Customer right to observe service work at dealership
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2013
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C300
Customer right to observe service work at dealership
Is there a customer right to be able to observe the service performed at dealership to his car? is there anything in the laws?
Im asking because i have very low trust issues with mechanics/dealerships
and im going for a CPO covered (hopefully) work done tomorrow morning.
Im asking because i have very low trust issues with mechanics/dealerships
and im going for a CPO covered (hopefully) work done tomorrow morning.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
I thought MB forced all dealers to remodel their show room and service areas this past year. Three of the dealers I've visited in CA have all been remodeled and the service area is now fully visible from the waiting area. There are huge glass walls that separate them but you can see your car being worked on while sitting comfortably in the waiting area enjoying a nice coffee or soda.
Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 124
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From: Where GW crossed the Delaware
16 E350 4M wagon, 70 911T
I thought MB forced all dealers to remodel their show room and service areas this past year. Three of the dealers I've visited in CA have all been remodeled and the service area is now fully visible from the waiting area. There are huge glass walls that separate them but you can see your car being worked on while sitting comfortably in the waiting area enjoying a nice coffee or soda.
I don't think it's hosted a Food Network show lately, however. http://www.foodnetwork.com/videos/lu...g-0112288.html
In any event you can't see the service area from the waiting area.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
I thought MB forced all dealers to remodel their show room and service areas this past year. Three of the dealers I've visited in CA have all been remodeled and the service area is now fully visible from the waiting area. There are huge glass walls that separate them but you can see your car being worked on while sitting comfortably in the waiting area enjoying a nice coffee or soda.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 126
From: Central Coast, CA
2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
Well if you have very low trust and much watch your car being worked on, then maybe find another dealership that has a waiting area that allows you to view your car while its being worked on.
I guess only dealers in California are remodeling to allow full view of the service dept from the waiting area.
I guess only dealers in California are remodeling to allow full view of the service dept from the waiting area.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Can't see how only viewing can help. You will also need a 2 way speaker system to converse with the mechanic & also a panable zoom camera, all of which is recorded to a take home DVD.
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 6
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From: Saugus, MA
2011 C300 4Matic
As an ASE Certified mechanic for 20 years now who used to own my own full service repair shop, I would just advise you to just go to another dealership that accommodates your concerns and needs if it makes you feel that uncomfortable not being able to watch them.
Unless they have one of these signs posted then go for it (obviously these rates shown are outdated and don't match standard MB rates but I found it funny for this case)
Unless they have one of these signs posted then go for it (obviously these rates shown are outdated and don't match standard MB rates but I found it funny for this case)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,305
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada
2013 C350 Coupe, 2005 C230K Kleemann Sedan, 2013 GLK350 4matic
At my local dealership (Fletcher Jones Imports in Las Vegas, NV), they have a TV screen dedicated to live video of the mechanic bays. There are four or five views that continuously cycle, so you can at least see that your car is being actively worked on.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2013
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C300
I survived!!! Not only that, i discovered that my original factory warranty was still in effect until summer, so no need to rely on CPO warranty. Also my service adviser was very helpful, and I spoke to the mechanic that worked on my car..who seems like a really informative guy and knows what he is doing. Replaced burned taillight connector/ground, brief inspection with no issues, and clean/wash of my car. And 0$ expenses from my wallet. Drove off the dealer lot with a big smile on my face.
I would actually pay to get this option 
YEs the dealership had a tv in the waiting room which was live feed of the service room. But UNFORTUNATELY it was not working today and was getting fixed as I was waiting for my car.... 
fail!
fail!
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 364
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From: Wichita
2011 C300 4MATIC
My dealerships waiting room has a huge completely glass wall that leads to the service garage. You can see everyones cars, all the tools, everything. It also has a nice fireplace and a gift shop right next to it so you won't get bored!
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 49
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2012 C250
I bought a 2010 Golf several years back, and they freely let me walk back to the service side while a tech finished preparing my car. Spoke with him for a little while he worked; really nice. During my first 1-year service, I was again allowed back to ask a couple questions and check out my car's underpinnings. But after that, the dealer underwent an ownership change and I was no longer allowed back. I understand the safety precautions and risks associated with having non-service personnel back there but it was fun.
