Any recommended independent Merc specialist in London for serving

DeeSLK350

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Hey everyone,
I've been a Mercedes Benz owner for about 6 years now and unfortunately I've had ongoing problem with my car and appalling service and customer car from Mercedes Benz dealerships - I've tried MANY. Mercedes Benz of Hertford is the worst! Mercedes Benz formally of Edmonton are major cowboys along with most others in North London.

I've heard anything from "your SRS light is on because your handbag is on the passenger seat" to "it is normal that your car burns a litre of oil a month". The story is on-going! I have been charged £300 for a new key when I paid £56 five years back. My roof does not even open by remote anymore.

I now have my service C due but the car still is not right. The air conditioning is making noise, my front and rear brake pads need a change, my rear speakers are not working since my last service.

Can someone recommend a good INDEPENDENT Mercedes specialist who uses genuine parts and has good diagnostic tools and computers. Someone who won't mess me around and will appreciate on-going business.

PLEASE HELP! :confused:
 

stickandrudder

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lots
There are plenty of recommended independents to choose from and (I think) only one to avoid in the West London area.
Tell us exactly where you are and I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice..
 
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DeeSLK350

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I am in North London but happy to travel where necessary as long as I get a good service!
 
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DeeSLK350

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There are plenty of recommended independents to choose from and (I think) only one to avoid in the West London area.
Tell us exactly where you are and I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice..
North London - Southgate
 
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DeeSLK350

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Sorry everyone I am quite new to this forum so just getting my bearings. Any recommendations will be really helpful! A few of my friends actually get their SLKs and SLs serviced in Germany and never had a problem to date. I will keep that option as a last resort.
 

type49

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I've heard anything from "your SRS light is on because your handbag is on the passenger seat" I have been charged £300 for a new key when I paid £56 five years back. my rear speakers are not working since my last service.

PLEASE HELP! :confused:

With all due respects, yes, your handbag (or more so, contents) can often be picked up by your "child seat recognition pad". This will then shut down the NSF airbag - not a problem, as there's only your handbag sitting there...

DAS3 keys (the latestest type) are now very expensive. It's a system that, as far as we all know, has never been beaten.

I cannot see any reason for anyone to disconnect/break or interfere with speakers during a routine service. They are hidden behind a panel that will need to be removed - both sides.
 
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DeeSLK350

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With all due respects, yes, your handbag (or more so, contents) can often be picked up by your "child seat recognition pad". This will then shut down the NSF airbag - not a problem, as there's only your handbag sitting there...

DAS3 keys (the latestest type) are now very expensive. It's a system that, as far as we all know, has never been beaten.

I cannot see any reason for anyone to disconnect/break or interfere with speakers during a routine service. They are hidden behind a panel that will need to be removed - both sides.
Thanks for your comments Type49.
The problem with my SRS light was actually a recall after the "reasoning" given to me. And, coincidently - I never had a problem since and its the only thing they ever rectified. I have never heard of a handbag triggering off an SRS light until this day (do you work for Mercedes by any chance?)!
The latest type of key has a more curved designed and a bit of chrome. I had no complaints with my old key - it turned the car on but was unfortunately stolen with the entire contents of my bag on two occasions hence the reason for me needing to buy a new key twice in 5 years. Yet after paying this ridiculous sum they forgot to code the roof operation (that I paid £100 as an optional extra) but wanted £180 for a diagnostic fee instead - even after admitting they never tested it before giving the car back to me. Yes the button inside the car opens the roof with no problems at all and so did the key beforehand.
My engine was completely replaced after a 9 month battle. They admitted it was burning too much oil but realised I will still under warranty and changed their tune swiftly because it wasn't going to be me paying 8k for a new engine. My brother drives a '96 SLK and never had to change the oil himself or even open the bonnet in fact.
I once got my car back after a week with 4000 extra miles on the clock and according to MB (I got it wrong) the milage they put on the job sheet was from a previous service as the technician could not be bother to check. Yet they never assumed I write my milage down before I give my car in. Also the dude driving the car forgot his CD in my stereo.
I have no idea why Mercedes do what they do and why they would disconnect anything or do any of the above. That isn't even the half of it!

I also don't understand why every time I have my car in their workshop I have a long list of items that I have to buy or it is the end of the world as we know it. Tyres - is a classic. I actually have a bet with my friends and family every time it goes in that I will get a call telling me to replace my tyres even when they are legal! They don't seem interested when I tell them I have new tyres at home if they want to fit it.

Could it be the fact that I am female and that MB are a bunch of cowboys? On the upside they do design absolutely beautiful looking cars. The reason for my post is that I would like to keep my car and I would like it running smoothly and a great service as luxury sports car with that price tag should do. So any recommendations would be lovely.

P.S - Its a good thing your dog loves you!
 
A

andy@pcd-ltd

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Hi southgate isnt too far from me

I offer a mobile service if that is any use to you
 
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DeeSLK350

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Sorry spelling error 400 extra miles not 4000 :)
 

type49

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Sounds like you've had your fair share of problems with that car & your dealer. Road testing problem cars overnight to make sure it's fixed, or to replicate the fault, is quite common (with owner's permission) but 400 miles is taking the pi55 a bit:shock::shock: The roof "coding" sounds a bit strange, not sure what they mean by that?? Tyre wear shouldnt be too bad.... you may need a geometry/wheel alignment check. This is not just a "tracking" check. A full geometry measures vehicle height, camber angles front & rear, caster angles & then tracking. Most rear wheel drive cars will wear rear tyres in the middle & fronts on the edges - nearside front outer edge is likely to wear first, due to the camber of roads towards the curb (to allow rain to flow off the middle of the road). I think you are correct in trying a new dealer/indie, even if you have to travel, they are not all sexist cavemen:lol::lol: I'm sure someone can recommend a few more near you.

PS, yes I work at a dealer & my dog is now no more....I guess I should change my motto thingy :(:(
 

530kam

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Mercedes Heathrow (cowley) - see my other post on fantastic service
 

eagletower

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W212 e class 350 coupe
West Hampstead Motors aren't far from you and the guys there are fantastic. I whole heartedly recommend them. They're open on a saturday too but also do a pick up and drop off service.
 

Rod Merc

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Hi, I am in North London and my mechanic has uprooted and moved out. He was an expert and I am sorry to see him go. This leaves me searching for an independent to do some work on my car. I need the gearbox oil changed and the squeaky steering sorted out. The car is in excellent condition 55K from new and I don't want to give her to an idiot. I've looked through the posts and found this one. I get a good vibe from Wayne Gates but that's a fair way out for me. Merc care do not seem very good and A1 in Walthamstow have some bad feedback. Does anyone have any other recommendations around Southgate or Finchley please?

Thanks,

Rod
 

AMGeed

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You won't do any better than Wayne Gates Rod.
It's less than 10 miles from Finchley to Harrow if my memory is correct.
To put that in perspective, I travel 37 miles each way to my indy in Southampton, even though there is one much nearer.
 

JBell

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You won't do any better than Wayne Gates

They are always recommended on here, fantastic reputation going on the feedback
 

Rod Merc

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Thanks for the replies. I called them today, so will be booking in as soon as I can get over there. Will feedback on the experience.

Rod
 


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