Here's the damage...
Regular 1A service (oil change and inspection) and install new wiper blades, total bill with tax: $497.36
Wipers parts and labour before tax: $78.55
Total parts: $180.66
Total labour: $244.80
(plus misc and tax)
Wowzers! Is that a MB thing or a location thing???
Here in Ottawa, local indie charge for an oil change on the S4 is $120 - $140 (incl taxes etc) for the correct Audi spec oil. Not sure of dealer cost as everything has been under AudiCare so far, but I would guess $200, maybe $250.
I also did the wipers this time, $50 in parts, free install. A little pricey but the originals lasted 4 yrs until they started streaking so I don't mind paying a bit more.
Alignment was recommended, although not covered by AudiCare. I considered skipping it as tires have always worn evenly and there's no tracking issues but decided to do it anyway as it's not been done in 4 yrs. Again a little pricey at $240, especially if you do it every year as they now recommend.
Next service will be my first non-AudiCare and it's the big one (85k), mainly due to spark plug change. I think it's ~ $700 at the dealer, so will also get an indie quote. So far I like the dealer though. Free shuttle if that works for me, loaner (new A4) if not eg working from home / need car for errands etc. I think the loaner is offered for any service, not just while under Audicare / warranty but will have to confirm. Note I didn't buy the S4 from this dealer either. I would have to save >$100 on the service to make the inconvenience of indie worth it. Plus I do still believe (maybe wrongly) that it's worth having the same place get to know your car.
So, total 4 yr service costs have been
$750 AudCare 25, 40, 55 & 70K services
$260 2 extra oil changes from indie (I prefer a 10 - 12k interval vs 15k recommended and tried the 2 local indies just to see what they are like)
$240 alignment
$50 wipers
4yr total: $1300
Plus I should include ~ $1200 for 4 new summer tires needed last year.
No doubt the next few years will be a bit higher as the bigger services are needed, plus there'll be brakes and likely battery etc in the next 2 - 3 yrs but so far so good.