Is the Factory collection worth it?

[pwhite8314]

I've just ordered a CLK cab from my totally disinterest dealer, and at the moment have chosen to collect the car from Germany, but has anyone done this (I'm sure you have!), and is it worthwhile?

I know there are 3 collection places, and the dealer said that one of them wasn't very nice (can't remember which one, but I think it began with a 'B' - not Stuttgart), but I'm not sure where the CLKs are being collected from.

 

[Bruce_Jeffares]

Pete;

I collected a new C class from Stuttgart (Sindelfingen) early in 1997.

It was my first MB and I decided it would be a great experience.

In the event, I ended up driving across Germany and France in temperatures of minus 5 centigrade, on the wrong side of the road, worried to death that I would damage the thing before I got back to the UK.

The best part of the trip was the factory visit, but I do not think I would do it again, particularly as you put 800 miles on the car before clearing it through the UK dealer.

Hope this helps.

Bruce

 

[clegsr]

My experience is the opposite, collected my previous car C250TD from Sindelfingen, in the summer, unfortunately I didn't have time to do the factory visit but drove back loving it!.

I remember that MB gave me 7 days insurance cover with nil deductible so I wasn't worried about doing any damage, and the 700-800 miles was just part of the running in...

 

[JPD]

Go for it!

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, I picked up my SLK230 from the Bremen factory back in 2001 (I have since got rid of it and bought an S-Class). However, I had no option as I purchased the UK spec car through a German Dealer.
I was treated to a 2 hour walk along the SLK production line and also got my first glimpse of the ?then? all new SL being tested around the factory track. From walking in to leaving 3 hours later I was feed, watered and looked after. I was quite worried about delays, or if some paperwork or document had been delayed etc, but all I can say is MB (Germany) had everything sorted, right down to collecting my bags at the reception and placing them in the boot of the car for me when it finally made its appearance in the collection hall. It stated on my paperwork that the car would be ready at 15:20 hrs. and it was! To the second!!! Highly recommended experience.

However, it was a little scary putting the car on the Rotterdam ? Hull ferry as they had me parked on the reclining ramp which dropped to about 20 degrees?

 

[fuzzer]

Ive been to Sindlefingen Twice . Its superb. I would go again too.

Stuttgart is a nice city as well , Go for it