Mercedes Stealerships drive people to Lexus
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Orange, CA
1993 500SEL
Mercedes Stealerships drive people to Lexus
Well, today at 1:30 pm I tried to order a replacement remote key for my 1993 500SEL by calling the local stealership, Mercedes-Benz of Anaheim, a Caliber Motors Company. I called their parts department.
I got an answering machine saying "Don" was away but that my call was important so please leave a message. I left my message and phone number.
5 hours later and no return call.
Parts department closed at 6:30 pm.
Stealerships suck.
At least more stealerships exist locally. The one I called doesn't seem to employ qualified people.
Why do people support stealerships? Oh, I know. Some things can only be acquired from Mercedes dealers. Betcha this key will cost over $300!
BudW
I got an answering machine saying "Don" was away but that my call was important so please leave a message. I left my message and phone number.
5 hours later and no return call.
Parts department closed at 6:30 pm.Stealerships suck.
At least more stealerships exist locally. The one I called doesn't seem to employ qualified people.
Why do people support stealerships? Oh, I know. Some things can only be acquired from Mercedes dealers. Betcha this key will cost over $300!
BudW
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 348
Likes: 60
From: SoCal
3phase-4pole
Well, today at 1:30 pm I tried to order a replacement remote key for my 1993 500SEL by calling the local stealership, Mercedes-Benz of Anaheim, a Caliber Motors Company. I called their parts department.
I got an answering machine saying "Don" was away but that my call was important so please leave a message. I left my message and phone number.
5 hours later and no return call. Parts department closed at 6:30 pm.
Stealerships suck.
At least more stealerships exist locally. The one I called doesn't seem to employ qualified people.
Why do people support stealerships? Oh, I know. Some things can only be acquired from Mercedes dealers. Betcha this key will cost over $300!
BudW
I got an answering machine saying "Don" was away but that my call was important so please leave a message. I left my message and phone number.
5 hours later and no return call.
Parts department closed at 6:30 pm.Stealerships suck.
At least more stealerships exist locally. The one I called doesn't seem to employ qualified people.
Why do people support stealerships? Oh, I know. Some things can only be acquired from Mercedes dealers. Betcha this key will cost over $300!
BudW
I had a great connection at the house of imports in buena park until she left. I only needed to email her and she got back to me with a quote and an invoice so I can just come by to pickup. zero calls. my buddies and I miss her but oh well
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 18
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From: Westchester County New York
GL550 (on order), Ferrari 308GTS, Lexus LX470, Ford Explorer
My wife drives a Lexus and the dealer treats her as if she is the last customer on earth. Broke the key to the lug nut locks while buying tires at Costco. She went to Lexus without an appt and while she waited they got off the locking nuts...put on non locking and then washed her car. I also got change of a $100. I on the other hand I have on order a GL550 and I went to 4 snobbish ( NEVER returned my calls )and/or incompetant ( couldn't work the computer )MB dealers before I found one that was decent. They must be out of their minds. If Lexus had the type of car I wanted I would have bought it in a flash.
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
Well, today at 1:30 pm I tried to order a replacement remote key for my 1993 500SEL by calling the local stealership, Mercedes-Benz of Anaheim, a Caliber Motors Company. I called their parts department.
I got an answering machine saying "Don" was away but that my call was important so please leave a message. I left my message and phone number.
5 hours later and no return call. Parts department closed at 6:30 pm.
Stealerships suck.
At least more stealerships exist locally. The one I called doesn't seem to employ qualified people.
Why do people support stealerships? Oh, I know. Some things can only be acquired from Mercedes dealers. Betcha this key will cost over $300!
BudW
I got an answering machine saying "Don" was away but that my call was important so please leave a message. I left my message and phone number.
5 hours later and no return call.
Parts department closed at 6:30 pm.Stealerships suck.
At least more stealerships exist locally. The one I called doesn't seem to employ qualified people.
Why do people support stealerships? Oh, I know. Some things can only be acquired from Mercedes dealers. Betcha this key will cost over $300!
BudW
Call Caliber Wholesale Parts and talk to JESSE ... He will handle it
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Joined: Apr 2007
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Well, today at 1:30 pm I tried to order a replacement remote key for my 1993 500SEL by calling the local stealership, Mercedes-Benz of Anaheim, a Caliber Motors Company. I called their parts department.
I got an answering machine saying "Don" was away but that my call was important so please leave a message. I left my message and phone number.
5 hours later and no return call. Parts department closed at 6:30 pm.
Stealerships suck.
At least more stealerships exist locally. The one I called doesn't seem to employ qualified people.
Why do people support stealerships? Oh, I know. Some things can only be acquired from Mercedes dealers. Betcha this key will cost over $300!
BudW
I got an answering machine saying "Don" was away but that my call was important so please leave a message. I left my message and phone number.
5 hours later and no return call.
Parts department closed at 6:30 pm.Stealerships suck.
At least more stealerships exist locally. The one I called doesn't seem to employ qualified people.
Why do people support stealerships? Oh, I know. Some things can only be acquired from Mercedes dealers. Betcha this key will cost over $300!
BudW
You like using the word "Stealership" dont you?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 35
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From: Dallas
1996 S500 Sedan
Major hint: join the Mercedes Banz CLub of America, and get to know someone in the parts department. Like anywhere, once you get to know someone, you'll never wait again (I get royal service even when ordering a light bulb now!) 
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 27
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From: Orange, CA
1993 500SEL
Thanks, I will join first thing today.
Fortunately, for me, I found the key in the driver's seat that I thought would let items fall to the back floor. That was one of life's better pleasures, finding a key at the very last place I could look for it.
In the meantime, I also found a local independent that knows these cars well even though he never went through the Mercedes training.
"Driven" is good. I have been listening to it while reading this thread. Thank you for that as well.
BudW
Fortunately, for me, I found the key in the driver's seat that I thought would let items fall to the back floor. That was one of life's better pleasures, finding a key at the very last place I could look for it.
In the meantime, I also found a local independent that knows these cars well even though he never went through the Mercedes training.
"Driven" is good. I have been listening to it while reading this thread. Thank you for that as well.
BudW
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Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
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From: Orange, CA
1993 500SEL
Stealership, stealerships seen one seen 'em all.
Gotta give credit where credit is due. They earn their titles and they should be damned proud of it.
Oh nameless one, what shall I title such places when they put the customer last and don't even return calls for services they overcharge to provide?
I know, I should call them LAST!
BudW
Gotta give credit where credit is due. They earn their titles and they should be damned proud of it.
Oh nameless one, what shall I title such places when they put the customer last and don't even return calls for services they overcharge to provide?
I know, I should call them LAST!
BudW
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Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2007
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From: Orange, CA
1993 500SEL
Hey, congrats of your new toy! 
Quite a fine collection of toys you put together there.
We, too, have a Lexus and it never breaks it seems. It is my wife's favorite car of all time. She says my 500SEL is a boat compared to her Lexus. Well, it is tankish, smooth and as close to perfect as any 15 year old car ever could be.
I will make a point to ask for Jesse on my next call. One thing about parts guys, can't live without 'em.
Thank you for the referral to Jesse.
BTW, found my key. It felt better than Christmas when I touched it behind the front seat cushion. Talk about instant gratification. It felt like.... money!
BudW
Quite a fine collection of toys you put together there.
We, too, have a Lexus and it never breaks it seems. It is my wife's favorite car of all time. She says my 500SEL is a boat compared to her Lexus. Well, it is tankish, smooth and as close to perfect as any 15 year old car ever could be.
I will make a point to ask for Jesse on my next call. One thing about parts guys, can't live without 'em.
Thank you for the referral to Jesse.
BTW, found my key. It felt better than Christmas when I touched it behind the front seat cushion. Talk about instant gratification. It felt like.... money!
BudW
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Stealership, stealerships seen one seen 'em all.
Gotta give credit where credit is due. They earn their titles and they should be damned proud of it.
Oh nameless one, what shall I title such places when they put the customer last and don't even return calls for services they overcharge to provide?
I know, I should call them LAST!
BudW
Gotta give credit where credit is due. They earn their titles and they should be damned proud of it.
Oh nameless one, what shall I title such places when they put the customer last and don't even return calls for services they overcharge to provide?
I know, I should call them LAST!
BudW
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 27
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From: Orange, CA
1993 500SEL
Stealership! Powerful word for the unwary about what goes on in some, not all, of the dealerships that have cornered the market on new Mercedes parts and verhicles.
Does it invoke trust?
Does it invoke sarcasm in badly treated, potential customers?
Does it anger the local dealership loyals?
Seems stealership brings out the truth.
Can that be a bad thing?
Can it be used too much when one person repeatedly reposts it as a complaint that someone else first used it?
BudW
Does it invoke trust?
Does it invoke sarcasm in badly treated, potential customers?
Does it anger the local dealership loyals?
Seems stealership brings out the truth.
Can that be a bad thing?
Can it be used too much when one person repeatedly reposts it as a complaint that someone else first used it?
BudW
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Calm down. It just seems like your too eager to be using the word. I work at a MB dealership and it doesnt offend me at all. I dont make the prices or the cars, I just know that someone cuts me a check every week to fix them, and thats all I care about.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4
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From: Canada
S 320
Keep in mind, you are the one who lost the key. I sense that you are taking it out on the people at the dealership. The only one you should be upset at is yourself for losing the $300 key.
Nowadays, any key for a luxury automobile will set you back $250 +.
Nowadays, any key for a luxury automobile will set you back $250 +.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 27
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From: Orange, CA
1993 500SEL
Yeah, I am responsible for my actions.
The fact that I NEVER received a call back from the dealership is their fault or maybe you think even that is my fault too?
I found the key. It was in the front seat, lodged between the cushions that do not allow for items to fall to the floor behind the seat. Found some loose change there too.
It is not a problem but the nearly $4,000 in repairs suggested by the service writer seemed excessive. A local independent did all repairs for less that $700.
The dealer wanted $800 for installing four new Michelin tires. Costco wanted $520 fo the same tires installed. I don't even want to tell you what I actually paid to replace the four Michelins with new ones I found on Craigslist.
BudW
The fact that I NEVER received a call back from the dealership is their fault or maybe you think even that is my fault too?
I found the key. It was in the front seat, lodged between the cushions that do not allow for items to fall to the floor behind the seat. Found some loose change there too.
It is not a problem but the nearly $4,000 in repairs suggested by the service writer seemed excessive. A local independent did all repairs for less that $700.
The dealer wanted $800 for installing four new Michelin tires. Costco wanted $520 fo the same tires installed. I don't even want to tell you what I actually paid to replace the four Michelins with new ones I found on Craigslist.
BudW
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 5
From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
Yeah, I am responsible for my actions.
The fact that I NEVER received a call back from the dealership is their fault or maybe you think even that is my fault too?
I found the key. It was in the front seat, lodged between the cushions that do not allow for items to fall to the floor behind the seat. Found some loose change there too.
It is not a problem but the nearly $4,000 in repairs suggested by the service writer seemed excessive. A local independent did all repairs for less that $700.
The dealer wanted $800 for installing four new Michelin tires. Costco wanted $520 fo the same tires installed. I don't even want to tell you what I actually paid to replace the four Michelins with new ones I found on Craigslist.
BudW
The fact that I NEVER received a call back from the dealership is their fault or maybe you think even that is my fault too?
I found the key. It was in the front seat, lodged between the cushions that do not allow for items to fall to the floor behind the seat. Found some loose change there too.
It is not a problem but the nearly $4,000 in repairs suggested by the service writer seemed excessive. A local independent did all repairs for less that $700.
The dealer wanted $800 for installing four new Michelin tires. Costco wanted $520 fo the same tires installed. I don't even want to tell you what I actually paid to replace the four Michelins with new ones I found on Craigslist.
BudW
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 27
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From: Orange, CA
1993 500SEL
In this case, the service and used car facilities are not located on premium location land but they now have the premium facilities that used to be the dealerships showrooms and lots.
The fact is Mercedes is unique but the parts that fail mostly are not unique and do not require more in a technician's computers or tools. Sure the electronics might fail and for them specialized diagnostic equipment is required. But replacing control arms, bushings, motor mounts, heater valves, belts, things like I needed can actually be done by backyard mechanics with a car lift and a Mercedes repair manual.
These are, in my opinion, the ultimate in vehicle design and construction but things fail. Vacuum lines break in all the wrong places, amplifiers even made by Bose go out. But I have found satisfaction with well qualified independents, not "cheaper" but less expensive to trust with doing my service and repair work.
Thanks for your insight on the other matters discussed here.
BudW
The fact is Mercedes is unique but the parts that fail mostly are not unique and do not require more in a technician's computers or tools. Sure the electronics might fail and for them specialized diagnostic equipment is required. But replacing control arms, bushings, motor mounts, heater valves, belts, things like I needed can actually be done by backyard mechanics with a car lift and a Mercedes repair manual.
These are, in my opinion, the ultimate in vehicle design and construction but things fail. Vacuum lines break in all the wrong places, amplifiers even made by Bose go out. But I have found satisfaction with well qualified independents, not "cheaper" but less expensive to trust with doing my service and repair work.
Thanks for your insight on the other matters discussed here.
BudW
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From: New Zealand
1993 300SEL/S320
It sounds like a MBUSA thing here the dealers are great, I turn up in my 14yo car I still get called "Sir" I get great service from the parts dept I ordered a key the guy said he needed the VIN so walked outside with me to the car put up the bonnet and wrote down the VIN walked back inside put it in the computer and ordered it for me, gave me a recipt, called me a week later to say it had arrived and then posted it to me and it arrived the next day after the call. I can even phone and get pictures of parts and other things from WIS emailed to me from my dealership, I've never had a bad expierence from any dealer in NZ.
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Joined: Nov 2006
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From: UK, midlands
S500L, 1995
Same here. A trade call every day for 2 weeks and no call back. One man on parts, one line in. Crap. Wrong part arrived despite error code and part description being given. The dealers have to spend £££££s on shiny showrooms and we pay! We don't get to keep the chrome fittings and deep plunge neck lines though.
Pays to do research and not be a "retail" secrificial sheep.
Pays to do research and not be a "retail" secrificial sheep.
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