Stealership Parts Price ripoff

[crockers]

We knock MB far too much and I wonder why so many of us actually have the cars as they seem to be nothing but objects for us to moan about

Could it be because we think they are good quality and therefore offer value for money -- or because we are badge snobs...hmmm...I would like to think the former but there may be some eliment of the later..

 

[Shude]

The way I see it you are not forced to buy stuff from MB; you chose to buy from them.

I usually get a discount on parts, this also helps when parts are ordered for a service because the parts guys know me and drop the price when they process the order etc.

I know it's not always the cheapest but it is pretty convenient and in the end you know the part is fit for purpose and will work. If not, remember that MB parts usually have TWO years warranty on them.

 

[R2e]

And that's exactly the point - just because you are paying more doesn't mean you are getting any better quality. Morrisons for example is reknowned for having the best quality fish in a supermarket. You'll pay a lot more at Waitrose, but it won't be any better. Also how many times do we buy branded goods, such as biscuits, ignoring an own brand when they are actually the same thing re-packaged But we don't grumble about paying more because it's our choice as to what we buy. The supermarket won't tell you that you can get the same for cheaper elsewhere. It's exactly the same in the motoring retail world.


I would shop around and find the price I liked but not moan because it was dearer somewhere else - just be glad I'd found a better deal because it is swings and roundabouts And you have the choice about where you buy generic parts from and how much you pay for them.

So how about, rather than "Stealership rip off" howabout "I found a bargain"

We knock MB far too much and I wonder why so many of us actually have the cars as they seem to be nothing but objects for us to moan about

I don't think I can be accused of knocking MB too much, if at all, apart from this one. Surely I can be allowed one little knock . I've been very happy with my two Mercs over the past five years, slightly less so with the local stealership, though a couple of others I have used have been excellent. The point which is being missed is because of my past experience in parts I am aware of the source and alternatives available for parts such as this. The average owner is a good deal less so and would simply accept the price they were quoted. Ignorance is bliss, as they say. And I still say if Waitrose were 5 times more expensive, you wouldn't shop there and would probably tell your friends they were a rip-off . Sometimes the convenience is worth a few pence, or even a few pounds, but not 5 times the price!

I think you're just being picky because Eeyore's gone walkabout and you miss the little beast...........

I'll get my coat.

 

[pammy]

I don't think I can be accused of knocking MB too much, if at all, apart from this one. Surely I can be allowed one little knock . I've been very happy with my two Mercs over the past five years, slightly less so with the local stealership, though a couple of others I have used have been excellent. The point which is being missed is because of my past experience in parts I am aware of the source and alternatives available for parts such as this. The average owner is a good deal less so and would simply accept the price they were quoted. Ignorance is bliss, as they say. And I still say if Waitrose were 5 times more expensive, you wouldn't shop there and would probably tell your friends they were a rip-off . Sometimes the convenience is worth a few pence, or even a few pounds, but not 5 times the price!

I think you're just being picky because Eeyore's gone walkabout and you miss the little beast...........

I'll get my coat.

lol - that's a cheap shot and one below the belt - I'd just come to terms with the little fella not being here and now the wound is open again

I wasn't just meaning you knock MB - it was a general comment about many posters who seem to knock the marque, however it was your choice to title the thread what you did which is what for me sets the negative tone. But I do take your point about helping others identify where better value for money may be had in buying stock parts for our cars. Most of us would quite happily buy something from another source if we were to save a few bob and knew the quality was what we needed. Most of the time though some of us, self included, wouldn't have a clue where else to go.

 

[R2e]

Could it be because we think they are good quality and therefore offer value for money -- or because we are badge snobs...hmmm...I would like to think the former but there may be some eliment of the later..

Don't know about value for money, that's a difficult one to work out and probably down to personal experience, and I don't think I'm a badge snob, well perhaps just a little . All I know is I wanted a Merc after falling in love with a 250 (probably a '69, it wasn't current then) in '75 which was in my posession as a company car for a short time. It took me 27 years to
fulfill this ambition, plus a lot of stupidity along the way, as I've been able to afford one for ages but thought it would be extremely expensive to run and own (mind you, with £40 hooters.......... ). I have not been disappointed in any way which is why I'm now on my second. I think some of the little touches are really wonderful, the one touch start, the little bracket on the spare wheel cover that hooks over the boot opening, to name but two, that show excellent design thinking and good engineering, even in the lean years. Nothing has irritated me about either Merc, something I cannot say about previous cars I've owned, and I've enjoyed driving them and look forward to journeys, regardless of what the traffic might be like. They've made me a much more relaxed driver. Yes I do think they are good quality. Of course my view could change if the engine fell out tomorrow, or something equally dramatic I suppose.

 

[hawk20]

And don't we have to be careful to buy MB parts while under guarantee?
And maybe while on Service PLus?

 

[BlackC55]

The great thing about MB parts is they actually fit properly and it is actually worth the extra ££ because it saves time in fitting which in turn saves ££.

I have just fitted a condensor to a 208 and it was a non gen item and was a pig to fit. I could have saved myself 30mins if it fitted properly in the first place.

The secret is is to source parts for your car with quality and price in good balance. I would always go with the highest quality parts if it is not a
MB branded item. There is a choice most of the time.

 

[racall]

Most expensive piece

I found the most expensive piece I have a small plastic cover on the folding wing mirror that covers the small electric motor missing.You have to purchase a complete mirror frame at over £300.
Dealer is going to replace it as i have just purchased the car,funny thing is that you can purchase the mirror motor and covers thow.

 

[television]

I found the most expensive piece I have a small plastic cover on the folding wing mirror that covers the small electric motor missing.You have to purchase a complete mirror frame at over £300.
Dealer is going to replace it as i have just purchased the car,funny thing is that you can purchase the mirror motor and covers thow.

Bumpers, mirrors and lghts are the backbone surport for all car makers, and this has always been the case.

With a stupid Dyson where all of the handles and other things break if you dare to use them, they are now loosing out as many have had enough and buy something else. Sadly it does not help us for all car makers are the same on this one

 

[MBMAN]

Admitedly Some Parts Are Pricey..but Look At The Run Of The Mill Service Parts ...from Mbuk They Now Are On Par Or Even Cheaper Than Eurocarparts Or Germanswedish Or Elsewhere...i Think People Assume That Gen Parts Will Be More Expensive And Do Not Check It Out ...you May Be Suprised...some Dealers Are More 'flexible' Than Others......not Wishing To Be Rude To Anyone But With The Current Prices Of Used Cars..i Personally Feel That There Are People Who Can Afford To Buy A Used Mercedes But Cannot Afford/ Think About The Consequent Running Costs As There Are In Other Prestige Used Car Marques....instead Please Could We All Conplain More About Petrol Prices And Tax ...something That Effects Everybody We Know With A Driving Licence..