Hope this does not create a lot of controversy, but thought I would say it. Recently had my "B" service completed and extremely satisfied with the dealership's service. I have the pre-paid maintenance plan also.
They throughly investigated some warranty issues as well. Got a loaner car for the time they had it. They did more than an independent would have.
It may have cost a little more, but not that much when you consider all they did and really contributes to my peace of mind.

 

I agree with you totally Dealer is the way to go. In addition to the expertice and training that the mechanics have the service is terriffic. Pick up Delivery and loaner cars plus a clean car being returned with everyting taken care of. I have been doing it this way for years. Why go to an indy the only advantage would be to save a couple of bucks.

 

I say: I am happy that the car is cared for regardless of where it's done you know?
I completely understand if someone wanted to go to the dealer, especially with the
prepaid business you know?

But in defense of indies: I love to go to them because they're small, I can watch, and learn even more because it's one on one time with the owner, and the tech, that both used to work at a dealer you know?
I will surely go for warranty things, and sometimes to visit the boutique to buy a hat or something, and I DO enjoy going there to visit and be in that 'environment' because of all the cars, the action and of course the showroom floor which is only feet away from the SA's desk
and a lot of the people know me there too, haha......
and they love my little girl

 

My indie retired so I am back to the dealer. I think I am getting better service. no shortcuts to save a few bucks.

 

I think it all depends on the availability of "good" independent shops in your area. One of the problems I have had with independent service while a car is still under warranty is that the indie may diagnose the part bad, order it, install it at a lower price than a dealer would charge, but, it would have been a no charge at a dealership, as they have better access the service bulletins (especially with new models). If it is under warranty, you are back to the dealer anyhow. In my area, there is not a good independent shop well versed in the diesels, so, I am pretty much held captive by the dealer. That said, my dealer seems fair, and there are enough "bells and whistles" that help take the sting out. I will say that I have not felt "had" by any of my services to date.

 

I have used an independant dealer for repairs that did not require complex diagnosis, repairing brakes, fuel pump, etc. However i found that complex repairs that required sophisticated diagnostics that the dealers have the expensive equipment required.

A further complication is that I have an S 320 series which is far less common then C or E series cars therefore mechanics see them less frequently, also my car is a 1995, so mechanics trained in repairing them are older and more likely to be retired, as my independent has just done.

When I was deciding to buy this car I read that the W140 was built without regard to cost, and it would be well the remember this when it comes time for repairs. This has proven to be the case, having said that i think it is worth it. Lets admit it, people are impressed when you pull up in this car.

 

I used to think otherwise but I agree with you. I had to have the 40K mile service done in my car and the Indy was going to save me money but upon closer inspection I found out he was omitting two major services called for in the service manual of the car and that's how he was "saving" me money. When I compared what he charges me and what the dealer would charge the difference was just about 15-20% and IMO not worth it. I took it to the dealer and had them do the service according to what is outlined on the service booklet. It gives me peace of mind and FWIW I have goodwill at the dealer. The couple of times I had issues with rattles and squeaks they spent hours to track down and address them for me to my satisfaction.

Now I think this is all local. If I felt my dealer was charging exorbitant charges I would have run away. But in my case, from the research I've done, they charge a "bit" extra and I can handle it. As long as my dealer does not try to rip me off I'll go to them from now on.

If any dealers are listening, treat your customers fairly and you will have lots of repeat business

 

While I'm a great proponent of indy shops, you do have to weigh the advantages (cost savings, more personal relationship, etc.) against the downsides during the warranty period. What are the possible downsides?

What is your recourse if the indy breaks something and blames it on a defect? Will the dealer then blame the issue on the indy? Is either wrong?

You'll need to go to two different places - the dealer for warranty service and the indy for maintenance.

Does the indy provide a loaner like the dealer? If not, how convenient is it to get a rental?

Will you run into warranty woes and be asked to prove that all maintenance was carried out properly. A prime example is proving that the proper fluids were used if there is a lubrication related failure.

My suggestion is as follows:

Start looking for an indy after your 40k service. At about the 45k - 48k mark (depending on how quickly you rack up the miles - or the equivalent time - a few months before warranty expiration,) pay that indy to inspect your car for warranty related issues. Tell them that you are intending to use them for future servicing. That motivates them to do a good inspection (expect to pay about an hour labor or so) and will allow you sufficient time (or miles) to get those issues resolved under warranty.

The job the indy does here will show you if you want to use them in the future and may literally save you thousands on repairs. When my indy inspected my 45k Audi, he found several issues that would have cost a few thousand to repair.

While this won't help you find a good indy, if you're cheap, coming up on warranty end and want to assure that there isn't anything major wrong with your car, then you can take it to CARMAX for an appraisal on a slow day. They'll tell you if they find anything major and you'll have the option to trade your car in if they find something scary.