Purchasing a car at MB of Delray Beach was probably the worst dealership experience I have had since I started purchasing new cars in 1982. Horrible. Arrived on 6/12/25 at 8:40 am at Mercedes Benz Delray Beach to trade in my 2018 MB E400 Coupe and purchase a 2025 MB CLE53 AMG. I was there from 8:40am until 3:30pm and didn't even come home with the car. I don't think this car was even prepped at all by the dealership. I think it was delivered off the transport, dropped in a parking spot and left there and delivered to me. Disgraceful. On a $95,000 car? Terrible. The vehicle was dirty upon delivery. They delivered it to me outside. Imagine that. Outside! First time I was ever delivered a new vehicle that wasn't inside a new car delivery bay. Plastic was still covering the AMG door sills. Dirt build up on the edges of the PPF that the car comes with. The rocker panels of the car were dirty. The car that I was trading in and just drove 133 miles to Delray from Naples was cleaner than the new car they gave me. I came with my tire pressure gauge because I've learned from experience to check the tire pressure. Every tire was near 50 psi. I think that is how it is shipped on the boat. Over inflated so it does not develop flat spots on the journey. According to the car labeling on the door jam it should be 41 front 39 rear. But the door jam usually states psi for max loads. I rather go on what is on the gas cap door. Didn't they even check it? Imagine if I drove home at 50 PSI. It would have felt like driving on bricks.' At around 12 pm, I was sitting in the car with Ron Miller, the salesman, and decided to check the convertible roof. It would not open. No one (not VPC in Brunswick or the dealer who has the ultimate responsibility) checked to see if the convertible roof worked before delivering the car to the customer. How can that happen? I remember getting check lists from other dealers including MB that showed the tech went over the entire car. Not here. They brought it to service area to repair it. Three hours later at 3:00pm, I told them I cannot wait much longer. Give me an UBER home. General Manager Clifford Bush asked me to give it to 3:30pm. They wouldn't give me an Uber home but would give me a loaner. I drove home 133 miles to Naples, FL in such pain from my neck area, it was unbearable. I also dealt with the Sales Manager, Joseph Cardella, who showed empathy. According to them, they were taking a latch off of another cabriolet and switching it with my broken one. By 3:15pm, they realized that a sensor (so they told me) that had to do with the latch needed to be replaced and unfortunately, that part couldn't be taken off of the donor car. They had to order that part and said it would be there the next day. They said they would deliver the car to me and pick up the loaner car. I told them I want no one driving my car but me. They will deliver it on a flatbed. What a disappointment. Who knows when that will be? I called MB USA and made a complaint and was given a case number. I am actually concerned as to what else might be wrong with the car that I did not get a chance to check. What kind of shape will it be in when they deliver it to me? I don't know. I felt like cancelling the deal. I'm not saying they weren't empathetic and not embarrassed about this debacle. They were very apologetic but it was not enough. I am giving them one chance to rectify this otherwise the sale will be cancelled. I can't believe that my salesman, Ron Miller would allow a car that he sold to be delivered in this condition. I can't believe any salesman would allow this. They live on reputation. Ultimately, Ron Miller has to shoulder the blame. Service department must share the blame as well for not checking the car thoroughly. I guess he didn't care enough. Through all this, I did not raise my voice once. I am sorry but I cannot recommend this dealership. This shouldn't even happen on a $30k car, let alone a $95k car. I am so disappointed and sad.



Update 6/13 They've ordered a microswitch for the convertible roof to replace. After installing one, Mr. Baldwin , the Service manager decided to order another one to replace as well to make sure everything is fine. Of course, that delays it until the part arrives hopefully on Monday, 6/16/25.

I don't know why they just didn't initially order two.

I told the salesman that I expect the car to be delivered in impeccable shape.

Update 6/17 Car was delivered on a flatbed. Immaculate condition and everything working fine. MB USA and AutoNation were disappointments in helping me.
Salesman had the audacity and ***** to ask me to do him a favor and give him a good review.

 

Sorry to hear all that, sounds like PDI didn't do what they are required to do, despite charging you for their job.

I am glad things worked out in the end, please share pictures and I hope you enjoy the vehicle.

Do you have pictures of the vehicle in the previous state by chance as well?

 

That’s frustrating to deal with, especially when you’re excited about a new car and expect the delivery experience to match that feeling. A smooth handoff and clear communication from the dealer really sets the tone for ownership, so delays or poor coordination are especially disappointing. Sometimes being proactive with questions about timing and paperwork helps avoid surprises on pickup day. When I’ve been in situations where logistics were tricky, having dependable transportation like through sallimoservice made handling timing and appointments much easier.