SL/R230: My experience at Brabus NA...
06-23-2002, 01:09 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
My experience at Brabus NA...
Hi Everyone...
Today, I took a trip down to Newport Beach and visited the HQ of Brabus North America. I've been on the waiting list at a few So. California Benz dealers and heard they had a few SL's in-stock (with mark-up, of course!).
They had two on the floor, one was a Designo (Launch Edition) car, and the other was a customer's car which had the 6.1 V8 engine dropped in.
But on a sad note, the service at this "so called" world class tuner is, to say the least, horrible. I had to wait a 10 minutes before anyone approached me (I was the only person there), and even then, I was approached with caution by the sales person. As if I didn't have the money to buy the car! I kindly asked if the cars could be taken out for a test drive, and I was given a reply that our cars are $180,000, and our customers liked their cars delivered with the least mileage possible. Well, I think I'm equally inclined to buy a car as the person who walked in earlier to buy this car, right? Eventually, he offered to run a credit check, and would schedule a test drive at a later date.
As I was about to leave, the receptionist (a German woman) rudly interupted my conversation with the sales rep, asking him to immediately return a phone call without excusing herself!
Well...I just wanted to warn those who plan to visit Brabus in the future that not all Benz owners are welcome with open arms.
Here are some pictures of the SL w/ 6.1 V8 for your guys/gals!
Chris
Today, I took a trip down to Newport Beach and visited the HQ of Brabus North America. I've been on the waiting list at a few So. California Benz dealers and heard they had a few SL's in-stock (with mark-up, of course!).
They had two on the floor, one was a Designo (Launch Edition) car, and the other was a customer's car which had the 6.1 V8 engine dropped in.
But on a sad note, the service at this "so called" world class tuner is, to say the least, horrible. I had to wait a 10 minutes before anyone approached me (I was the only person there), and even then, I was approached with caution by the sales person. As if I didn't have the money to buy the car! I kindly asked if the cars could be taken out for a test drive, and I was given a reply that our cars are $180,000, and our customers liked their cars delivered with the least mileage possible. Well, I think I'm equally inclined to buy a car as the person who walked in earlier to buy this car, right? Eventually, he offered to run a credit check, and would schedule a test drive at a later date.
As I was about to leave, the receptionist (a German woman) rudly interupted my conversation with the sales rep, asking him to immediately return a phone call without excusing herself!
Well...I just wanted to warn those who plan to visit Brabus in the future that not all Benz owners are welcome with open arms.
Here are some pictures of the SL w/ 6.1 V8 for your guys/gals!
Chris
Trending Topics
06-23-2002, 07:27 AM
#8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
Originally posted by Richard
Whats that thing in the right hand footwell ???
R
Whats that thing in the right hand footwell ???
R
06-23-2002, 08:29 AM
#9
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Berkshire, UK
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 0
Received 16 Likes
on
13 Posts
2004 SL55, 2015 A250d, 2016 GLC250d
Aha, we dont get that in Europe - you US guys get extra cupholders - I think you get one in the centre console on ML's, and obviously that one on the SL
06-23-2002, 08:32 AM
#10
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Hong Kong / Jakarta
Posts: 3,216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CLS350
WOW, that Brabus 6.1 looks really great! I don't know how they run BRABUS in germany but i have been to the NA dealer and YES they are rude. I went in to check out the SLK V8 a year ago and they were not very friendly. I was told that their clientele are sent directly by appointment from Fletcher Jones, which explains the reason why there arent any salesmen available in the showroom.
06-23-2002, 11:36 AM
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Richard...
Yup, it's cupholders alright! You know us Americans and your love with cupholders
I don't know where these extra ones came from...because I thought there were fold out ones in the center console. I guess these are cupholders similar to ones on the BMW Z8 which attach to the side of the center console.
Chris
Yup, it's cupholders alright! You know us Americans and your love with cupholders
I don't know where these extra ones came from...because I thought there were fold out ones in the center console. I guess these are cupholders similar to ones on the BMW Z8 which attach to the side of the center console.
Chris
06-23-2002, 07:41 PM
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
Cupholders clarification
Originally posted by onesixeight
I don't know where these extra ones came from...because I thought there were fold out ones in the center console. I guess these are cupholders similar to ones on the BMW Z8 which attach to the side of the center console.
Chris
I don't know where these extra ones came from...because I thought there were fold out ones in the center console. I guess these are cupholders similar to ones on the BMW Z8 which attach to the side of the center console.
Chris
06-24-2002, 02:48 AM
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1M, F550M, F550B, F40, S600, 365GTC, DBSx2, etc.
Wow, I must say I love the rims + body kit. Very nice, aggressive and yet still subtle. I wonder how much they weigh in comparison ot the stock 5 spoke rims (not the flat ones, the "beveled" ones).
--Dan
--Dan
06-24-2002, 05:38 AM
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,425
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2000 W210 E55->2003 R230 SL500->2004 W211 E55->2007 997TT+2007 E63->2010 GLK350->2012 E550 4matic
Originally posted by onesixeight
Thanks W220!
Do you know where it attaches to? Is it right where it is pictured in the interior shot?
Chris
Thanks W220!
Do you know where it attaches to? Is it right where it is pictured in the interior shot?
Chris
There is a small plastic cover plate about the size of a quarter, at the passenger seat's frame (the bottom plastic part), you remove the little plate cover and slide the removable cupholder right in.
The other two cupholders are hidden right below the COMAND screen.
06-24-2002, 10:31 AM
#16
Out Of Control!
Going back to your original experience, i've had the same when i visited their booth at last years LA Auto show. Unless you walk in there looking like a millionaire they wouldn't even talk to you. These guys are all about $$$$$$$$ and lots of it! Their products are great but their CS is something else and needs a lot of improvement!
06-24-2002, 10:46 AM
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GMT -8 hours
Posts: 5,640
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes
on
9 Posts
Mercedes-Benz
Wow that car is amazing, I think I am going to cry lol. To get good customer service you probably need to drive up in a new benz loaded with brabus parts 
.
.
06-24-2002, 12:46 PM
#18
Senior Member
Thread Starter
I did one of the two. I did drive up in a S500 with Brabus wheels, and my friend who came with me drove his CLK 430 with Brabus wheels too. Funny thing you said that because right before we left to Brabus, we were deciding what to wear. It was hot, so I just threw on a set of comfortable jeans and a t-shirt. Hey, it's warming up here in Southern Cal!
But in anycase, one shouldn't judge by what he/she drives or their appearance. Next time, I'm going to dress like a "bum" and buy the car cash...let's see what they say then. Probably nothing, just take my money and run.
To update: I've decided that even if I'm going to do some of the Brabus mods, I'm going to purchase them else where and get the labor done at the Brabus facility. I think on the 6.1 engine, the list from Brabus is $32K, but someone told me they can help me arrange the mods for closer to $30K.
We'll see...
Chris
But in anycase, one shouldn't judge by what he/she drives or their appearance. Next time, I'm going to dress like a "bum" and buy the car cash...let's see what they say then. Probably nothing, just take my money and run.
To update: I've decided that even if I'm going to do some of the Brabus mods, I'm going to purchase them else where and get the labor done at the Brabus facility. I think on the 6.1 engine, the list from Brabus is $32K, but someone told me they can help me arrange the mods for closer to $30K.
We'll see...
Chris
06-25-2002, 03:14 AM
#20
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Hong Kong / Jakarta
Posts: 3,216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CLS350
Originally posted by Mach430
Why not just get the Kleemann SC?
Why not just get the Kleemann SC?
06-25-2002, 11:11 PM
#21
Out Of Control!!
Originally posted by Tezta
Yeah why not? It's half the cost of the 6.1 engine, you get more power, and probably wont take as long to install. The only things from BRABUS that are actually worth while are the interior appointments, for 7G's you get a full mastik/alcantara leather interior. And you get to pick your own color and stitching.
Yeah why not? It's half the cost of the 6.1 engine, you get more power, and probably wont take as long to install. The only things from BRABUS that are actually worth while are the interior appointments, for 7G's you get a full mastik/alcantara leather interior. And you get to pick your own color and stitching.
06-27-2002, 12:01 AM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Studio City, CA
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2009 BMW 750i, 2008 Toyota Prius
Originally posted by onesixeight
I did one of the two. I did drive up in a S500 with Brabus wheels, and my friend who came with me drove his CLK 430 with Brabus wheels too. Funny thing you said that because right before we left to Brabus, we were deciding what to wear. It was hot, so I just threw on a set of comfortable jeans and a t-shirt. Hey, it's warming up here in Southern Cal!
But in anycase, one shouldn't judge by what he/she drives or their appearance. Next time, I'm going to dress like a "bum" and buy the car cash...let's see what they say then. Probably nothing, just take my money and run.
To update: I've decided that even if I'm going to do some of the Brabus mods, I'm going to purchase them else where and get the labor done at the Brabus facility. I think on the 6.1 engine, the list from Brabus is $32K, but someone told me they can help me arrange the mods for closer to $30K.
We'll see...
Chris
I did one of the two. I did drive up in a S500 with Brabus wheels, and my friend who came with me drove his CLK 430 with Brabus wheels too. Funny thing you said that because right before we left to Brabus, we were deciding what to wear. It was hot, so I just threw on a set of comfortable jeans and a t-shirt. Hey, it's warming up here in Southern Cal!
But in anycase, one shouldn't judge by what he/she drives or their appearance. Next time, I'm going to dress like a "bum" and buy the car cash...let's see what they say then. Probably nothing, just take my money and run.
To update: I've decided that even if I'm going to do some of the Brabus mods, I'm going to purchase them else where and get the labor done at the Brabus facility. I think on the 6.1 engine, the list from Brabus is $32K, but someone told me they can help me arrange the mods for closer to $30K.
We'll see...
Chris
