts, what about some MB centres hiring good looking women to greet you at the doors, and the sophisticated Latte/Capuccino/Expresso machines they provide for free. And the courtesy cars they loan out to clients. They have got dedicated service advisors to handle the large volume of customers, and making sure everything goes clockwork in terms of schedules. Some even have fancy car wash stations to wash their client cars.
And last but not least, some even have new high tech buildings which welcome their clients...
I know, I know, ... who cares about all this stuff.. just get us the nice price for the service right? But this is the real business world,... there is obviously a proven marketing strategy in this, that makes car dealers like MB do all their fancy stuff, to warrant charging an arm and a leg...
But I do agree their prices are significantly higher than the local shop... so don't go to them... find your reliable local shop guy, and get it done there. There are people who own mercedes cars, who are also practical pragmatic people, who looks at the value and cost of a service... and there are MANY MB car owners, who could care less about the higher cost at the MB service shop, just name the price, get it done right first time, make sure its convenient and hassle free.
I am not supporting MB shops charging the high prices, just stating the reality that it is what it is... (But the $600 for the service A is quite ridiculous IMHO).