"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!

BobK · #10 10-25-2004, 10:58 PM

I try to avoid my local dealership. The parts folks are very nice. They also charge over $15/gal. for antifreeze that Mecedes has a suggested retail list price of $10.50. 50% markup over suggested retail? That kinda thinking makes me think I should go elsewhere for most things.

H-townbenzoboy · #11 10-25-2004, 11:11 PM

Personally, I like dealing with a person rather than ordering off of the internet UNLESS it is urgent or the only way I can get the part. We only go to Star Motors MB's parts dept, Greenway Plaza MB is too snooty for our tastes. Star Motors has nice people up there, like Nelson (I believe that's his name), and the older lady, she's pretty nice, although I do not know her name. And sometimes, I come out ahead because I don't have to pay shipping and handling, and we also get some tips on diesels because Nelson has a 300D I believe, a W123 at that!
-Joe

#12 10-26-2004, 12:50 PM

There are, I think, four dealerships in Houston and all of them are different. I hate Greenway. Simple put they lie. I took my amg over there because the car was complaining about some malfunction. The service manager gave me call and told me that she needed the car over night, but it would be ready the next day. No problem. I pick up the car, drove out the parking lot...the car had no gas???

I just filled it. I looked at the paper work and noticed they put down the check in mileage...The car had 225 additional miles put on the car.

What the F@#%! Turn the car around, ready to raise hell.

Long story short the manager told me some BS that they need to get the car to the correct operating temp to test...whatever. I was so pissed I wrote a letter to Mercedes and copied everyone I knew on it. Didn't help. I'm sure the service manager took my car home, out to the woodlands or wherever she lived and got a good drive in my amg. It still pisses me off.

So I go to Star, a dealship, which is not very convenient for me, or if it is a part I go to Texas German ******** which is around the corner from Greenway's dealship.

Eric Eliel · #13 10-26-2004, 01:30 PM

My local stealership is South Bay ******** in Torrance. The counter people are very pleasent but rather ignorant about the older parts and not particulary organized. (I don't get a warm and fuzzy feeling about their knowledge

) On top of that they prices are generally 10% to 20% ABOVE factory retail. AND they are owned by AutoNation, enough said?

I generally order my factory parts from Tom Hansen at Caliber. Very very knowledgeable, huge stock of parts (Caliber is the largest factory parts dealer for the SO CA indy mechanics) and fast service.

They are a little quick on the trigger with FEDEX overnight though.

Rick Miley · #14 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 · #15 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.