im4umia

I literally just got the CLS the way I wanted.


Lasted 2 days.


Valeted at the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami for a show last night and this is what they did to the vehicle. They never said a word. Just handed me the keys and off I went. Saw the damage this morning. So far the valet company rep, Park One, and manager at the Center have been super nice over the phone. Said they'll investigate. I'm assuming there's video given this is a fairly new high end venue. My body shop estimates repair at $1,400-1,500 assuming there is no additional hidden damage. It just suks is all. The very first thing my body shop guy said was "Never, ever valet a car like this if you can help it." From now on, I will park it myself and walk!


ps - also damaged, but not shown is the cracked passenger side fender. Just a mess......arrrgh.

douwe22

yikes that really blows, park it yourself looks like a good idea from here on in.
goodluck with the repairs

hyperion667

condolences my cls brother......that sux bad............
was it the same guy that brought the car back? as the one who parked it? good luck with it

im4umia

Didn't really notice if they were the same valet. There were like a dozen of them.

bigigg

Hope everything works out. I've heard stories where once you leave the lot without pointing out the damage they claim to not be responsible. Something along the lines of "how do we know that didn't happen after you left". I wouldn't expect a 18 y/o punk making $50 for the night to be honest about damaging a car.

im4umia

I spoke with the regional mgr at Park One. He said they will need to do an investigation to determine liability. Will be sending someone to my home to take a statement and photo's of the damage. The guy was genuinely courteous & professional. Listened to my ramblings very patiently in fact. (Also went on their website. Looks like a professional company.....if you believe the corporate propaganda and pretty pictures!) If he checks the video, which I'd be shocked to hear was unavailable at this very posh venue, he'd see my car pull up in daylight undamaged. My concern is after the show, when the valets were returning all of the vehicles at a hectic non-stop pace. They drive the cars through a covered, double lane convenience area where you are encouraged to get to your car and move ahead so the autos behind you can pull up. My CLS was the only vehicle with its hazards flashing along with my regular headlights. I thought is was strange at the time because with the LED lighting it was extremely noticeable. NO other cars had this going on. My car drove past me and I had to quickly walk a good 10 yards to it. Wifey got in, I walked around the front to drivers side, tipped the guy, hopped in, turned the hazards off, and drove off. Notice that the damage is below the headlights making it hard to see at night. Turning on the hazards adds additional distraction. On top of that I have the LED Benz logo lit up! The concern is that the security cameras will be blinded by the hazards as well and they will not get a clear look at the vehicle. Will follow up with what happens. Worse case $500 deductible and Progressive covers the rest w/car rental......making it an extremely expensive night! When I look at the car I get sick to my stomach. Sorry to whine.

Pewterslk320

I feel your pain !! I avoid valet parking at all cost !!!
I recommend you to take the car to the Bill Ussery collision center, one if not the only Mercedes-Benz collision Center in Miami. They will truly match your car to the original Mercedes-Benz specs including the paint. I just had my wife's car repaired with them and the result was just like factory!!
Do not let your insurance company to lead you to any of their "recommended repair shops" they will try to use second hand or used parts and the repair will never be done right as they do not follow the Mercedes-Benz guidelines.

hyperion667

do the hazards come on automatically when you bump into or hit something.......
I seem to recall that happening when I rear ended someone; ever so lightly, just a month or so ago.......the only damage was a slight crack on my front lip......
but I think the hazards came on..........

im4umia

I've used Ace Sullins Car Star in Miramar for years. In fact, they painted both CLS front fenders which cracked when the bottom of my front bumper got caught on a cement parking block as I backed up. (Yes I've had incredibly bad luck lately!) Top notch workmanship. They come highly recommended by many of the custom shops in our area. Good to know Ussery is also available though. Thanks!

im4umia

You may have hit the nail on the head! I am calling Mercedes right now to find out!!

im4umia

BINGO!


From the M-B Manual:


Hazard warning lamps

The hazard warning lamps work even when the ignition is switched off. They are activated automatically when an airbag is deployed or after heavy brake application from a speed of more than 70 km/h (over 40mph) that brings the vehicle to a standstill.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I believe the valet suddenly realized that he was going too fast. He slammed the brakes hard and ultimately hit the car in front of him going around 10-15mph, upon which the hazards turned on automatically. (No way he hit the car going 40 or my bumper would have been completely destroyed.)


The only other options for the hazards to engage would be for the airbag to have been deployed, which it had not. Or, for the valet to have deliberately pressed the hazard switch in the middle of the dashboard, and leave it on even as the car was being delivered, which makes no sense at all.


We'll see what they say.

hyperion667

sounds like that may be the case.........that moment at collision our brain probably does not notice the hazards kick on.....I know I didn't until I got back in my car to leave.......
and I thought "oh, that was nice of my car"

OBP

Know a good attack dog lawyer as a back up ? Just in case they try to get out of it...

im4umia

The 'Park One' valet company regional manager just called. They're sending a check to pay for the damage! They fired the driver. Not because of the accident...but because he did not come forward at the time. Pretty classy considering the terrible rep that valet companies have.


Keep the faith gang. The world has not gone to hell in a hand basket just yet! :-)

hyperion667

nice work main

im4umia

At 530 this evening, to my complete amazement, a woman from the valet company appeared at my front door and handed me a check to cover the repairs to my CLS!


It's going to the shop on Monday.


Just wow!!!!