Do you feel comfortable at a Mercedes Dealership? - Page 13 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rrgrassi · #**181** 12-04-2006, 01:22 PM

I go to Ewing ******** in Plano if I cannot get stuff from Fastlane or Diesel Giant.

It's funny, I get great service at the parts counter, and approving nods from the sales people as I drive to the side of the building. It's the customers that look puzzled when the hear the running of the diesel. I do get the "must be nice to own a Mercedes."

Cephallus · #**182** 12-04-2006, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unleashed

Not at all. I stroll in, say hello to the ladies behind the counter, go to the parts counter, have a chat with whoever is in, get what I need and exit.
Doesn't bother me in the slightest who the other customers are, what does tickle me is that all the guys at the parts desk know me on first name basis. Some of the looks from other customers make me laugh when I rock up, and without a word, have my ordered in parts sitting in front of me and my card going through the machine.
Hell, I even helped a guy order AMG Aero IIs for his E class once. He couldn't describe them to the guy working at the time, so I chimed in with the name. After seeing pictures, the guy walked away to think about it. I ordered my parts, and just as I finished, he came back and asked my opinion as to whether he should buy them, and whether I think they would suit his car. I told him I thought so, so he put in his order there and then - £1200 straight off.

Ya, but your w201 2.5-16 at least has a respectable level of race-car-enthusiast cachet...

Unleashed · #**183** 12-04-2006, 02:05 PM

Aye, tis true. I do love getting compliments in the street/shops/wherever on it.

My best moment was having a SLK55 AMG pull up next to me, and the guy driving it pointing to my car and giving me a thumbs up.

MathewHennessy · #**184** 12-04-2006, 02:49 PM

Last time I was in my local MB dealership (for 3 glow plug relay strip fuses, never hurts to have spares) I felt pretty comfortable, as well as the time before (for a new oilpan, had to be done the same day :/).

They did leave me a present on my passenger's seat on the way out though (after the oilpan): a photocopied list showing their lease rates on the C-class and ML-class. I had a nice chuckle.

I don't think I'd own a MB built after, say, the W140, it's all dealer-proprietary diagnostic machines and complex electronics nowadays. Leasing is a different matter, but honestly I'm perfectly happy with the 300SDL, and I've got everything I'd want in a car except for buttwarmers.

(Though I'd like an S-class wagon, or to convert the SDL into one)

byrdandcompany · #**185** 12-04-2006, 03:07 PM

I started my own business when I was 18...it flopped..had everyone telling me it would flop as well. I got right back up and started another one that is going great. I am 24 now. I learned that I really could care less what other people think. People that work in dealership are just normal people. They have attitudes just like everyone else. If they want to be a snob then let them. Who cares?

I went in to by my wife's tahoe at a local dealer. Walked in there in a nice tailored suit. The actually sales manager came out to meet me and help me out. I went back in a suit. Got the deal in a suit and came back to sign the papers looking as like a bum just to prove my point. It is sad, but nice clothes make people think $$$ but usually it just means they are paying to much for clothes.....Heck, pay $75 for a pair of polo slacks made in china or pay $20 for a pair at Targets made in china........

BodhiBenz1987 · #**186** 12-04-2006, 03:19 PM

I feel perfectly comfortable. For one thing, to get to the parts department I walk through the service doors, where there are mechanics covered with grease walking around. Once I get the parts, I go into the main lobby to pay for them, where all the "snobby" people are. I don't find them snobby. Wearing a suit and having an expensive car doesn't make you snobby or mean. Sure, some of them are, but so what? There are snobby, mean people in the grocery store, too, and I don't feel intimidated by them. Maybe it just has to do with what you grow up around ... I grew up near a very wealthy part of town, where Mercedes were everywhere. Although my family was not loaded, I had some wealthy friends. Sometimes I felt envious, but I eventually figured out that the best things in their lives were not necessarily the expensive things. I.e., they had the same hopes, dreams, disappointments, etc., as me. That may sound trite, but I always hate it when people talk about the "haves" as though they all treat people like dirt. Most of them don't and if they do, who cares? They're not worth the worry.

When I go into the Mercedes dealership, I run into "suits" who are as nice as can be and ones who are snooty. I also run into "greasers" who are gentlemen, and some who glare at me like I'm the devil. My reaction? I just smile at them all and am glad for what I have.

byrdandcompany · #**187** 12-04-2006, 03:26 PM

being content with what you have and who you are makes everything else seem pretty stupid to get bent out of shape over.

Cephallus · #**188** 12-04-2006, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BodhiBenz1987

where there are mechanics covered with grease walking around

Haha, I've never seen a dealership mechanic covered in grease...only sharply-pressed, new-looking uniforms...

BodhiBenz1987 · #**189** 12-04-2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cephallus

Haha, I've never seen a dealership mechanic covered in grease...only sharply-pressed, new-looking uniforms...

LOL ... I've caught a few in the act ... there's a lift right next to the door so I guess they don't have time to run into the lockerroom and have their uniform cleaned, steamed and pressed, and their hair done, of course, before I see them.

Hey, rich guys' cars have dirty parts, too! But not rich women's ... their cars are powered by magical elves that never require maintenance or tuning, and don't use up any energy.

barry123400 · #**190** 12-04-2006, 08:52 PM

To cultivate good will at a dealership is not really hard. Just interaction really. Plus when they get an old model traded in they will know who to call. What are they going to do with the old buggy? Remember the first rule. You have to let people know what you want. . Two birds with one stone perhaps? I also have stood in the glass service booth and overheard conversations. Kind of unbelievable what some people pay for so little work in some cases. The old expression of what you do not know cannot hurt applies I hope. In otherwords I find them interesting. The question of looking at other people other than in a lateral fashion does not even arise. Unfortunatly too many people are far too concerned with their own little universe and self image in any given situation. They miss the point because it is somewhat a universal condition. They also miss a lot in life because of it as well. I visualise it much like dancing. The majority are too concerned with self image and how they are doing to really be aware of others abilities to dance. I guess if you run across any type of negative attitude it is really their loss and their problem. Yet can be self corrected if they wish. The only exclusion that comes to mind perhaps is pressure disease. Semi rampant in some enviroments and not given enough thought or recognition. We left that type of enviroment where it flourishes decades ago. In my opinion you can learn something from just about anyone and every situation. It never stops. An over simplistic view perhaps. These attitudes and understandings of the human condition seem to have always enabled me to outperform the so called average whenever I desired it. Other than that I have always considered myself at best an average individual. With an average family that performs well in general and are emotionally well rounded I hope. The unknown is I do not know if it is inherited genetically or learnt behaviour or enviromentally generated. As a family of course we are well aware how fortunate we are. It is not all that common. We all seem to posess the same disease to some extent or other. Perhaps we need an exorcisim.

deerefanatic · #**191** 12-04-2006, 09:18 PM

I fit in just fine at the dealership..........my car doesnt!!!

Black Jeans, Hunter Green golf shirt, black leather jacket and felt gentleman's hat with italian-cut black leather gloves......... The salesmen swarm me as I roam about the lot being nosy.......

I usually reply with, "If I could afford a new Benz, I wouldn't be here buying parts for that" and point at my currently rusty and bondo-ed Benz...... To which, without fail, they reply "That'll last ya a million miles!! Dont get rid of it!"

In all reality, I can garage talk with a mechanic, talk parts revisions with the parts guy, and frateranize with the sales team all equally well. In fact, I was even interview for a sales job there! (Didn't work out, too many hours for my liking........)

dieselsteve · #**192** 12-04-2006, 09:31 PM

I love going ot my local dealer, the parts manager, normal parts guy and service advisor know me by name. I get 10-15% or better off of the price of parts. It is a small independent mBZ dealership and treat me very well, Barrie fine Cars in Barrie, Ontario , Canada.

They have been helping me with the the rebuild on the 3.5L 603.971 in my W140. the parts manager has been a MBZ parts guy for 20+ years, he even did a stint at MBZ Canada parts HQ, getting all the tough parts from Germany. He loves the W140 and says" it's like sitting in your living room". having had the car off the road for almost year, it SO nice to get it back , WOW what car!

I have test drove a couple of cars here- last year a 1999 300D, clean car but a disappointment, now where near the refinement of my 1992 S Class, it was closer to my old 1987 300SDL W126 chassis.

This year I test drove a 2005 320CDI WOW what a car!! FAST!! It is very refined, but more sporty than my S class. It handles very good! A perfect combination- power, good mileage and handling, for a car of it's size etc. My wife's next car. Always used, let some one else take the initial depreciation hit.

BUT the sales guys always treat me good, say hi when i am in my 1998 ford pickup with the dent in the side getting parts for my W140!! The Ford truck pulls my race car and hauls parts!

Yes I love diesels, we have 2 1992 30Sd with a NEW engine !! YEAH and a 2001 Jetta TDI. SO I will keep my older MBZ, and go in my jeans, greasy finger nails and say hi to John in the parts department!

Steve

Hatterasguy · #**193** 12-04-2006, 10:19 PM

Another great year of service from MB of North Haven, those guys are simply great. Great prices on parts, great service couldn't be more pleased. They even have nice covered service bay for those rainy days so I don't have to get wet.

One of the mechanics has a red SDL, but I keep missing him. I showed a couple of the guys behind the counter my car, and want to trade stories with the mechanic if I ever catch up to him. Man if they keep treating me so well I’m going to have to buy a car from them!

The downside is I can't look at the new cars without having to talk to a salesman. I'm like no thanks at this point in my life spending $50k on a CDI would be like putting a financial gun to my head.

But at least my dealership has some killer deals on trades, if you want a nice used one they seem to be pretty good as well.

Why would one feel uncomfortable at a car dealership? Its just a car dealer.

What I have noticed is other dealers suck compared to MB. They are not nearly as nice, don't have nice TV's ect.

Boardmonger · #**194** 12-04-2006, 11:47 PM

The Mercedes brand here in the SF Bay Area is much different here than in other areas of the country. I know Mercedes is a bigger brand now than before but here, with the tech boom (am bust) a few years back, there is a lot of money, and a lot of people that need the latest and greatest in automotive technology. What this means is out with the old and in with the new.

In my few experiences at our local dealer (Smythe European) it isn't that I feel uncomfortable, I just feel like all of the employees are disrespectful and downright rude. The first time I went in, I was was amazed at how poor their service was. I was unfamliar with the layout and I parked next to some new models and entered through the showroom. I glanced at the cars and was (as always with new cars) impressed in the cosmetic condition, the new shiny paint and straight body, but lacked much interest in the actual car. No new diesels here. Anyways, I walked up to the receptionist who was rather busy talking on her cell phone to what sounded like her boyfriend. I stood waiting for a good 2-3 minutes before she acknowleded my presence and she proceded in her conversation for another minute before I gave her a disgruntled stare. She asked "what I wanted" and directed me to the parts counter just about as rudely as possible.

Now with Mercedes I associate a certain quality of service, one that should be unsurpassed by all others in the market. I've felt more welcome at a Ford dealership and I feel that is just wrong.

The parts counter wasn't much better. I was in to get my mileage badge certification and the sales associate had no clue what I was showing him. Initially he was going to say it didn't come from mercedes but again I asked and he finally just stamped the dealer address and scribbled his name. Again, very poor and disrespectful service.

My next visit was actually quite good. The counter was busy and a shop tech from behind came out and helped me out. He wasn't all that familiar with the parts system but I told him what I needed and he just went in the back and got it. Now $9.50 is steep for a radiator drain plug but the guy was nice and not a jerk about my request.

The last visit I came in asking about sheetmetal for my 280ce project. The lady did look up what I was looking for but when I asked for part numbers refused to give them. When I asked why she gave me some B.S. and an unfreindly glare. I guess they drop the service when they find they won't be making a few dollars.

In general I feel that they simply do not care about these cars (well w123's) and prefer to rip people on the newer models and their parts. I suppose there isn't much profit margin compared to the new stuff so they just don't bother selling it.

So to the question, am I comfortable, well the answer is no. They are disrespectful and as shown, downright rude. Now if they gave me some respect I would have a completley different view but I feel here they want to forget the old and just pass on the new. It is quite annoying because I have a strong feeling my 123's will be on the road longer than most of the new junk mercedes is selling.