Response from Charles (Proprieter at Mole Valley) as below:

"Andy,

Just checked the bill, Warren spent 2.5 hours checking the car over.

In addition you asked us to do an oil change and filter.

Peter removed the headlamp to fit a new bulb that had failed on the dip beam - GBP 37.50.

Filter, bulb, etc was GBP 40.89 and 8.5 litres of Helix Oil was GBP 127 (hence why I suggested that at the service the oil and filter was not changed again !).

I did advise not coming in till 12.15 as we would not have finished by then, and when you arrived slightly early Warren was still finishing the car off, having been on it all morning.

Our labour rate is GBP 75 an hour - we cannot operate at less than that. Epsom Mercedes are GBP 135 an hour with technicians of generally much less experience than Warren. I did however say that we would "spend 2 hours checking around the car", rather than the 2.5 hours that he actually spent, so in fairness I have asked the Service Dept to give you a credit of half an hour (GBP 37.50), against the Disc fitting.

Morgan did come back to us with the cost of the Discs at GBP 256.86 each, plus Vat. Pads are GBP 95 for a pair. Sorry, these cars are not cheap to maintain.

Regards

Charles"

naturally discs and pads not done or touched. I just think that 2.5hours for a quick look over the car and checking levels etc was a bit much also. But then I should have confirmed a price and it shows that Brian/Aeroman is right, we need to get a TM deal so that we dont all collectively keep getting ripped off.

The final comment "these are not cheap cars to maintain" galled me. I have run Ferraris, Porsches (through OPC) Mercs and BMW so I am aware of what is 'normal'. Even BMW Thames Ditton did an oil change/service on my X5 with a complete vehicle check for GBP 175 all in!



BtG

Cheers

BtG