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We know that when we go to the stealership, while we expect to get the absolute BEST job and service, it's gonna cost. I included this snippet from a quote received back in February from the MB Marietta GA. While the price was up there, I really should not have been surprised.
The roof was tilted open, but it was NOT stuck. I asked them to take a look and make a diagnosis. This is what they provided. The service manager stated that the top could not be closed due to its condition. And it was a common repair for the S550's (W222). Remember, it is NOT stuck.
A week or so later I was at a local repair shop and made the same request. During the troubleshooting I witnessed the tech via the diagnostic tool run the shade and roof through its full motion. His conclusion:
It is showing a fault, but we do not have the tools to address. Should cost a couple hundred.
My real complaint is not the MB Marietta did not perform the same, but that their Service Director and GM had no response to the note I sent them concerning this. Both of them provided me their direct email address when leaving. One via an email and the other via a hanging placard. If that's not bad enough, MBUSA says:
Suk it up and get over it. We are not getting involved
So next time you take your vehicle to the stealership, be aware of what could happen. It's enough to make you wonder if one is to authorize the service, would they have actually replaced these parts.
Unfortunately this is not an isolated incident and it crosses all brands not just MB, with many dealers reeling from the slowdown some are gouging where/when they can, despite the millions in PPP they most likely got...but that's another story entirely.
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
I'm amazed at the frequent posts describing a horrible experience when dealing with MB dealers.
I feel even more lucky, since my dealer (and other brands too (BMW, Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche and Audi) would bend over only to make me happy and be always satisfied with the service/repair done on my cars.
It helps that I am buddies with them since they were in MB or Porsche Sales like myself in the 80s and now they all advanced to a GM or dealer Principal position.
Are you surprised by this? This is not a MB issue - this is every car dealership across all brands. They do not make repairs to cars, if you would like your car repaired you need to find a trusted independent. Dealership service departments are just part swappers. They will be happy to throw parts at your car (at your great expense) and replace anything that has a fault. They will not diagnose and "fix" an issue.
Are you surprised by this? This is not a MB issue - this is every car dealership across all brands. They do not make repairs to cars, if you would like your car repaired you need to find a trusted independent. Dealership service departments are just part swappers. They will be happy to throw parts at your car (at your great expense) and replace anything that has a fault. They will not diagnose and "fix" an issue.
Precisely. I had the transfer case go out on my 4matic. Dealership wanted $8500 to replace the combined transmission / transfer case. Got it rebuilt at indy for $2500.
I'm amazed at the frequent posts describing a horrible experience when dealing with MB dealers.
I feel even more lucky, since my dealer (and other brands too (BMW, Bentley, Ferrari, Porsche and Audi) would bend over only to make me happy and be always satisfied with the service/repair done on my cars.
It helps that I am buddies with them since they were in MB or Porsche Sales like myself in the 80s and now they all advanced to a GM or dealer Principal position.
Porsche in the 80's...glorious times with some of their best cars being made...wish I had kept any of mine.
I don't think this has anything to do with COVID, PPP, shelter in place, global pandemic or anything related. It is normal behavior at Mercedes dealerships. I have had neutral or positive experiences at multiple other vehicle brands.
Mercedes is the standout, with BMW a close second in terms of poor and dissatisfying sales, parts and service experience at the dealer.
I don't think this has anything to do with COVID, PPP, shelter in place, global pandemic or anything related. It is normal behavior at Mercedes dealerships. I have had neutral or positive experiences at multiple other vehicle brands.
Mercedes is the standout, with BMW a close second in terms of poor and dissatisfying sales, parts and service experience at the dealer.
I've had no issues, sales or service with the two MB dealerships I use...
The BMW dealer I bought my M850 from was atrocious, but my servicing dealership has been good
Just find a dealer that’s NOT, I was charged 3 k for a Sirus module while under warranty by one dealer ,I refused, then went to other local dealer, all covered not a dime, headquarters don’t control dealers is what I found , just find honest dealer or indie, some are great some are true thieves
We have had a completely different experience with the three dealers we have dealt with over the last 30 years. Not one issue was not resolved at what we found to be a semi reasonable cost. Not once did we think we were taken. But this may well be because we have purchased more than a dozen cars and get treated right by the dealers.
utterly asinine behavior......which is why I have not set foot in one for YEARS! I even went to the indy once for a warranty issue with a aux battery.......FAWK the dealers at all cost.....they can all suck it.
utterly asinine behavior......which is why I have not set foot in one for YEARS! I even went to the indy once for a warranty issue with a aux battery.......FAWK the dealers at all cost.....they can all suck it.
Speaking of auxiliary batteries. Got a quote from the dealer -- wanted over $400 to replace. Indy $275 -- same battery. While not a huge amount of money, it's things like this that keep people out of the dealership service departments unless it involves warranty work.
The dealership is where I go for repairs under warranty. Otherwise, it's an independent mechanic. It's good to have a relationship with one if you are in the habit of owning German cars long term. My problem is that I'm apt to repair minor problems myself, and this keeps me away from the mechanic. The Mercedes WIS is a PITA. I wish someone would post on-line technical repair data as is available for BMW on newTIS.info
As an aside, the service advisor at my local MB dealership realizes that I know a little about how my car actually runs and seems to be very responsive to what I say as I made the correct diagnosis regarding my last two issues. I don't know if that would keep me from getting fleeced over something like the sunroof.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
Stabbed at the Stealership
