Thrilla

I received a letter from MB Research and Development, NA about recruiting my car for a customer vehicle emission test program. In a nut shell, they will flat bed my car from my home to their facility in Ann Arbor MI, give me a comparable 2014-2015 MB loaner, and a $1000 gift card for my troubles. According to the letter, no more than 200 miles on a dyno will be used for the 2-3 weeks they'll have it.
I'm curious if anyone else has had anything similar before or recently. I'm going to call their office tomorrow just to be sure it's not an elaborate scheme to get a free joy ride off my 507.

roadtalontsi

That's pretty strange. To my knowledge there isn't any mb presence in MI. Rancho and fontana - california, cant remember what cities in illinois, houston and fortworth in texas, hq in new jersey - going to be moving to atlanta soon. production facilities in alabama. sounds like a good deal if its legit. you may want to contact mb usa though to verify.

edisonwu

If it's a setup I doubt your insurance would cover any damage or loss. Just watch out.

johnny--2k

There is an R&D in Michigan. I've driven past it a few times while there on business.

http://www.mbrdna.com/contact-us/

Diabolis

This has scam written all over it. I find it extremely unlikely that MB would need an actual customer vehicle for performing R&D tests. They certainly have enough test mules so the whole thing sounds pretty fishy. Send an email to mbrdna.annarbor.info@daimler.com or call the center AT THE NUMBER LISTED ON THEIR WEBSITE, NOT WHAT MAY BE PRINTED ON THE LETTER to confirm whether that is a legitimate letter or a scam. And, if it is legit, it's up to you whether you want to give them your prized posession for R&D testing under "extreme conditions" (which is what they do there among other things) for a $1000 gift certificate.

Tell you what... you give me your 507 for three weeks and I will do some R&D testing. I do promise to return it to you in more or less the same condition except for wear and tear, give you a comparable car to drive in the meantime and a $1200 gift certificate, and I'll even give you a few hot laps in it around Watkins Glen for free. Deal?

P.S. I'll even settle for your Evo IX - same deal...

Thrilla

I called mbusa and mb research and development in Ann Arbor, and it's real. The lady I spoke to explained that they will pick a car randomly from everyone that responds. It couldn't hurt to throw my name in the hat. I'll keep you guys posted.

Diabolis

OK - so they're legit. I am still offering $200 more.

Thrilla

Deal!

Sidv22

I wouldn't do it! your 507 is wayy more valuable than the $1000 they are offering. If they keep it for 3 weeks, do you think the value is less than $50 per day for all the stress tests they will subject the car to? Real or not, I dont think its worth it.

rediesel

Put a set of LTH on it and send it over for them to emission test.

roadtalontsi

Well thats cool to know it's legit. Hell maybe ask them to keep the cash and throw in a elw - extended factory warranty and i bet they'll go for it.

Thrilla

That's a great idea! Maybe I can convince them of LTH with ELW.

Unfortunately, I was told that my car doesn't qualify because they need cars with at least 10k miles. Mine just hit 1900 miles.