Well, I assumed we were talking dealership maintenance costs not the cheapest guy in town price. :-) In that case it costs me $75 to change the pcar oil myself but the ML price is so low I just let the dealer do it.

 

That's some Porsche tax there for sure. If we just compare the raw materials themselves, I image the 996 uses 3-4 more qts of oil but the filters probably cost the same. I can't imagine any car is easier to do an oil change on than the 996. There's *nothing* below the drain plug.

This exact case-study might be why there's a perception that Porsche's are more expensive to maintain. It's not the parts, it's the outrageous labor costs.

 

Well, the parts are often more expensive, too. I think it's just perception- people see a rear engine car with a tiny hatch, hear about outrageous repair bills, and assume it's more difficult to service a 911 than a traditional front engine car. (Which it is, but only for a small subset.)

 

Never had Mercs but I'm surrounded by them. 2 next door north, 1 next to them, 1 next to them, 1 across the street, 3 next door south, skip, 1 next to them, skip, skip, 1 next, skip, skip, '10 Porsche C4S.

Seems like all I see are Mercs and Subarus in the 'hood. I know I'm probably the only one who works on their own cars around here, I've never seen anyone even check their own oil or tire pressure.

 

My last 2 cars were AMG Mercedes...one was a nightmare and the other was awesome. My '01 CLK55 had multiple issues that rendered it undrivable. I traded it in a month before the warrenty expired while it was on the lift at the dealer. My '05 C55 had no problems.

That said I have no regrets moving to the 996. I have loved every second of every drive. :-)

 

Is this indy using bait and switch tactics or trying to sell other items/maintenance to you? I cannot change my own oil for that price.

My cost: (All prices estimated)

- 10 Qts. Mobil 1 ----------------- $60 (My car always requires over 9 qts. to refill)
- Oil Filter Element --------------- $13
- New Drain Plug w/Washer ----- $5


Of course, he can get the parts a bit cheaper but still, he must be working for peanuts.

 

Well, I bet he's buying oil in bulk (10L at walmart is only $48 for us measly home mechanics). I don't know for sure, but my guess is a 50% savings there. He's probably also not replacing the plug. $75 sounds good, but not absurd.

 

My local Wal Mart doesn't carry Mobil 1 0w-40 so I have to buy my oil at the more expensive auto parts retailers. If I get lucky I can sometimes catch the oil on sale for $5.00 per qrt. but even then my cost is $56.00 including tax, otherwise full price is now close to $70.00 with tax.

 

Quote:
As far as regular maintenace the V8 ml oil change is $89 vs 996 $218-$300
My indy changes $75 for my 996 oil change (Mobil One). Paying over $200 is obscene.

DelRay996,

Only $75? I can't see how that is possible unless your indy is in the business of losing money. The oil and filter alone would run over $75 even if buy in bulk. Sounds like they may be just topping off your oil and sending you on your way!

 

We have a '99 SLK, an 04 S55 AMG and a 2010 GL450. All over 100k miles each, but all have been extremely reliable. Can't say enough good about them.

However, I never take them to the dealer for anything, and have been very resourceful when repairs are needed and there are parts to be bought. It hasn't been bad at all if you shop around. Thankfully, I have an excellent MBZ indie guy who also works on Porsches if needed.

 

Here in Vegas the Indy charges 100 dollars, I thought that was a great deal.

 

Ya, $75 for an oil change is outrageous.

My buddies C series MB experienced transmissions issues, control arm issues, and engine balance shaft issues! All at low mileage. All well known widespread issues and VERY expensive to repair!!!

German engineering eh... ya.

 

"I've never seen anyone even check their own oil or tire pressure."

You wouldn't happen to live in a "gated community" would you? Don't be shocked, it's "The American Way" ! Oh yeah, when it "dies" throw it away and buy a new one

 

I've owned an ML for 5.5 years. Good car and has never left us stranded. Although buying extended warranty was the smartest thing I ever did. No big issues but still costly if I didn't have warranty. Rack & pinion, valve cover gastkets (both banks), spark plug wires, suspension joint, lift gate issues (this last time I finally gave up), AC duct cleaning due to constant moldy smell, AC compressor (gave me a serious scare), now the valve cover gasket appears to be leaking again. Total cost about $7000 under warranty and about $1000 outside of warranty. But at the end only 2 non-routine visits to the shop in the time I've owned. Soon however, it will find a new home when my Macan arrives.

My 996 has had about $4000 in "preventive" work in a matter of 8 months.

What can I say. Maintaing cars WELL costs money. Period.

P.S. Oil change, tires, and brakes are excluded from all this.

 

I have a pair of 92 MBs.. A gray market 300GE Gelandewagen and a 500E.

The cost of owing either of these is about the same as an Aircooled 911, and a bit more than a 996.

I love them both, and neither of them give me any issues. The 500E has 200K and the G has 150k.

That said, the newest MB I'd want is a 90s model. As I develop engines for the modern MBZ, cars I see the same accountants that work at Porsche must moonlight over at MBZ.