Shumacher European has a company called "Palm Leasing" that's basically Enterprise. The C320's they're currently using have GPS and bluetooth (at least the ones I've been in) and all are under about 20k miles. That said, if they run out ... well, they run out! We all know that MB service can be very busy, what with all the ticky-tacky things that can go sideways on a Mercedes (like turbo hoses and suspension bags exloding - you know, the little things), and if there's not a Benz they will get you a car. I have heard people complaining loudly about the fact that they're not getting a Mercedes, even though they showed up unannounced on a Monday afternoon with a car that wasn't purchased there (which usually excludes folks from loaners, by the way). The folks at Palm are extremely patient. And I'm glad to be getting a car - though more glad to be getting a C-class, which is why I normally make an appointment!

STP

 

Dropped my car off yesterday and got a Chevy Impala. I don't really care since it's new and doesn't stink inside, but I missed my e55 as soon as I got in it.

 

You do know that you sound like a pompous ***** by complaining about a loaner that you use for like 2-3 days?

 

That's like a little harsh.

 

I usually ride the courtesy shuttle but did get a loaner one time, which was a W203 C-class. Not much of a Mercedes IMHO and I'm not going to bother again.

 

Yes I do.

 

Sometimes the truth is harsh.....

 

i've always got a MB as a loaner. But they are always the lowest end C series. It would be nice to get a comparable car - so if you drop off a S class, you get a S class...but that will never happen. I have never gotten a loaner that was better than the car I was dropping off from MB or Lexus. I did when I owned an acura though...drop off a MDX, get an RL..LOL.

 

Just curious - what kind of loaner do you get when your Camry Hybrid needs a brake job?

 

Last I was back home they weren't giving loaners in Bollywood

 

Hhmmm....maybe it's time I change dealers (Valencia MB uses Enterprise). If I go for service on a Wednesday or Thursday, I can get a C class. Otherwise, they run out of MB's and I get a Pontiac Looser, er Cruiser or a Kia POS. I do like my SA at Valencia though.

 

Jen, Walter's in Riverside will always give you a C class unless you ask for a Audi, they have both. I like my SA there too.

 

And your point is? I'd rather get a car that I'm fully familiar with and know how everything operates, and also a car that I know has plenty of airbags, and is full of safety features, even for a "low-end" rental... A car I know myself or my family will be safe traveling in, even it is for a few days. Not sure I can say the same about a Pontiac, Kia, etc.

 

I agree completely. We bought MBZ for a reason. If I wanted to drive a Pontiac, Kia or PT Cruiser, I would of bought one. I am a mom of 3 children like many on this forum and keeping our children safe is our number one priority. Having MB loaners was one of the many reasons we decided to buy an import. I was tired of American cars breaking down and then getting a rental car that couldn't even make it back up the mountain without over heating.

 

Smythe European in San Jose has great service and I always get an MB loaner. Had an 09 ML with 4k miles and Sirius active for 3 days. Was great!

 

I agree 100% with that!

I also, however, agree that it would be ridiculous to assume that your Benz service center, especially in this economy, would have an unlimited number MB loaners. Just how many they do have, I think that would depend on the overall size of the dealer. But what are they supposed to do when they run out of MB loaners? I know at my dealership they'll offer you two options; a ride home (and yes, they'll pick you up) and something from the Enterprise fleet.

I gotta ask, when you travel, do you insist on leasing a Mercedes for your family for a few days or a week wherever you are? I know that I rent a car, the best one I can get my hands on but not always one I'd choose to drive for an extended period. I keep in mind that it's only temporary and I'll be back to the conveyance of my choice as soon as possible.

So I guess I'm looking at it from both sides of the argument?

STP

 

Well due to Caliber Motors getting a new service center they have 4 C300s and the rest are piece of **** Camrys

 

Wow, Caliber switched to Camrys? I went there last year when I bought my '08 from them (which got lemon lawed) and they had C and R class to choose from. It was first come first serve, and when those ran out you were stuck with the shuttle. Very interesting.

STP- I agree, there is always a limited amount on hand. I do try and schedule my trips there because that guarantee's you a MB loaner. When you just stop it, then yes you get what is left. Although, everytime my '08 was towed in dead, they always had MB or Audi there and availible.

 

i agree completely. thanks to momsbenz, My intentions are conveyed nice here in your message.