I knew the saphire blue 2001 SLK-230 was a grey market car when I bought it 3 months ago. But for the price and condition, I took a chance (eBay auctions)

I knew it didn't come with any warrentee but I didn't expect the Mercedes dealer to flat out refuse to do any kind of service on the car!

They said because the VIN is not a USA format, they can't enter it in their computer to generate any kind of invoice or paperwork.
Not so much as even a simple oil change even if I'm paying cash!

Fortunately, I found a good local shop that I can deal with. Got the checkup done and probably saved some $$ in the process. Well, whatcha gonna do...eh?

Anyone else run into this kind of experience with MB-USA?

...Mark (in San Jose, Calif)

I've got a Canadian car here in the US, and had never any problems incl warranty. Where's your car from? Has it been converted to US specs incl proof thereof?

Mine is imported from Germany and it has been converted to US specs. (eg: speedometer/odometer is in miles and mph)

Mercedes didn't ask to examine the paperwork, which I have. I had to submit the orginals to the State of Calif to have it registrered.

Mercedes just flat out refused because the VIN won't work i their computer.

..Mark

I re-call 2 instances (1 poster and other a friend) in the Philippines when these people imported their MB C-Class from Germany instead of buying from the local dealer. They were refused service at the authorized local MB dealership.