main dealer servicing

[mickl]

just looking at getting back in the MB fold and looking at a couple of SLK55s at the moment. These will be 2005/06MY cars and will probably have FMBSH.

Question is, is there any benefit to maintaining the history with a dealer other than having a prettier stamped up service book or just go indie? Not sure if Mobilo and things like that still run with Mercedes.

 

[Harrythedog]

Mobilo still operates but only after a MB dealer service. Personally I think a fmbsh doesn't make any difference to a trade in figure but certainly helps in a private Sale but I imagine if you keep the car a few years the money you will save going to an Indy vs a MB dealer will outweigh any this

 

[Jane270ML]

I agree with Harrythedog.
What does help for future sales is if the vehicle has been serviced at an Indy with access to the latest kit for servicing MB's, I think it's called Star - correct me if I'm wrong - I'm new to MB's.

 

[BTB 500]

My 15 year old SL is still dealer-serviced because they give me a 40% labour discount plus 10% off parts. I also supply my own oil (Mobil 1 from Costco), which cuts the cost even further.

Many dealers do offer a discount scheme for 'older' cars (typically over 6 years), and they will sometimes negotiate on price too! But if you don't ask then you don't get

My car is always nicely valeted too, and for years I got free MOTs (they now charge £20). They gave it a free aircon service one year, have also had discount vouchers for spares/accessories/tyres etc.

But ... they are a pretty good dealership in that they seem genuinely pleased to have older cars in, and don't press to do extra stuff (quite the opposite in fact - they have suggested leaving things that were technically due, because of the low annual mileage the car does). If they were pushy etc. I'd go elsewhere even if it cost a bit more.

 

[bpsorrel]

Sounds like a great dealership! Do you mind telling us who they are?

 

[BTB 500]

M-B Guildford (part of the Tony Purslow group). The discount scheme is called 'Platinum Plus' and is publicised on their website.

 

[markjay]

M-B Guildford (part of the Tony Purslow group). The discount scheme is called 'Platinum Plus' and is publicised on their website.

Here it is:

Mercedes-Benz UK - Mercedes-Benz of Guildford - Platinum Programme

 

[markjay]

Just to clarify, I've never usd them myslef, but it is always refershing to hear positive feedback regarding MB dealer.

 

[mickl]

Sounds fantastic Bill. Pity MB Manchester isn't in the same league.

I'm usually of the opinion that if the car is out of warranty, any garage is fair game to use as servicing however with things like Mobilo tie you intot the dealer network. Just wondering if those sorts of things are worth it for the extra cost the dealers will charge.

 

[steve333]

M-B Guildford (part of the Tony Purslow group). The discount scheme is called 'Platinum Plus' and is publicised on their website.

+1 for Tony Purslow Guildford(along with Brooklands they are as good as mb dealers get imho),especially good value once your car is 5+ years old as you get the 40% labour/10% stocked parts discount(afaik).

 

[mickl]

do the rest of the dealer network do this scheme as well?

 

[steve333]

do the rest of the dealer network do this scheme as well?

Only Tony Purslow who have 1 or 2 other branches afaik.

 

[BTB 500]

do the rest of the dealer network do this scheme as well?

It's worth asking your local one(s) what discount they will provide.

My nearest dealer (M-B Ascot) advertise a "Reduced Cost Maintenance Programme", with categories for cars 0-3, 4-6, and 7+ years old. But if you compare the discount rates for servicing they are actually all the same - the small print says

Terms & Conditions
*Discount included in published Competitive Fixed Price Servicing rates.

I.e. you are just paying their standard fixed price service charges irrespective of the car's age

You do get a 25% labour discount for "MOT-related repairs" though, and either 18% or 37% discount (4-6 years old and 7+ years old respectively) on "additional maintenance repairs".

I think most dealerships are pretty keen to keep their workshops busy. Ascot (which is a fairly prestigious dealership I guess) have recently started doing van repairs and servicing!

 

[mirras]

I just checked Mercedes Ayr who offer 50% off labour rates for cars over 5 years old... I may go back to main dealer services now.

 

[BTB 500]

50% discount is excellent.

 

[prprandall51]

Exact same experience for me at MB Guildford. They frequently recommend leaving jobs rather than trying to get me to spend money. Last service, I had a rattle under the car, which I knew was exhaust related. I asked them to investigate. A hanging bracket had snapped off the 'box. They said I could have a new box for £200 or an attempted repair for 1 hour's labour (£60) - no charge if the repair failed. When I got the bill, they had charged me £25 (all prices plus VAT). It has been easier than expected, they said.

I know that if I went to a good indy I would be treated just as well. But I had not expected such good service from a main dealer. Mind you, BMW in Guildford were just the same when I used to own one.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Sounds fantastic Bill. Pity MB Manchester isn't in the same league.

MB Manchester is owned and operated by MB rather than an independent dealer group (as a franchise). That means book through a call centre and no ability or incentive to keep the bays full by doing a deal.

 

[mickl]

MB Manchester is owned and operated by MB rather than an independent dealer group (as a franchise). That means book through a call centre and no ability or incentive to keep the bays full by doing a deal.

the parts guys at MB Manchester are pretty good and knowledgeable when I've dealt with them in the past but the service department made me want to do a 'Cantona' on them in the couple of times I've had to deal with them in the past.

 

[MD5]

When I bought my 129 SL some years back, Tony Purslow had been the servicing dealership. The guy I spoke to there was only too happy to discuss the car's history with me, and even offered to post a computerised print out to me, in the full knowledge that geographically, I was unlikely to become a customer. I've always heard good things about them, and at their rates, I wouldn't look any further if I lived nearby.

On the other hand, Mercedes Epsom, who latterly serviced the S211 I have just bought, wouldn't discuss the car with me. I was told that the service history is to assist the service department with its servicing schedule, and for the records of the registered owner, not, quote, "to assist someone selling their car privately, outside of the network."

My local dealership only offers 15% labour discount, with 10% parts on 4+ year old cars, and Mobilo life is no better than the AA/RAC, so my FMBSH 211 is now off to my Star equipped indy, who are all ex MD technicians anyway.

 

[bpsorrel]

+1 for Tony Purslow Guildford(along with Brooklands they are as good as mb dealers get imho),especially good value once your car is 5+ years old as you get the 40% labour/10% stocked parts discount(afaik).

Some members of Tony Purslow's customer care team are rather nice..

Mercedes-Benz UK - Mercedes-Benz of Guildford - Contact our Team

Worth going there just for that... l