S-Class (W220) 1999-2006: S 320 CDI, S 320, S430, S 500, S 600

HBL Service Center

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Old Jul 13, 2003 | 10:57 AM
  #1  
kiddhan625's Avatar
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From: Northern Virginia
2002 S-430
HBL Service Center

For those of you who live in the Washington DC area, you guys are well aware of HBL. I took my S-430 there yesterday to get it washed. First off the people who work in the car wash department quoted me $30.00 to get it washed. I know for a fact they are not suppose to charge but anyways I was like fine I will give you $20.00. There like great. I come back 30 minutes later. Car looks really good except there is a huge key mark in the passenger door. I tell the guy what the hell is this. He claims that it was there before. I am like hell no it wasnt. So then the guy gets one of his employees who I guess is a detailing specialist to buff it out. Luckly it came out but just the fact that they wouldnt own up to there mistake really pissed me off!!! They also quoted me $180.00 for a complete detail which is a really good price in my opinion but after this whole key incident im not to sure. Anyone with similar experiences???
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Old Jul 14, 2003 | 04:09 PM
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Mercedes S430 '00
Being well aware of HBL's notorious reputation, why would you bring it there anyways?

I avoid that place like the plague and so do most of the folks who live in the DC metro area

I usually get "free" washes at ASC and Euro Motorcars and just tip the guys between $5-$10 bucks for their good work.

Dizzy
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Old Jul 24, 2003 | 11:31 PM
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From: vienna
2001 E55 & 1988 BMW M6
Dizzy - have you every had ASC and/or Euro Motorcars do a full detail on your car? if so, were you satisfied with the price and results...
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Old Jul 25, 2003 | 07:04 AM
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04 CLK55, 86 BMW 635CSi, 02 Dodge Dakota
Originally posted by Dizzy
Being well aware of HBL's notorious reputation, why would you bring it there anyways?

I avoid that place like the plague and so do most of the folks who live in the DC metro area
I'm (hopefully) going to take delivery of a CLK from HBL sometime next week. Oh my gosh: what should I know about their service department? Have I made a mistake by not purchasing from ASC?

I've got to say: I haven't been at all impressed with HBL's pre-sales performance. Is this the omen of things to come?

Responses really appreciated. Use email if you prefer. Thanks.
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Old Jul 25, 2003 | 05:25 PM
  #5  
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From: Northern Virginia
2002 S-430
There service has been good. I have never had problems with there service center at all. They have always taken care of my problems. But yeah there sales department sucks! We went into to look at S-classes during the winter and the guy wasnt even interested in helping us out. So we said screw it and bought our S-Class on ebay! And beware of those guys who wash your cars. I know for a fact that it will not be going back to them to get washed!
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Old Jul 27, 2003 | 08:55 PM
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1998 C230
just wash your car yourself

more fun

and you will generually do a better job then the dealer guys
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Old Jul 27, 2003 | 10:11 PM
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From: Bethesda, MD
Mercedes S430 '00
More food for thought.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...l&pagenumber=1

My service advisor at Euro is Charles Estelle and he's been pretty good so far.

I have this strange ticking noise on the driver's side that's coming from one of the wheels. Neither ASC nor Euro Motorcars have been able to fix the problem. I have brand new Michelin Energy Plus's so the tires are not the problem. The previous old tires made the same noise. Even after switching out numerous parts including the bearings, the soft ticking is still there. I've resigned to the fact that its always going to be there at this point.

At least Euro gives me benz's for loaners. The trick is to get there early in the morning because they only have about 25 benz's available. Which is much better than most other benz dealers in the area.

Dizzy
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Old Jul 28, 2003 | 11:06 AM
  #8  
kiddhan625's Avatar
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From: Northern Virginia
2002 S-430
I have always gotten a benz as a loaner at HBL. Infact once I even got a porsche boxster!
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Old Jul 28, 2003 | 06:07 PM
  #9  
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From: Arlington, VA
04 CLK55, 86 BMW 635CSi, 02 Dodge Dakota
Originally posted by Dizzy
More food for thought.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...l&pagenumber=1


Thanks so much for that referral link Dizzy. Very enlightening ... but also a little scary. I'm coming off five years of impeccable experience with a Lexus - both the car itself and the service (at both Lindsay and Pohanka) were absolutely top-notch - no complaints whatsoever. Based on all the commentary I've read in various groups here, I'm starting to think that the Mercedes experience is going to be a disaappointment. And unfortunately I've got little patience with mediocity from an organization that presents itself as first-order.

I will (hopefully) take delivery or a 04 CLK 55 this week ... I wonder if Lexus will service it for me!!! <g>
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 10:07 AM
  #10  
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From: Bethesda, MD
Mercedes S430 '00
Enjoy your new car. Judging by the disparities in service around this area, Lexux might do a better job servicing your Mercedes than a dealer!

Try Euro Motorcars and have Charles Estelle take care of your car. Tell him Rich Chang in the black S430 sent you over. He'll take care of you.

As far as HBL is concerened, does anyone have a service advisor to recommend? It's too far out of my way to even use it but my dad uses them all the time. Part of that old school, "I take my car to the place where I bought it..." thing still lingering there.

Dizzy
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