Well I traded in my cab and turned to the darkside and got a new 2007 Mercedes E550 4Matic. After two Audi's I was a little turned off that Audi dropped the maintenance plan it was a nice feeling to know that area was covered. So taking my chances with the Mercedes just got it this past weekend and have to say very impressed by the service from the dealer and the performance of the car. Anyway this forum has been very helpful over the years and hoping to find a similar forum for Mercedes.

You do realize that until 2 years ago MB also had a service plan, that they dropped-

The plan was an attractive part and kept me from looking at other brands. Obviously they build it into the price but I dont see them now lowering there price now that the plan is not there. I was disappointed to see it go away because in some ways it made you feel like for the money you were shelling out they stood behind there product and its maintenance not just trying to make a quick sale and part ways. I did buy the mercedes because I liked the look and wasnt very impressed with the S6 when I saw it at the NY auto show. Anyway not trying to pick fights just wanted to thank the forum for its help over the years and explain part of the reason I switched brands , who knows maybe if Audi Corporate reads the site they will see why some people are looking elsewhere.

When you look at a $60k plus car, what is $550??
You don't even have to buy it at the time of purchase. You have a year to buy it.
The MB will cost you more than the Audi to maintain in the long run.

does it cover brake rotors and pads?

can someone list what this Service Plan gets you?

edit...this is from Audi's site.

Audi Care covers the manufacturer-required regularly scheduled maintenance services at 15,000 miles, 25,000 miles, 35,000 miles, and 45,000 miles, or 5 years from the original vehicle in-service date, whichever comes first.


The cost of Audi Care at the time of the new vehicle purchase or within
12 months or 12,000 miles is $550 MSRP
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so your first oil change is free, then you pay for 4 more. maybe some wipers in there...but are the big ticket items like rotors?

MB has an initial free service check at 3K (no big deal) and then they rotate your tires at 6K free. The rest is on your dime.

You have 2 services....A & B. I think A is around ~200. B is more expensive.

They cost $50 each + tax (Don't ask me how I know). You will need to replace two at a time. So, that will cost you at least $200 for the first four years of ownership.

Then you add in oil change + air filter and a couple of bs service items (lubricate hinges, sunroof rails [which I doubt they actually do]) then the $550 is worth it. But having said that, it sucks to pay extra.

I seriously considered the E350 4Matic and ended up with the A6 for various reasons including my experience with my ML320. Bottom line - I probably would be happy with either.

Here is a MB website I use. Be prepared for a lot of posts regarding problems.<ul><li><a href="http://www.mbworld.org/forums/index.php">clicky</a></li></ul>