Independent Garage or Service plan?

[Milo78]

Hi There everyone,

I'm new to this forum and MB ownership. I have just bought a late 2010 C63 AMG, and I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with the following garages?

Colin Ferns ? Independent Mercedes Benz Specialists

TM Motors Mercedes specialist service & repair - Surrey

AMC - BMW / Mini Services London and Mercedes-Benz Services London

Or is it worth paying £45 per month for a service plan from MB?

Not heard good things about main dealers though, and past experience with other cars has me leaning towards using a good independent.

Any advice is welcome, and many thanks in advance.

Milo.

 

[greggster]

Hi Milo

I've used TM lots of times about 7 years ago, and was always very happy with their service and prices. The mech's were very knowledgable as well. They used to have a 190e loaner which I loved using!

Cheers, Gregg

 

[leef44]

I used TM Motors once but that was back in 2004. It was only about a year or so after they were established in Molesey. I had a very bad experience which ended up with the owner/manager telling me to "f*** off, sue me if you want to".
So I haven't ever been near that place ever since.

I guess we all have different experiences. Maybe they've got better since then but I never had the inclin to find out.

 

[AMGeed]

I've read some good reviews of Colin Ferns in Richmond. Here's an old thread about his business.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/mercedes-specialists-across-uk/75046-colin-ferns-richmond.html

 

[greggster]

I used TM Motors once but that was back in 2004. It was only about a year or so after they were established in Molesey. I had a very bad experience which ended up with the owner/manager telling me to "f*** off, sue me if you want to". So I haven't ever been near that place ever since. I guess we all have different experiences. Maybe they've got better since then but I never had the inclin to find out.

Yep, I wouldn't go back after that either!

 

[Headhurts]

Had my E300 serviced at Robinsons Mercedes and had an excellent service from them.
I also had a couple of other jobs done under warranty and so far as I can tell the work was carried out well and the car was returned in a clean unmarked condition.
They are quite a large company but I feel that they still treat you with a welcome and smile.

The cost of the first service from memory was around £270 which I would guess is not hugely adrift from an independent.

My car was repaired under warranty so cost was not a worry.

I have never used an independent but if I knew one and I was paying for the repairs it could be I would re-assess things.

 

[olly398]

Another one you might wish to consider is James Leigh of Wimbledon, I've found them good.

 

[sirius9]

A nice drive down the A3, quick roar through Hindhead tunnel towards Prestige Car Service (PCS) @ Horndean would be my recommendation!

 

[Milo78]

Thanks a lot everyone, I really appreciate the feedback.

I will check out PCS, but I'm leaning towards Colin Ferns because of proximity. Will definitely be avoiding TM Motors that story is enough to put me off.