Personal Collection: Should I or Shouldn't I?

[MyC250]

Hi all,
I will be ordering my new Mercedes C250 CGI within the next few mounths and am wondering whether or not to tick the 'Personal Collection' box, from what I have heard on different threads is that it is great and well worth doing, but there are some more detailed requests which I need to make.

1) Part - exchanging - how does this work? Does one have to bring in the car before going to Germany or can it be left until after?

2) Which are the best hotels to stay in in Stuttgart from Mercedes list?

3) If you wish to stay in Europe for longer can Mercedes provide longer insurance than five days and for what cost?

4) How much does it cost to take an extra person to Stuttgart with you (Has anyone downgraded there flights to get a free extra person?)?

5) Will Mercedes pay for return via ferry instead of chunnel, and if so, what ferries have people had Mercedes pay for previously?

6) Which flight is better (Heathrow - Stuttgart), BA or Lufthansa?

7) Has anyone flown from other airports in particular Cardiff or Bristol?

All experiences more than welcome!

Thanks in advance everyone!

 

[MJH]

Things may have changed since I went 8 years a ago, but when we picked up my old mans S they paid for both of us. Best bet is to run through it with your dealer to get accurate advice but whatever, do it, you won't regret it

 

[Merco]

I wanted to do this but was told by the dealer that it wasn't an available option for me. He told me that they need a minimum of 10 weeks between order and EDD and 10 weeks notice in order to put it through. Also, if you wanted to take someone with you, you have to pay a charge for that person. Not sure about the insurance details etc but I think it's a great thing to do and would have loved to do it myself and am quite disappointed that I wasn't able to. So enjoy and do report back!

 

[Smatt]

Welcome
Go for it if you have the time.
We could not do it with our last one due to newborn baby..

 

[markjay]

...but whatever, do it, you won't regret it

I collected a new Merc 190 from Sindelfingen once - albeit some years ago - and yes, you won't regret it

 

[Toodeep]

1. On one hand I would imagine your dealer would want full settlement before you collect but on the basis the car is not yours until your dealer gets it to do the PDI and registration, I would imagine the PX could be done after. Obvious answer is just ask.

2. I plan to stay at the Hilton Garden Inn which might be a bit corporate and lack atmosphere but it is a short walk to the Mercedes Museum so I can arrive early, visit the museum and be collected the following morning for the factory visit and handover (apparently 20 minutes by taxi).

3. Yes. perhaps someone else can suggest the cost.

4. Don't know but Lufthansa Business Class to Stuttgart is 4 to 6 times more than Economy for a regular customer. I imagine Mercedes have a special arrangement with the airlines but it's hard to see why you couldn't downgrade and double up.

5. Yes, I've been told they will for extra cost but I've found that NorfolkLine (Dunkerque to Dover) is cheaper than Eurotunnel whilst P&O is more. Also, with NorfolkLine you won't be sharing the ferry with any coach parties or foot passengers and you're separated from truck drivers.

6. Don't know but ask for a direct flight (usually early morning). Indirect can turn an under 2 hour flight into well over 4 hours. An early flight would also get you to the Hilton Garden Inn in time to leave your bags (you may be too early to check in) and walk to the Museum (assuming this interests you). It is also possible to be collected at the airport and be taken straight to the Customer Centre for handover meaning that your overnight would follow the collection of your car.

7. I do know customers have gone from Manchester and Stansted (the latter on RyanAir).

BTW. If you plan on spending any time in Stuttgart with your car, it is an 'environmental zone' meaning cars have to display a special permit issued by the state (basically signifying your car's environmental impact). Quite where this leaves people who are basically just there to collect their cars, I am not sure. Presumably one could get away with driving from Sindelfingen through the zone to your hotel or maybe the permit aspect is taken care of on collection.

That's my take but as you can probably tell, I haven't done it yet. I'm sure someone who has will be along soon. I will be just as interested as you.

 

[MyC250]

Thanks Toodeep for taking the time to answer my questions and I think I will go for the Hilton due to a number of good reviews and proximity to the Mercedes museum. Thanks also for the enlightenment on the rest of the questions, and finally good luck in your collection!

Thanks also to everyone else who's replied, I value all of your opinions!

Regards to all.

 

[Toodeep]

Thanks Toodeep for taking the time to answer my questions and I think I will go for the Hilton due to a number of good reviews and proximity to the Mercedes museum. Thanks also for the enlightenment on the rest of the questions, and finally good luck in your collection!

Thanks also to everyone else who's replied, I value all of your opinions!

Regards to all.

Thanks. I'm only nervous about one thing. The car I am ordering is built at Bremen and I am asking to collect it at Sindelfingen. I have visions of getting there to find the transfer hasn't happened but maybe I'm just used to UK standards of service!

 

[MyC250]

Thanks. I'm only nervous about one thing. The car I am ordering is built at Bremen and I am asking to collect it at Sindelfingen. I have visions of getting there to find the transfer hasn't happened but maybe I'm just used to UK standards of service!

German efficiency will pull through!