"Stealership" - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rg2098 · #1 10-25-2004, 07:36 PM

I've heard the rumors over and over about the outrageous prices and waits from dealership parts depts, but I sure don't believe them. I went there to order a new vacuum modulator because I need it ASAP, I paid slightly over wholesale but they are going to have it overnighted from where ever it comes from. Not only that but the guy at the counter couldn't have been nicer and offered to run all the option codes for the car as well. For small orders (one or two small things), its cheaper for me to go there and not pay shipping then to order it from fastlane or my other parts supplier. Am I just lucky or has anyone else had good experiences at the dealership????

TwitchKitty · #2 10-25-2004, 07:54 PM

My stealership treats me well but it is not a happy place.

kamil · #3 10-25-2004, 07:57 PM

I like the dealership too, sometimes. I try to order my parts from the internet either FastLane of *********************** (only 50 dollars can get you free shipping)

Dealership has all the diagrams though and every little nut and bolt.

TimFreeh · #4 10-25-2004, 08:00 PM

My current dealer parts counter person(s) are outstanding (John and Val @ IG Burtons in Milford, DE)

John has lots MB experience, is easy to work with and is interested in getting it right, first time everytime.

As far as the prices go, it's funny some things are the dealership are pretty reasonable and some parts prices are just absurd.

Palangi · #5 10-25-2004, 08:12 PM

At my nearest dealership, 3 of the parts guys are great, they give me every break they can. If one of those 3 is not on duty, however, break out the Vaseline.

pawoSD · #6 10-25-2004, 09:43 PM

I was just at my dealership like an hour ago (

) getting some oil filter kits, since I forgot them on my big order to fastlane a couple days ago (darn), but they were only $1.25 more there, they are generally within a dollar on the prices of everything when comparing to the online sites, and can get parts in really quick (like 2-3 days tops) if you need them. Labor there is $92 an hour however!!!

So I am trying to do as absolutely much as I can by myself now. They are always nice and negotible however.

rg2098 · #7 10-25-2004, 09:58 PM

I was definetely posting on the parts departement. Now the service area is another discussion alltogether.

bill murrow · #8 10-25-2004, 10:40 PM

I saw some jackpoint plugs on Ebay advertised as" for a w123". Thought it would be a good idea.

I bid to $20 for the four and didn't get them. Back to the forum I asked about these plugs and come to find out they are for a 126 but will fit my 123.

They are $1.60 each at the dealership . Glad I wasn't the winner.

I've noticed the same seller is still putting them on Ebay, still making money but not bringing the the $22.50 they brought on the first go round.

Cheers,

Bill

Hatterasguy · #9 10-25-2004, 10:42 PM

I just ordered a new vac pump from my local dealer and the price was less then what I have found it online for! I find with most stuff their within a few bucks but you have to be careful some things are way overpriced!

Rick Miley · #10 10-26-2004, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rg2098

Am I just lucky or has anyone else had good experiences at the dealership????

Service and attitude can vary widely at the different dealerships. It is true that MB has gotten very agressive on their parts pricing in recent years. But again, you're at the mercy of the dealership as they are not required to follow the factory recommended prices. Witness the $15 coolant above.

There are 3 dealerships in my immediate area and, unfortunately, all of them are terrible. The one closest to my office doesn't even have a parts counter accessible to the public. They have a "showroom" with all the clothing, pens, watches, and stuff, but that is not staffed. You have to ring a doorbell, wait five minutes, and the person then comes to the showroom to take your parts order. Of course once there, he doesn't have access to the parts information systems. It's just ridiculous. Even when I've called that dealer to order parts on the phone, they are sitting at their desks but don't want to be bothered. The other two dealers in the area are slightly better, but only slightly.

Yes, you're lucky.

fredjj · #11 10-26-2004, 02:40 PM

I've heard some bad stories about pricing in other areas but I've had no problem with the parts dept. at the four dealerships in my area. I've only used them when I needed a part NOW. I haven't found the prices exhorbitant. That may also be due to the nature of my purchases. One of the parts depts. is even open on Saturday.

240Demon · #12 10-27-2004, 07:32 PM

I have a nice situation...I am friends with a Mercedes Dealer tech and he gets me the parts at his cost, and usually the same day, as long as he gets it in his order by noon.

Thats the way to go

MonsieurBon · #13 10-28-2004, 12:00 AM

The dealer in downtown Portland, OR wanted something like $29 for a large piece of the vacuum locking linkage, plus a $9 fee to order it, I think.

I got the little spring, which was all I needed for under a dollar at MBI Motors, an indy shop.

Forget the stealership...

Richard Eldridge · #14 10-28-2004, 12:54 AM

The closest dealership to me, MB of Miami, is very nice to out MBNA group, but my personal experiences have been less than joyful when I call or go there for parts. They say they will give us a 10% discount on parts and labor, but the guys in the Parts Dept say they have never heard such a thing and make no effort to ask the head office.

\Recently I wanted some fittings for my new Euro headlights, about $9.00 plus shipping at a more distant parts house, and they quoted me a price of $15, but said that they would have to special order them and I would have to go there and pay in advance.

So if I have to drive the extra 15 miles to buy them for $6.00 less, but make just onew trip, or pay $15 to have it UPS's to me from an internet group, that is what I'll do.

As for labor, they charge $125 per hour, and a 10% discount does not seem like such a great deal to me. They aren't all that familiar with my ancient cars anyway.

There are a couple of indy shops that I have found far more friendly and cost-effective.

The showroom guys are snobs. Once I was looking for a used Diesel and the guy said they had one in the shop. I asked to look at it and he asks me how much I want to pay per month. I tell him that I am not planning to make payments and he just wanders off.

At the time I had enough in my cash account to buy a new car for cash, but I am glad that I didn't. I think that the W123 and W124 models are far more reliable and easier to work on than the new ones.