hyperion667

The one time I've had my car serviced I received a S class as a loaner, the dealer in Durham NC does not have an S to loan out: they offered c300 or GLK......not that I am opposed to such a car, but don't you guys think a S is worthy of an S loaner car? I tired to explain to the girl that isn't the Mercedes Benz way and she didn't say anything.......do I expect too much?


At least she'll have something to laugh about with her coworkers


any thoughts?

emilner

I've had S loaners before but usually it's an ML or GL. The S was just a 2014 trade in that was up for sale, the dealership doesn't keep them in stock for loaners. Could you imagine the cost in doing that? Let's face it, we aren't the only people servicing S classes, what happens if 2,3 or 4 cars are in at a time?

MTrauman

The S loaner thought is all a matter of perspective. In the "olden days" (late '90s early 2000's) I felt good about getting any loaner car in the Pittsburgh market--which happen to be a Toyota Camry since the dealer owned a Toyota dealership in central PA. Pittsburgh dealers do not have S class loaner cars so I guess I am happy with a C or GLK. I would love an S loaner when I take my W222 in but "not going to happen" in Pittsburgh.

Wolfman

Never seen S-class loaners ever. I have received S-class and SL's to drive during a more extensive repair that was typically a trade-in, but the typical loaner fleet consists of C,E, GLK, ML cars. The dealer gets a special deal from MB and after a year of service, these get leased out via special deals.

oswiff

The nicest car I have received as a loaner was a loaded Panamera 4S. Service guy was blunt about it and said that they wanted to give nicer cars to their customers in hopes they might like it so much they would consider buying one. Even with that car, they were quick to want it back as soon as my car was ready. Never have experienced as quick a turnaround.

The rest of the time were not exciting, LR2, c class, and an e class. I was offered a GL once but that was because they messed up and my e63 wagon was in for service for a long time.

I agree that the cars that you bring in should be close to what you get as a loaner, but unless it's a Rolls Royce (i've seen loaners that were Wraiths or Ghosts), Aston Martin (i've seen Rapide's and Vantage) or something on that level, I don't think dealerships will give us anything comparable. Frankly, I think they don't want the headache of explaining and arguing with customers who bring in a e350 and when they get a c250, complain when they see a customer drive off in a s550 loaner.

hyperion667

hmmm, guess the only one I know of is in Cary, NC, they have S loaners for S drivers......one or two I think.......


guess I'll suck it up and get the seatbelts replaced; I hate giving my car to the dealer

ChuckinTucson

Can confirm. Just got a C250 to keep at my office in Phoenix. Was a former service loaner and got a smokin' lease deal.

Long3494Qut

First world problems

hyperion667

tell me about it, I'll get to see the new c300 anyway

Red Marko

Cheer up gentlemen.
It looks like everybody gets a step down (or two step downs) model when in loaner mode.
Now, imagine you've got Hyundai/Kia brand which needs servicing. What would you get as a loaner, a beat up '84 Civic?

just1time

aren't loaners a complimentary service? I don't think it should matter what they give as a loaner...albeit the social hierarchy of classes in North America forbids a S class owner be seen in a smaller or less expensive vehicle ..lol

DP2014

I went in yesterday for squeaky brakes on my 2015 S550 and was given a 2013 S550 with only 1100 miles for the day in the Metro Atlanta area.

hyperion667

you see? some dealers do know how to treat customers
that is a service above and beyond evidently, that's two I know of now, thanx for sharing, and helping others to raise their expectations when buying and servicing a car that has a price tag of over 100K

DP2014

I should add that the previous times I have gone in for service I got a 2014 E350. First time with the 2013 S550 was this previous trip. I've learned that if you book your appointment in advance usually you can get into something better then a C Class.

hyperion667

dropped my car for new rear seatbelts due to the recall, and one of them jammed up too.....got an E350 It's a nice smooth ride, pretty small inside though, but was happy to get something I guess

BklynMarc

hyperion,

did you buy your S from the dealer in Durham? Was it something on their lot or did you order it?

I'm in the area and wanted to get your take on how they treat their customers. PM me if you can.

Thanks.

hyperion667

mortgagemaster

In Dallas I have been given C's, E's, GLK's and ML's, but never an S. I am happy to have anything, especially since it truly is free (they do not even ask for you to bring it back with as much gas as you started with).

clkcadet

I know its not the same, but my current A8 gets an A8 loaner. In fact the loaner I just had was more loaded than mine!

When I had S-Classes in the past, the best I got was an ML. On my new S550, I hope to get a comparable car!

onesixeight

At MB Seattle, they don't even guarantee a loaner car! It's first come first serve, no priority service for S-class owners. They made me feel lucky when they were able to locate an extra E350 loaner car.

A far cry from the days when MB was a premium product.

Russ103

I got a new C-300 last time and it made getting back in the E feel even better at the end of the day. I would imagine that feeling is multiplied with an S-Class

hyperion667

multiplied by 14


I was so happy to get in my car.......the E is so small and rigid, but handling
is so easy.......obviously not as huge

Jason B

What If they gave a w221 as a loaner? Would you be mad?

hyperion667

that would be fine have not driven one before, the loaner I had only had 150 miles on it

5634MG

You guys in the states are lucky that the B-Class isn't offered for sale. Most of the time when I don't book in advance, I'll usually get a B250 for the next few days. Granted I do sometimes get Es and MLs when I book in advance.