Factory Collection?

[steveatpipex]

Just saw that the factory collection is the same cost as delivery in the UK. Does it include everything ie flight out, hotel, tour etc or is thre something else to pay?

Can anybody give me a quick flavour as to what its like?

Thanks

 

[dava]

I believe its only a single ticket and not for your partner, never done it but did look into it. Remember also you will have to pay the cost of getting home fuel etc, not sure about the ferry, but from what I've read well worth the experience.

 

[Birdman]

When I took that option they threw in a ticket (for my eldest) and the return ferry. All I paid for was the fuel (DC put in about 10 litres). You could always go home via the Nurburgring!
I asked if they could arrange a ticket for yet another kid and they happily obliged, including the hotel (which was out of town and about 1.5 stars but hey, I'm not complaining, Mr Bradshaw & Mr Webb).
Well worth it imo.

Edit: point is, they paid for all three air tickets, hotel room including meals, taxi from hotel to factory, lunch, ferry crossing and pre selivery inspection at the UK dealership on my arrival. Don't know if they will be quite so generous in post-Chrysler era.

 

[saorbust]

Do it - I've done it twice, its well worth it. You only pick up the cost of the fuel, nothing else. All else is sorted. You didn't mention which car you are collecting, but that does make a difference - S Class collections get two nights hotel stay - most only get one.

Brochure at your dealer will explain more.....

 

[prprandall51]

Yes, MB have a complete brochure on the subject.

If you collect from Sindlefingen it is worth speaking to the (excellent) "Personal Collection" team at Milton Keynes and getting them to find out which factory tours are on the C-Class assembly line. Depending on which day / time you go, the factory tour will take you around the C Class assembly area or the E Class. Only the C Class tour allows you to see the mind-boggling sight of the engine / gearbox and chassis being wedded to the body by the robots. The tour guide said that the E Class tour isn't half as interesting to watch.

Also, you get the peace of mind that your car hasn't been strapped to a transporter and bounced across Europe. I read recently that a lot of cars (not specifically MB) get damaged in transport and are re-sprayed before they are handed over (my wife's was some years ago, for example) and / or the suspension geometry is knocked out of alignment during the transportation, which is not re-adjusted before hand-over.

The only downside is that if you need to get back quickly, it is difficult to avoid making most of the return journey by motorway, which is about as bad a way of running a car in as is possible to imagine.

Philip

 

[jeremytaylor]

The tour guide said that the E Class tour isn't half as interesting to watch.
Philip

And I thought the E Class (and a bit of S Class) tour was good!

Looks like I'll have to wangle another visit!

 

[saorbust]

I'll be there Friday week....