Huh?! no one ever tell you alignment and balancing is not under free schedule maintenance? Do you know wear and tear such as tires, brake pad, rotor, wiper are not included as well?

RM 371 for a nice job done in SC is definitely worth it, it's a BMW leh, not Alza.

Bro, did you read the work order prepared by the service advisor before proceeding the service?

Not only Merc, every service center will try to hantam customers regardless free or non free service.. it is normal..

Owners have to read and scrutinize all the work order, ask them to take it out... Wheel stuff can be done outside with much lower cost..

After they quoted you RM 371, I thought you aware their service level whether should pay for their services and get the 'nice job done' in SC? No? Simply agree to ask them go ahead and now telling me outside can do much cheaper and better?

Of course I know outside definitely cheaper or better, and I never be so dumb to accept the RM 371 for alignment & balancing in SC in my entire life, however, if I am so stupid to accept their offer, I won't be so cheapskate telling ppl be aware of SC charges, and comparing Alza with BMW.

PS: The 'nice job done' is to make you feel better after you spent RM 371 for alignment & balancing.

Bro, they "recommend" means not compulsory and they are optional.. SC recommend a lot of stuff, but depending on your judgement.. some can be done outside if you prefer.. My VW SC recommend change brake pads but I did outside and cost 2 hundred less. This kind of things won't void VW warranty.. you may check with your Merc SC

My VW SC and Honda SC always present me the WO, get my consent before they start.. that is when I scrutinize their items, I even have a copy of an official schedule maintenance items list with me to compare and make sure they don't simply add items not jack up the price.. VW has been pretty honest, Honda is the worst.. I always manage to cut down by hundred to 2 hundred ringgit before they start.. after sometime, they are aware of my expectation and they are more cautious..

Ie: they brought forward certain items and try to charge me even before the mileage and month reaches.. I use the official schedule list and screwed them.. they gave me lame excuse like next service bill will be high so they brought forward to spread the cost.. I told them if you change my parts by 6 months earlier, means I am not able to fully utilize the item before it is due, and I am paying more at the end of the day.. just stick to the blardy schedule.. I complained to the customer service..

Some times they include washing service rm30 rm50 etc, I always ask them to take it out.. I wash my own cars..

Service centers are really not charity organization..

Honda schedule https://www.honda.com.my/service_maintenance/maintenance

VW schedule
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https:...&source=sh/x/im

My VW 8 years liao, so doing it outside.. not with official center
Last time when I got it new and under warranty, I sent to Wearnes SG Besi (they close down Liao, GVE took over), Wing Hin Balakong, FA Glenmarie and GB Klang.. because I pindah rumah, so I have visited a number of SC..

Best is Wearnes, always give courtesy call when I placed my car their for few days.. too bad they decided to pullout from Msia..
GB klang quite transparent services advisor.. worst is FA Wagen.. no update no follow up when I put my car there to claim warranty..

VW SC (depending which one) last time offer free wash exclude engine bay. Engine bay wash cost rm50.. long time didn't go back VW SC.. not sure what are they offering now.

Honda Tiong Nam do charge for washing (in and out)

The key is to know how to differentiate compulsory service and optional, and owner really have to know are those optionals necessary and are they priced reasonably..