replace a command sys, can y trust a non MB dealer

[pingtung]

Being a female, don't know anything about cars and never use any other dealer for my MB repairs, I now have found a Co. can replace my command system at a saving of £3k with one year warranty; how can I check and trust this Co.?
please help and give me some pointers to work on.

 

[jberks]

All you can do is the same thing you do with a plumber. Its always a risk, but then to be fair, so are dealers these days.
If its £3k less then its probably worth a go. See how long they've been going, what kind of warranty you get and check why so much cheaper?
Its probably repaired/ exchange and Merc units are rediculously overpriced so that me be it.
I don't think Male/Female differences matter here as we don't know much more about these systems than you do!
Who are they?

 

[pascal]

You say replace; So I'm assuming the one you have is faulty.
I've heard that there are some companies that supply the GSM part that often goes in these units for a few hundred pounds.

So I'm assuming that you are getting this unit on an exchange basis.

So who is this company?

How much are they charging you?


Pascal

 

[pingtung]

Being female definitely do have disadvantage related to the cars, I have been charged £180 for a tyre for S class, £30 for putting water in the car.

The co. is www.auto-technic.co.uk, my Sat-Nav do not work, so it seems all they have to do is put in a new unit with a new CD map.

I have been very unlucky with my car, the work carried out so far outside 3 yrs warranty: replaced catalysts, replace instrument cluster, replace electronic unit on passenger window, replace both motor on fender mirrors, replace battery twice. I had the car new from 3/2000, done 30k miles.

I now have insurance for plumbing, heating & electric for the house, so I can trust a plumber.

 

[jberks]

They look reputable enough. Just pay by credit card so you have some come back against someone other than the firm. They look like they've been around for a while so I'd be pretty happy to let them have a go.

As far as prices are concerned, we all get stuffed from time to time. Its not a sex thing, its just a case of ringing round and checking exactly what you are paying for. I had the dealer put a wiper blade rubber on the car for £5 - seemed a good bet as a new complete blade was £25 . They didn't mention that they'd charge me another £20 to fit it!

Also, if you say where in the country you are, someone will be able to recommend a reliable (and trustworthy!) Merc specialist. Using the above wiper as an example, I asked my specialist to sell me a new blade for me to fit when the car was last in, he sent a lad out, who put one on for me (30 seconds work!), and refused to charge me anything. With a 5 year old car, there's little benefit in paying dealers as they treat everyone as a cash cow.
plus a specialist will give you as much advice as you need.