Why
Because only they have the MB Star (diagnostics) machine
that is used to check out all the elctronics of the car and highlight any
errors or issues that there may be or will be if not attended to, PLUS
the Star is also used to set up and adjust the electronically controlled
clutch actuator mechanism and gear positioning...which should be
adjusted a minimum of at least once a year or expect problems.
Ok, there are 'generic' diagnostic machines around that can check
the electronics for basic faults, but they are not able to 'drill down'
into the system to identify which component etc may be the cause
of the problem....they will basically 'generalise' an area.
And none but the Star has the capability of setting up and making
adjustments to the clutch and gear positioning.
MB will charge around £100 to £120 to stick your car on the Star,
whereas an 'indie' will charge from £45 to £60.
The cost will depend on what you want doing via the Star.
If taken to an 'indie' then any adjustment to the clutch is usually
included in the service...but it's best to ask/check first.
What that means then is that your local garages'
'lube service'will only do part of what's necessary. But...it you did take it there...
and then added on to that the cost of a trip to an 'indie' to get it on
the Star to adjust the clutch, you'll more than likely find that if you
added the 2 costs together it would end up the same as if you had
taken it to the 'indie' in the first place !