Shocking Service from Mercedes Benz

I own a Mercedes Benz B180 which is now approximately five and a half years old, i.e. out of Motorplan. Recently the engine warning light light came on on the indicator panel on the dashboard. When I checked this in the Owners Manual it was indicated as not a serious fault but should be checked by a dealer. Because of this I booked the car into Mercedes Benz East Rand for a service. When I checked the car in, I was told that it was not yet due for a service and if I wanted to proceed with the service they would have to charge me R1600 for a diagnostic check, because of the engine warning light I had little choice and acceded to their demands. About an hour after checking the vehicle in the service adviser phoned me to tell me that the work on my car would cost R19800, approximately R9000 for a service and the balance to replace the the thermostat i.e. about R11000, which was the cause of the engine warning light. I instructed them to do nothing and said I would collect the car, which I did after having to pay R1600 for the diagnostic check. I have subsequently determined that there was absolutely nothing wrong with the thermostat, which is what I expected, and the warning light has been cleared at absolutely NO cost! In my opinion it is a crime for dealers to rip people off like this.

I do not expect any response from Mercedes Benz to this review as I did send an email to the Service department the day after my experience and have had no response.