Service or not Service

[alexbartman]

I just got my new CLK cab 2001 - and am generally thrilled with it. I bought it from MB in Harpenden and was assured that it had a FMBSH and had done 38K miles only.
When I got home - I was looking through the service book and have found that the last service was at 26K miles in March 2005. I phoned the dealer immediately who assured me that it did not require a service - and the display on the instruient cluster display does say "Next B Service 4,500 miles". Apart from the car running like a dog (very jerky at idle and very slow to pick-up) surely the Dealer is spinning me a yarn when she said "it did not need a service" and "if you service it early, it throws the schdule out of order". Before I go absolutely mad - can it really be this long (14 months) inbetween services - and at 38K miles - it has never had a "B" service...by my reckoning - at an average of 1Kmiles a month min - I;ll need that expensive B service in 4 months time - I just paid the asking price for the car - has anyone got any wise advice???
thanks
Alex

 

[Flash]

Your car should have had at least 1x B Service...

She is right to say follow ASYST for the service sequence. My guesses are that the previous (owners') jumped the B service intervals (twice the cost of an A service) and just reset ASYST. If your car is jerking then it does need looking BUT could be something else i.e. faulty gear box...

 

[Brian WH]

Did you get any warranty with the car???

If you did I would take it back for the lumpy running, as it sounds like it needs new plugs or ignition leads. Anyway it needs attention, and the warranty should cover it service or not.

 

[glojo]

Did you get any warranty with the car???

If you did I would take it back for the lumpy running, as it sounds like it needs new plugs or ignition leads. Anyway it needs attention, and the warranty should cover it service or not.

I agree with Brian
Solely reading what you have said there is no reason to disbelieve the dealer, but they should have sorted out this issue before selling the car. Simply take it back and point out the problems.

Good luck and happy motoring.

John

 

[grober]

In the olden days before ASSYST etc cars were serviced according to fixed mileage intervals. However there was a time override which stated the vehicle should be checked at a maximum time interval of at least once per year regardless of mileage. Your vehicle is well over that inspection interval. Have a look in the servicing clause in the Mercedes Used car Warranty about this? see http://www2.mercedes-benz.co.uk/con...oducts/used_cars/approved_used_programme.html
they quote a minimimum of 3,000 miles or 3 months which ever sooner. Did they give you a copy of the vehicle inspection sheet they are supposed to carry out before selling every car.
Go back and insist on talking to the aftersales service manager not some bimbo on the reception desk. He's the one who can authorise any remedial work on the car. It should have had at least one B service by this time. If it hasnt ask why not. The least you should get is a heavily discounted B service next time its due and the immediate problems sorted. Kick up a fuss since this exactly what is not supposed to happen with their approved used car scheme.
P.S. and while you are there ask about mercedes puting all their cars back to fixed service intervals. Under normal circumstances this should have been done when the car was in their hands to start you off with a clean sheet so to speak.

 

[alexbartman]

so when SHOULD the first B service have been carried out do you think???? It was bought as Approved Used - and according to the display - it wont "need" a B service for 4,500- but if i do that in less than 3 months- I guess its down to them........so I can forsee soem very very long drives in the near future if I get nowhere with my sales-lady (I suspect I wont).....

 

[grober]

I would have thought before 20k miles but I am not too familiar with your particular model. I am sure there are others who are. Dont negotiate with the sales lady go straight to someone who can authorise repairs on your car. After sales service manager is best I think. Get all your facts straight before you go. I would contact the previous dealers who serviced the car to ask for a printoutor the service record. You should get their names from the service stamps in the book.You have to know exactly what aftersales backup you are reasonably entitled to under their used car warranty. Dont rely on them to tell you. Ask open but pointed questions. My car doesnt idle properly and is not running well, what do you intend to do about it? Should I have been issued with a vehicle pre-sales inspection report when I purchased the car? Why has my car not received a B service at the appropriate mileage? what are you prepared to do about the situation? keep an accurate record of what he says. Be prepared to negotiate a bit but only if its obvious they wont budge. You could threaten to involve MB UK but to be honest I dont think it will do much good. They tend to just to bounce it back to the dealer. Helps if you have a knowledgeable friend with you too as a witness.

 

[glojo]

so I can forsee soem very very long drives in the near future if I get nowhere with my sales-lady (I suspect I wont).....

Think positive, you WILL get somewhere, you will get somewhere. Grobre has raised an excellent point (He is very knowledgeable) but your vehicle does have ASSYST.

If you are in any doubt about being deceived then simply contact the previous owner and simply ask if the car has had all the required services. If it is a localy owned vehicle then the Service Department should know it's complete history.

John