Independent Servicing?

[Hornsthorpe]

Being new to Mercedes ownership and already a convert ( I own a low mileage 1998 E220 saloon, petrol) my wallet is scared of taking it to a main agent for routine servicing. Can anyone recommend a good independent in the north west, preferably striking distance of Manchester or Stockport?
Of course I would be interested in people's experience of main agents. I am sure there are some excellent ones.

 

[jberks]

Hi,
I am a little confused by the description - I thought the E220 petrol was a W124 and the W124 went out of production around '95/6. I had a 95 C220 petrol - great motor - good enough to pass to my Dad who still loves it.

Anyway, to your question, simply put, you are better off with the specialists. Apart from the obvious (and substantial) cost savings, dealers don't see many cars over 4 years old and allowing for staff turnover you are quite likely to get a mechanic that doesn't know your car from a Fiesta. The specialists will know every nut and bolt and don't have to follow the 'official company' line.

I can recommend one in Leeds but I am pretty sure there is one a lot closer to you.

 

[Hornsthorpe]

Thanks for your reply to my first post. I was told that production of this model continued for some time and that this car was a personal import. It comes with convincing documentation!
I just bought the car on a whim, my first Mercedes, as I sold my old car unexpectedly. I have been pleased, so far. (A million taxi drivers can't be wrong) The car has a strong feel to it, if a bit tractory, but is very easy to drive. It also looks very imposing and I'm sure affects other drivers' attitudes. It took a little while to get used to the foot hand brake. Now whenever I get into another car I'm waving my left foot about looking for the parking brake.
Looks like I'll have to get to know other Merc drivers in the area to find my local specialists...

 

[Aletank]

Not sure if Formby is a bit far ?? But i can definatly recommend Ray at S&R

S&R Motor Engineers
"The Mercedes Doctor"
Unit 8,
Mayflower Ind. Estate,
Liverpool Road,
Formby,
L37 6BU.
Tel/Fax 01704 834634

 

[Hornsthorpe]

Thank you for your help Aletank and jberks. Interestingly I have relations quite near Formby and in Leeds. So with a bit of luck and planning I would be able to go to either.

I wonder which is best... FIGHT!!!

But seriously, the car seems to have been well maintained and it is useful to be able to take it somewhere where they know what they're doing.

Regards

Mike H.

 

[jberks]

Mike,
if its any use, the leeds chaps are
http://www.merc-care.com
Used them a few times and been happy with the results.
If you've found a '98 W124 you've done well.
They are better built than the newer W210.

 

[Myros]

Rochdale

Here I go again. Duke Steet Autopoint in Rochdale look after my MBs, and lots of others as well. Small, knowledgeable and reasonable, and you don't have to fight your way past receptionists, customer service assistants, ergonomically designed showrooms or anything else that doesn't add to tinkering with the oily bits. I've known the proprietior a long long long time and he and his lads do a good job.
You can also try Dronsfields at Saddleworth.

 

[gpilko]

...and my two peneth - SPR Autos.

They've recently moved to Stockport, the fella there worked for Mercedes Macclesfield for 14 years - he should know his stuff ;-)

I've taken my 99 SLK there and I was really happy with the service/attitude. Number is 0161 480 6095.

Cheers

Guy.