Very interesting, I've had 4 Mercs and getting them serviced at a good indie has saved magabucks...not to mention the MB club who know most things about most models.

Here is a list of all 229.5 oils that are approved by MB.

bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/229.5_en.html

Edited by Wackyracer on 02/08/2017 at 20:11

Just bear in mind that any manufacturer recalls (rather than VOSA-mandated recalls), updates, TSBs and the suchlike will not be being done, with you going outside the dealer network.

When my local indie serviced my Pug while still inside maker's warranty, I asked him to check with local Pug dealer first, which he did, and was reassured. Of course I didn't need to call on the warranty, so that may not prove anything important, but I thought it was permitted if correct intervals and materials are used? What about owners who live mega-miles from a dealer?

The warranty can't be voided if you adhere to the maker's schedule, use approved parts (effectively theirs) and done at a VAT-registered worksop - what's potentially lost is any goodwill just after the end of the warranty - and maybe prospective buyers would prefer to see franchised dealer stamps in the history.

Just bear in mind that any manufacturer recalls (rather than VOSA-mandated recalls), updates, TSBs and the suchlike will not be being done, with you going outside the dealer network.

When my local indie serviced my Pug while still inside maker's warranty, I asked him to check with local Pug dealer first, which he did, and was reassured. Of course I didn't need to call on the warranty, so that may not prove anything important, but I thought it was permitted if correct intervals and materials are used? What about owners who live mega-miles from a dealer?

Sorry. Maybe I could have explained better. If you are getting service work done at an indie, they will not have access to TSBs, manufacturer recalls, etc, and will not have the parts to hand. Even if they did, they would be charging you for the parts and for fitting, unlike a main agent dealer.

I had this with my 3 series. A drain well was known to block up, so a revised grommet was designed and installed on a TSB. Also, a battery safety unit was installed. Those jobs were automatically carried out by the dealer when the car was in for a service. However, an independent would not know about those (unless they were up on iStar), and even if they did they'd have to order and pay for the parts.