In need of help or suggestions for the next step
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: S.F Bay Area
2003 E-320 sport
In need of help or suggestions for the next step
Dealer has determine that driverside passenger door is a factory defect due to workmanship. Dealer has spoken to factory rep, however, factory rep at this time has denied my request for a vehicle replacement. For the reason being, paint is subjective and under MBUSA guideline for paint defects this does not meet those criteria. What they're offering at this time is to repaint the passenger door with no guarantee from fading or chipping. Why do I feel like the victim when Im the customer. All I wanted was to buy a new car defect free. Any suggestions is appreciate.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,110
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
MB
Re: In need of help or suggestions for the next step
Originally posted by Quattroleap
Dealer has determine that driverside passenger door is a factory defect due to workmanship. Dealer has spoken to factory rep, however, factory rep at this time has denied my request for a vehicle replacement. For the reason being, paint is subjective and under MBUSA guideline for paint defects this does not meet those criteria. What they're offering at this time is to repaint the passenger door with no guarantee from fading or chipping. Why do I feel like the victim when Im the customer. All I wanted was to buy a new car defect free. Any suggestions is appreciate.
Dealer has determine that driverside passenger door is a factory defect due to workmanship. Dealer has spoken to factory rep, however, factory rep at this time has denied my request for a vehicle replacement. For the reason being, paint is subjective and under MBUSA guideline for paint defects this does not meet those criteria. What they're offering at this time is to repaint the passenger door with no guarantee from fading or chipping. Why do I feel like the victim when Im the customer. All I wanted was to buy a new car defect free. Any suggestions is appreciate.
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: va
LEXUS
Re: In need of help or suggestions for the next step
Originally posted by Quattroleap
Dealer has determine that driverside passenger door is a factory defect due to workmanship. Dealer has spoken to factory rep, however, factory rep at this time has denied my request for a vehicle replacement. For the reason being, paint is subjective and under MBUSA guideline for paint defects this does not meet those criteria. What they're offering at this time is to repaint the passenger door with no guarantee from fading or chipping. Why do I feel like the victim when Im the customer. All I wanted was to buy a new car defect free. Any suggestions is appreciate.
Dealer has determine that driverside passenger door is a factory defect due to workmanship. Dealer has spoken to factory rep, however, factory rep at this time has denied my request for a vehicle replacement. For the reason being, paint is subjective and under MBUSA guideline for paint defects this does not meet those criteria. What they're offering at this time is to repaint the passenger door with no guarantee from fading or chipping. Why do I feel like the victim when Im the customer. All I wanted was to buy a new car defect free. Any suggestions is appreciate.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: S.F Bay Area
2003 E-320 sport
Re: Re: In need of help or suggestions for the next step
Originally posted by bmms8
i would keep on fighting, they should replace your car....how can thier paint have no guarantee. thats dumb imo. try to demand one, or, if you have time, park your car outside the dealer, and when somone tries to come in, they'll see your car, put a big sign saying what they did, and how they are going to fix it, if you draw 2 or 3 customers out of buying a vehicle, they might do what you say.
i would keep on fighting, they should replace your car....how can thier paint have no guarantee. thats dumb imo. try to demand one, or, if you have time, park your car outside the dealer, and when somone tries to come in, they'll see your car, put a big sign saying what they did, and how they are going to fix it, if you draw 2 or 3 customers out of buying a vehicle, they might do what you say.
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: va
LEXUS
That might work if the TV station is willing to show pity for the rich guy with a problem Mercedes. They usually look for wide public interests such as problem toys or defective toilets, things the every day person encounters. As long as you are in the minority of car buyers, this approach might not generate much interest. More power to you if it does. Short of a hudge litigation matter, as with the NAV, MB appears to have no incentive to give its customers a fair deal.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,110
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
MB
Re: Re: Re: In need of help or suggestions for the next step
Originally posted by Quattroleap
Actually you gave me an idea. Im going to refer this case to a local TV station which has a weekly segment on consumer rights. Just maybe if they knew there was a possible chance that this issue might be airwave worthy they'll change their minds.
Actually you gave me an idea. Im going to refer this case to a local TV station which has a weekly segment on consumer rights. Just maybe if they knew there was a possible chance that this issue might be airwave worthy they'll change their minds.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: S.F Bay Area
2003 E-320 sport
Re: Re: Re: Re: In need of help or suggestions for the next step
Originally posted by bmms8
do you live in san diego? turko files?? lol, thats what we have in san diego, and thats a good idea, go to your station
do you live in san diego? turko files?? lol, thats what we have in san diego, and thats a good idea, go to your station
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 454
Likes: 0
From: NC
'03 Mercedes E320
I would ask to see the Factory Rep yourself. I have a hunch, no way to prove it from my vantage however, that this was repainted at the dealer's. I just don't see this getting past the factory, the VPC, the dealer get-ready, and all the salesmen. If it was parked in the shade next to the dealership showroom, that may be a clue. Also, if it was dealer-traded (see whether your dealer's name is on the Monroney Label from the window) the sending dealer may well have "traded" one he had to fix due to damage after delivery to him. I would ask to see the rep personally before I took any other steps, and keep it professional as I'm sure you will, which will always be in your favor. The VPC routinely fixes damage in transport to the docks, and you don't see this kind of problem.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
'07 Porsche 997TT
I would go beserk
Oh my God, that is amazing. There is no way they can't take that car back, if they care the least about customer satisfaction. I was one who was actually defending them during this whole NAV fiasco, that despite the appearance to the contrary, they really do care about customers. I guess they really don't care, 'cause jerk-offs like us keep buying their products. I would park that thing in front of the dealer with a nice big sign pointing out the MB quality you get for all your money. Are they not embarrased to let you drive that thing off the lot. It's amazing the differences you get from different dealers. Do not give up; call and write as many people as you can think of. Geez, it's not my car, and i'm pissed off.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: S.F Bay Area
2003 E-320 sport
Re: I would go beserk
Originally posted by cte430
Oh my God, that is amazing. There is no way they can't take that car back, if they care the least about customer satisfaction. I was one who was actually defending them during this whole NAV fiasco, that despite the appearance to the contrary, they really do care about customers. I guess they really don't care, 'cause jerk-offs like us keep buying their products. I would park that thing in front of the dealer with a nice big sign pointing out the MB quality you get for all your money. Are they not embarrased to let you drive that thing off the lot. It's amazing the differences you get from different dealers. Do not give up; call and write as many people as you can think of. Geez, it's not my car, and i'm pissed off.
Oh my God, that is amazing. There is no way they can't take that car back, if they care the least about customer satisfaction. I was one who was actually defending them during this whole NAV fiasco, that despite the appearance to the contrary, they really do care about customers. I guess they really don't care, 'cause jerk-offs like us keep buying their products. I would park that thing in front of the dealer with a nice big sign pointing out the MB quality you get for all your money. Are they not embarrased to let you drive that thing off the lot. It's amazing the differences you get from different dealers. Do not give up; call and write as many people as you can think of. Geez, it's not my car, and i'm pissed off.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
'07 Porsche 997TT
Re: Paint the whole car
Originally posted by MBinSCA
How about asking them to professionally paint and guarantee the entire car? That way there's no matching issues.
How about asking them to professionally paint and guarantee the entire car? That way there's no matching issues.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,110
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
MB
Re: Re: Paint the whole car
Originally posted by cte430
No way, I would not let them off that easy. Jesus Ch**st, you spend $65K on a car, and it doesn't drive strait, the engine sounds like a diesel, they can't get a NAV system in the car, and now, they sell a car that has a 2 tone paint job!!! I read a recent quote from a MB spokesperson regarding all the j.d. Power stuff and the comment was "... none of these issues affect the driveability of the car..." Oh, I see, so it's ok if we are constantly bringing the car into the shop to fix all these "minor" issues. I've never seen such arrogance.
No way, I would not let them off that easy. Jesus Ch**st, you spend $65K on a car, and it doesn't drive strait, the engine sounds like a diesel, they can't get a NAV system in the car, and now, they sell a car that has a 2 tone paint job!!! I read a recent quote from a MB spokesperson regarding all the j.d. Power stuff and the comment was "... none of these issues affect the driveability of the car..." Oh, I see, so it's ok if we are constantly bringing the car into the shop to fix all these "minor" issues. I've never seen such arrogance.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,006
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
'07 Porsche 997TT
One more thing
I just showed this thread to my brother who is the national sales manager for one of the very large paint manufacturers who sell the paint to the auto makers. Now, he has an eye for this kind of thing, and can see imperfections that most of us can't, but he said he could count on two hands the number of people in this country who could pull off repairing this without him knowing it was repaired. I remember several years ago, my father in law came over with his brand new Lincoln and while just casually looking at it my brother goes "you know this car was hit and repaired". He probably shouldn't have said it, and felt bad afterwards. It was a very minor repair, but he said cars are always having to get body work done from damage caused in transit, and most customers don't know enough to see it. NEW CAR!!
Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
Raise hell
I do not know your personality,but if this was me,the entire dealership would hear about this,customers included.Being one loud nasty sonofa*****.The suggestion about parking your car in front with a sign may sound stupid,but it has worked in the past in many cases.Calling your local TV station would also seem feasable,and could work.You have to request a meeting with the owner of the dealership,he has to know that this will a public relations nightmare.Money talks and **** walks,and many people become real nice when its going to affect their wallets.You seem to have been as reasonable as possible,its time to show them who pulls the strings.........
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: San Clemente, CA
2003 E-500
You appear to be getting a "royal shafting" over this. I would insist they put in writing what the deal is for your repair and have them cite the MB or MBUSA guidance/policy for this type of incident. Something is clearly wrong with your car, and this is the first time I've ever heard of such shabby treatment by a MB dealer over an obvious defect.
They could take the car back, give you a new one and use it as a loaner or settle this in a much more amicable way.
I would also let them know you have posted this incident on this forum and others (if you have already done so, if not post on others). I would then check with a lawyer and get his opinion of what next steps you should take after the lawyer sees their written decision.
I feel it's VERY IMPORTANT for you to get this decision in writing from them regarding your car. You can then post it on this web site and perhaps have a lawyer who is a member give you some firm legal advice or refer you to one.
Good luck and keep us informed as to how you make out.
They could take the car back, give you a new one and use it as a loaner or settle this in a much more amicable way.
I would also let them know you have posted this incident on this forum and others (if you have already done so, if not post on others). I would then check with a lawyer and get his opinion of what next steps you should take after the lawyer sees their written decision.
I feel it's VERY IMPORTANT for you to get this decision in writing from them regarding your car. You can then post it on this web site and perhaps have a lawyer who is a member give you some firm legal advice or refer you to one.
Good luck and keep us informed as to how you make out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 3,690
Likes: 2
From: Washington State
E-500
Originally posted by Double Eagle
You appear to be getting a "royal shafting" over this. I would insist they put in writing what the deal is for your repair and have them cite the MB or MBUSA guidance/policy for this type of incident. Something is clearly wrong with your car, and this is the first time I've ever heard of such shabby treatment by a MB dealer over an obvious defect.
They could take the car back, give you a new one and use it as a loaner or settle this in a much more amicable way.
I would also let them know you have posted this incident on this forum and others (if you have already done so, if not post on others). I would then check with a lawyer and get his opinion of what next steps you should take after the lawyer sees their written decision.
I feel it's VERY IMPORTANT for you to get this decision in writing from them regarding your car. You can then post it on this web site and perhaps have a lawyer who is a member give you some firm legal advice or refer you to one.
Good luck and keep us informed as to how you make out.
You appear to be getting a "royal shafting" over this. I would insist they put in writing what the deal is for your repair and have them cite the MB or MBUSA guidance/policy for this type of incident. Something is clearly wrong with your car, and this is the first time I've ever heard of such shabby treatment by a MB dealer over an obvious defect.
They could take the car back, give you a new one and use it as a loaner or settle this in a much more amicable way.
I would also let them know you have posted this incident on this forum and others (if you have already done so, if not post on others). I would then check with a lawyer and get his opinion of what next steps you should take after the lawyer sees their written decision.
I feel it's VERY IMPORTANT for you to get this decision in writing from them regarding your car. You can then post it on this web site and perhaps have a lawyer who is a member give you some firm legal advice or refer you to one.
Good luck and keep us informed as to how you make out.
This "wins the turkey" for shabby treatment. If the MB rep has not seen the car, then he can not know the extent of the problem and is only responding to the dealers description. Insist on the meeting with the rep to show him the car.
Good luck. Stay after the SOB's. You might print this thread out (and the original thread) and send it to the owner of the dealership and a copy to MBUSA customer relations.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 0
From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
MB should without a doubt give you a new car! That is unacceptable treatment. We buy/lease expensive cars to get a great vehicle and exemplarly dealer/manufacturer treatment. It is absolutely proposterous that they do not give you anything less than a new car. Considering that MB is known for their paint, this is especially disheartening. This is probably one of those things that as you did deeper and deeper you will find out what really happened.
While I typically would not condone doing anything rash, this is on of those sitatuations that you should start to really raise a can of whoopass. And I would try to get a sit down with the owner of the dealership.
While I typically would not condone doing anything rash, this is on of those sitatuations that you should start to really raise a can of whoopass. And I would try to get a sit down with the owner of the dealership.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: San Clemente, CA
2003 E-500
I spoke with my dealer rep handling my E-500 replacement today and told him about your problem. He was apalled to hear how you have been treated. He thought your dealer may be a small one and that is why they are giving you a hard time. They have 300 loaner cars in their dealer, and would definetly have treated you differently.
Let us know the size of your dealership, and I look forward to your posting what ever you get from them in writing. If they refuse to put it in writing, my guess is they are giving you a run around.
I would also call MBUSA in NJ and advise them on what is happening if you haven't already done so. They gave me a "reasonably straight answer" on the replacement NAV problem while dealer was guessing.
Let us know the size of your dealership, and I look forward to your posting what ever you get from them in writing. If they refuse to put it in writing, my guess is they are giving you a run around.
I would also call MBUSA in NJ and advise them on what is happening if you haven't already done so. They gave me a "reasonably straight answer" on the replacement NAV problem while dealer was guessing.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
From: New Jersey, USA
W211 & Q7
dealer or broker ?
Quattroleap,
Where did you get this car? from a mb dealer or a car broker? the former should be no problem replacing a new car for you; the latter, you have to get a lawyer immediately. Most of cases, he doesn't have time showing up the court, you can easily win the case. (I read your previous thread, obviously, you deal with a guy does not want to solve your problem. I believe he would like to solve your problem as soon as he receives the summon from court.)
Always buying car from the mb dealer. You may pay more but you are always protected by the dealer and mbusa. (Car broker may import cars directly or get cars from other dealers. however, there is no way to control them, you need a lawyer.)
Otto
Where did you get this car? from a mb dealer or a car broker? the former should be no problem replacing a new car for you; the latter, you have to get a lawyer immediately. Most of cases, he doesn't have time showing up the court, you can easily win the case. (I read your previous thread, obviously, you deal with a guy does not want to solve your problem. I believe he would like to solve your problem as soon as he receives the summon from court.)
Always buying car from the mb dealer. You may pay more but you are always protected by the dealer and mbusa. (Car broker may import cars directly or get cars from other dealers. however, there is no way to control them, you need a lawyer.)
Otto
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Tampa, FL
2001 E320, 2003 C230 Kompressor
Its obvious from the photo that that car door has been repainted. But didn't you notice it on delivery. And did you speak to the factory rep personally? Or did the dealer tell you what the rep supposedly said? I smell something rotten? Before I'd go any further, I'd want to speak with the rep face to face. Then depending upon what I was told, I'd make a decision.
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Bloomfield .CT
2000 528BMW 5sp
strongly doubt car came from factory
that way. it was probably damaged in ship
ment. Ask to see damage report. Use that/ I wouild still insist on a new car, yoi got a defective one, I would see lawyer. after you ascertained if was repaired damage, no car comes from factory that way. youi paid for a new car, nort one with defective paint job. Insist in meeting with MBA usa rep in person,
ment. Ask to see damage report. Use that/ I wouild still insist on a new car, yoi got a defective one, I would see lawyer. after you ascertained if was repaired damage, no car comes from factory that way. youi paid for a new car, nort one with defective paint job. Insist in meeting with MBA usa rep in person,
Member
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Bloomfield .CT
2000 528BMW 5sp
meet with MBUSA rep
car was damaged after it left factory. let rep know there is no satisfactory outcome but a new car, Insist on seeing any damage reports, Then go to a lawyer and send MBUSA a nice letter.
