some feedback required

[swerv]

hello everyone, Im new to this site and i have a personal interest in mercs.

I am after some feedback from the members.

We are looking at opening an independent Mercedes specialist in the north Buckinghamshire area, with the main dealers being so pricey and the service not being what it used to be, do you feel comfortable taking your Mercedes to a specialist rather than a main dealer?

If you were to buy a Mercedes would you like to see a MB stamp in the service book or a MB specialist stamp in the book?

Also to those of you who already use the specialists, what was it that tempted you away from the main dealers?

any comments would be appreciated and please feel free to discuss. :smile:

I apologise in advance if this in the wrong section :?:

thanks
swerv

 

[jberks]

This one will run!
ok - my two penneth - I want someone who KNOWS my car, won't try to sell me something I don't need but does understand that whilst my car is starting to get on a bit, I want to keep it as it was when I collected it from the dealer. They MUST fit merc parts (or perhaps better - offer an alternative where appropriate but fit original bits as the default). Oh and I need a loan car.
The two reasons I don't go to the dealer are that I often feel the tech knows less about my car than I do. The "they all do that sir" answer doesn't cut it unless he can also tell me why. Secondly, I don't like paying £95 per hour for someone to change the oil. They also don't call me back when they promise and I can't get through to the service department unless it looks like i might spend a few quid. I like the fact that the specialist can try something and it isn't going to cost the earth if it doesn't work - e.g. I don't buy the sensor or actuator unless it makes a real difference - and he will put the old one back if not. (I will pay the labour cost though). This way I am not writing a blank cheque for a hard to find fault.

The merc stamp is important from a mobilio/corrosion warranty point of view but I am just as happy to see a specialists stamp as regards maintenance.
Above all, reputation and experience in the marque is all.