MB Dealers Kent

[EBone]

Greetings All
I've recently bought a 2015 W212 E63 Estate - my first MB. I'm enjoying every moment driving it!
I have a service package through MB which seems OK value-wise but confines me to main MB dealers. I read poor reviews about my local MB dealers (Ashford, Maidstone and Canterbury) so took the car to Epsom yesterday for a 'B/major' service. My experience was very disappointing. I was wondering whether any of you use Kent (or local ish) dealers whom you have had positive experience with?
Many thanks.

 

[Chrishazle]

Ashford is my local main agent, actually bought my car from the 6 years ago. Used them for 1 service just before the 12 month tier 1 warranty ran out, have not been back since. I use Mastertech, who used to be on Ellingham Industrial Estate ashford but have recently moved to Woodchurch - about a mile down the road from me!! An example - 12 months ago they did a full B3 service for me for under £300, MB Ashford would have been well over £500.

 

[EBone]

Ashford is my local main agent, actually bought my car from the 6 years ago. Used them for 1 service just before the 12 month tier 1 warranty ran out, have not been back since. I use Mastertech, who used to be on Ellingham Industrial Estate ashford but have recently moved to Woodchurch - about a mile down the road from me!! An example - 12 months ago they did a full B3 service for me for under £300, MB Ashford would have been well over £500.

Thanks Chris. Colleagues of mine have had bad experiences at Ashford and we know someone who works there who doesn't have great things to say about them... I'd definitely use a specialist (did on my previous Audis) but decided that main dealer history would be better when I come to sell (once the running costs outweigh the fun factor!) which may be in a couple of years' time ish. Appreciate the advice.

 

[Deletedmember130310]

Greetings All
I've recently bought a 2015 W212 E63 Estate - my first MB. I'm enjoying every moment driving it!
I have a service package through MB which seems OK value-wise but confines me to main MB dealers. I read poor reviews about my local MB dealers (Ashford, Maidstone and Canterbury) so took the car to Epsom yesterday for a 'B/major' service. My experience was very disappointing. I was wondering whether any of you use Kent (or local ish) dealers whom you have had positive experience with?
Many thanks.

What was poor with Epsom?

 

[e55nick]

If you're able to use an indie then I would recommend Steve Garlick at Stevenson's Mercedes in Larkfield. I travel 40 miles to get my Mercedes serviced. Great value and know's what he's doing.

 

[John]

I would double-check you must use MB dealers.

EU Block Exemption means you can use indie's albeit they must use MB parts (most do) and fit in the schedules.

Better ones can also update ESS.

However, if you must use an MB main dealer for whatever reason or would just rather, I would recommend MB Tonbridge.

I am the first person who will complain about a poor service but I have to say I've never been disappointed with them at all.

One of their parts guys once helped me find a replacement locking wheel nut key and get a replacement in promptly. They also fixed multiple warranty issues for me (the technician I spoke to here was very competent and a top bloke). I also had them do an MOT for me and I've bought parts from them for convenience.

They are a bit of a trek for me but because of how they were when they helped with my wheel nut key, I could tell they were going to be good and so far they've proved to be exactly that.

All the different staff I've spoken to have all been very pleasant and helpful - especially the lady who seems to be in charge of the service department is lovely and very helpful.

The only reason I don't use them is because their labour rate is twice the price of an inde and I have a good relationship with my preferred indie.

Certainly I would rate them 5/5.

 

[Chrishazle]

He's a bit of a way from Ashford/Canterbury, whereas Mastertech are a lot closer. I know Steve G gets very good press on here and t'other side, but so do Mastertech if you read their testimonials. I have no problem letting them look after my S204, and will also get them to do a low mileage service on the 968 cab, and will talk to Ben about a cam/balance belt change as well.

 

[EBone]

What was poor with Epsom?

Hi Greenmanslk
Epsom were brusque with me when dropping the car off, I had to hang around for someone to see me when I arrived, the courtesy car had dog hairs in the boot and drivers seat, I was advised the car would be ready at 4:30pm but ended up waiting until 6pm before being able to take the car..., the car was not cleaned very well (the Service Advisor advised it was a "Service Wash" not a valet) - it was clearly done in a matter of single minutes, and they lost the starter button for the car so ended up putting a new one in. I sent a pleasant email to their Customer Service Manager and it was immediately forwarded to the Service Advisor who called me to explain that they were short-staffed and "these things happen". Being my first MB experience I was expecting something better!

 

[EBone]

If you're able to use an indie then I would recommend Steve Garlick at Stevenson's Mercedes in Larkfield. I travel 40 miles to get my Mercedes serviced. Great value and know's what he's doing.

Thanks Steve.
I have a MB Service Care Plan so need to stick with main dealers. If I've still got the car in a couple of years I will definitely be on the lookout for good indies.

 

[EBone]

I would double-check you must use MB dealers.

EU Block Exemption means you can use indie's albeit they must use MB parts (most do) and fit in the schedules.

Better ones can also update ESS.

However, if you must use an MB main dealer for whatever reason or would just rather, I would recommend MB Tonbridge.

I am the first person who will complain about a poor service but I have to say I've never been disappointed with them at all.

One of their parts guys once helped me find a replacement locking wheel nut key and get a replacement in promptly. They also fixed multiple warranty issues for me (the technician I spoke to here was very competent and a top bloke). I also had them do an MOT for me and I've bought parts from them for convenience.

They are a bit of a trek for me but because of how they were when they helped with my wheel nut key, I could tell they were going to be good and so far they've proved to be exactly that.

All the different staff I've spoken to have all been very pleasant and helpful - especially the lady who seems to be in charge of the service department is lovely and very helpful.

The only reason I don't use them is because their labour rate is twice the price of an inde and I have a good relationship with my preferred indie.

Certainly I would rate them 5/5.

Thanks John.
I pay a monthly Service Care Plan DD to MB so I'm guessing it needs to be a main dealer. However, I will check what my options are in terms of who I use.
Tonbridge is certainly closer than Epsom - I will give them a shout when my next service is due (about 6 months with my current mileage).

 

[EBone]

He's a bit of a way from Ashford/Canterbury, whereas Mastertech are a lot closer. I know Steve G gets very good press on here and t'other side, but so do Mastertech if you read their testimonials. I have no problem letting them look after my S204, and will also get them to do a low mileage service on the 968 cab, and will talk to Ben about a cam/balance belt change as well.

Thanks Chris!