needed! offical MB dealer who can service SL properly

[sims]

:sad: HELP! Can anyone recommend an official MB dealer in the north hertfordshire
(or anywhere north of the M25- up to about Cambridge)
area that can service cars to a high standard.
I recently had my 99 SL500 serviced at my local MB dealer, but they made such a bad job of it (overfilled engine oil, overfilled brake fluid) that i just can't bring myself to ever take it back there again.

 

[SL Boy]

I suggest either Hughes of Beaconsfield or Hughes of Aylesbury. The former has been my dealer for the past 25 years. They are not without their faults but are very good.

 

[jberks]

:sad: an official MB dealer..... that can service cars to a high standard.

Somethinig of a contradiction surely. The only 'High' aspect to most dealer's service is the prices. They are on pre-set targets set by accountants so can't spend any more than 5 mins on this, 2 mins on that. Get it in and sling it out.

I recently had my 99 SL500 serviced at my local MB dealer

I'm sorry but more fool you. Don't get me wrong, I don't really have any problem with my local dealer (I've been using them since '98, have bought my last 2 mercs from them and am on first name terms with the service rep), but the service and quality of work done by the local specialist is certainly no worse than that done by the dealer.

FMBSH having any effect on the value is a myth (proven after trading in my last 2 FMBSH mercs) so you are paying out hundreds and hundreds of pounds for the dealer stamp which is, in actuality, worthless.

On top of that, dealers don't see many cars over 5 years old. So, any age related problems on your SL and they are actually the least experienced to look at it. Your indie will work on them on a daily basis and know exactly what the problem is.

I sat in the dealer recently (warranty fix) and listened to them telling a chap with an 8 year old S class that he was looking at £1200 in labour alone just to investigate his cylinder head problem. An indie would be less than £600 for the same work. So what does he get for his extra £600? A mechanic that probably hasn't even seen that particular engine before, let alone ever stripped one.
Believe me, it isn't worth it.

 

[Guy150]

I can certainly recommend Waterhouse of Braintree (Tel 01376 329000). They have serviced and MOT'd my 98 E280 for the past 2 years, the only 2 occasions I have had to spend cash on maintenance, which proves their quality.

A brief background to Waterhouse - they ran a franchised MB main dealership in Chelmsford until MB pulled the plug. All their service technicians moved to their new site adjacent to Braintree Freeport (just off the new A120) where they have been providing a first class service to MB owners throughout Essex at a fraction of main MB dealership costs.

Hope this helps.

 

[GregE240]

I totally concur with Guys and JBs comments.

All the time I had my E Class, I stupidly paid main dealer prices, thinking it would stand me in good stead. As I found to my cost, it was indeed, utterly worthless taking it there. The workshops are mainly manned by kids who only know the later models. If you have anything over 3 years old and not a current model, forget it. They'll be opening a book to service it. Prices are dreamt up by some crack team who clearly factor in how long it REALLY takes versus how much they think you will pay for a job. For example - they quoted 4 hours to replace 2 front ball joints? It took my indie less than an hour - and I know it did as I sat and drank coffee while they did it.

Heres another howler, courtesy of MB Birmingham - £23 to replace a sidelight bulb. Yep. And I stupidly paid it.

Find yourself a good indie. Mine is ex MB, and knows new and old models inside out and backwards. I only wish I'd found them years ago, as I might be slightly better off.

 

[timslim]

Hi Sims -

I have a 2001 SL320, and have had problems with MB in North Herts - Cambridge and Hitchin to name but two......found an independant in Bedford, and has been fantastic - efficient and polite this is the web site for the sister garage, but the mercedes guy has own unit next doors, and is part of the same group http://www.laautoservices.co.uk/ Only problem is the courtesy cars you get, bit old and tatty, but reliable - However, MB give me a SMART, rather have a tatty escort.......Good luck