Vance14

I am picking up my 2007 ML500 in a couple of days and I am wondering whether it will be necessary to get all my work done by a Mercedes Benz dealer or specialist mechanic. I have a local guy that has done a great job with my '99 ML320 (reasonable prices and, more important, I trust him), but is there something about the newer models that will give him a hard time? He is very good about telling me when he just feels uncomfortable with something (needs special diagnostic, tools, etc), so I am leaning toward letting him start off with it, but is there some particular reason that is a horrible idea?

MJ50

if he doesn't have SDS, then u will eventually need someone who does...
avoid dealer at all cost...

Vance14

OK then, I will need to find someone who can fill that gap when needed. My problem is that the closest certified places are an hour and a half away. Downside to living in a remote, rural community!

webgrammer

As a 20 year experienced ASE certified master tech I can say this. Dealers are well... Stealers. Try and find a good specialist or at least someone as familiar as possible with the make. Stay away from chains, "mom and pop" shops are more likely to stand behind their work, and work harder to please you; whereas a dealer and chains are more likely to try and extract every dime they can from you, and give two ****s about your car. Someone's got to pay for that fancy building. Bottom line is this, anyone can change oil and filters, change tires and bulbs. Judge the guy on when the car is broken and needs diagnostics. Does he fix it right the first time? Or if not at least the second time? Does he stand behind his work? If so I say stick with him.

Vance14

Yes, he has done great work for me for a long time, a lot of trust there and I am hoping he can handle the bulk of the day to day stuff. My uncle was the service manager at a dealer and told me, after he retired, to never go back to the dealer if it could be avoided. I will also need to find a specialist to cover the, well, specialty stuff. It will require a two hour drive, but it will be worth it when necessary.

S430LUCKDRAGON

I started off working on 99 through 2000 Mercedes Benz models now im doing 06 and 07 here and there most of the stuff is the same or similar But I would agree with MJ50 sooner or later that SDS might need to come into play by the way what would it really cost me to get my hands one ?