I did some research but haven't really gotten a clear understanding of the tradeoffs. First of all, I have always taken my car to the dealer for service.
I just recently learned about an independent shop that has a good reputation working on euro cars that is much closer to my house than the dealer. I just wanted to get some feedback/comments from those who have considered or have taken their car to an independent shop rather than a dealer for routine maintenance.

Is it a bad idea if you are still under warranty? My car only has 20k and is under warranty for another few years.

In addition to saving some bucks and increased convienence, I'm thinking I might get better care for my car since I'll have a dedicated guy for the most part getting to know my car rather than the assembly line approach at the dealer.

Any input is appreciated.

 

pro with indy...you keep the mb warranty if the car is modded..without the drama of 88 the car if the dealer is not mod friendly oh and less hourly rate

con with indy.......



does the indy have a sds? any experience on late cars?how long in biz?referals? if no on any of the above...pass

 

The first thing to look at for an Independent is if they have the MB Star (WIS/DAS) system. You really can't work on a modern MB without one. If they have the proper tools then it boils down to thier reputation and how long they have been doing it.

 

+1

And remember Mercedes Benz dealers train some of the best Indies in the world. It is a natural progression, the dealers can't hold a good tech with skills.

Ya that is a newbie working on your new car at the dealership he is in training and in 3 or 4 years he will realize his worth and be gone.
This is why you can't see who is working on your car at the dealership.

 

My neighbor has had his Porsche serviced at this shop. I spoke with them and they do have all of the tools needed to work on MB. Their hourly rate does seem to be about the same as the dealer. I need to find some other AMG owners that bring their car in for service at this shop.

Anybody in VA use Curry's Auto Service?

 

Curry's in Chantilly is pretty good. I used them for alignments, ordering rims/etc.. have not used them for repairs though.

I have been using Fairfax Service Center next to Fairfax BMW for all MB related work since I have had german cars. When my cars were under warranty for free maintenance, i took them to dealers. Upon expiration, i took them to FSC for all maintenace and routine work. They only specialize in Benz,BWM, and Porsches and it's owned by a master MB mechanic w/ the all the tools. Plus you can actually talk to the mechanic working your car in the garage and get some interesting insights.

 

I take it to a local Mercedes-Benz mechanic and they always give top notch service with great prices.

 

i have a good shop in Santa Clara that only works on BMW and MB and has been in biz for over 25 years. Two brothers own the shop and their mechanics have been with them for years. Asked them the other day when I had the 202 in there about working on the E and they said no problem as they do have the star diag which led me to the next question of lowering the car.

and they are honest which is really random. family has been going to them since 86 when my father in law had his 300E.

 

Would you mind posting the name of this shop in Santa Clara as I am also in Silicon Valley.

 

If anyone is looking for an Indy shop in south florida C2 Designs is a one of a kind operation.

 

I've used Curry's (the one by dulles airport) for several of my previous cars (including using the awd dyno multiple times with my sti) but with my benz I've only taken it do the dealer (Hbl)

 

Motospeed West in Santa Clara. Ken and Bill are the owners. Good service. Shop is definitely old school - not all pretty like the dealership but they know their cars. Service only MB and BMW. 408-727-6631

 

All,

Just a couple of thoughts for us Northern VA/DC/MD area guys/gals.. I had my SL serviced for it's 'service A' at HBL in Tysons. As some of you on the forums, I had some pretty negative experiences at ASC and basically had to get rid of my CL500 that i bought there b/c of the issues i found w/ their CPO process and inept service department. Long story..another time..

Moving on, now i am driving an SL. I didn't buy it at HBL, but did service my past CLK at HBL with good results. Since this car is still under new car warranty, with complimentary service in effect, I decided to make an appointment few days ago and instantly got a saturday appointment, 8am. kudos to HBL for a prompt professional customer service..

I get there and to my surprise, no waiting around no long lines..no drama with the service advisor. My advisor greeted me and asked me all the right questions, took notes on what needed to be done.. He asked if i needed a loaner, i asked what was the ETA on the work. he said no more than 2 hours. So I decided to wait. Their customer lounge was very nice, appointed with expresso machines, 70' plasma, herman miller chairs.. one of the better lounges in the area.
Exactly at 10am, my advisor comes to me in the lounge, says, everything looks fine w/ the car.. service A complete, car wash done, all technical bulletins checked/confirmed on the car.. hands my keys.. i am out the door at 1015am. my bill, nada.. i am quite pleased.

Just wanted to share my experience, since alot of people have differing opinions on local dealerships. From a comparasion standpoint, I really think HBL has stepped up their service dept, and the focus is customer service. From the valet guys, service advisor, to their Service Dept Mgr.. all have been very accomodating and responsive. This is a definately refreshing from my past experiences at other dealerships. If you guys have any particular questions.. drop me a line.. have a great weekend!!

-Amer

 

That's exactly how my visits to HBL have gone as well......

 

I've actually had great service at HBL as well for the past few years. I live out in Loudoun County so getting to Tyson's takes some effort, which is part of the reason I was looking at local independent shops. I did have a terrible service experience at ASC so I will never go back there again.

 

I will give them a call.

Thank you.

 

yea, I'm out in Loudoun too (Cascades) and hate Rt7 but that's the one trip I don't mind taking when its due

 

i go to the dealer only for warranty work. Mechanic for maintenace. Just as good and cheaper.