"Basically the Mercedes Benz dealers have a system in place that ties their pay to HOW MUCH EXTRA LABOR TIME THEY CAN "write", they get a commission of some sort for each extra hour of labor they can write up on repairs not really needed."

I wouldn't say repairs not really needed. Advisors get a commision on all hours sold, not just hours beyond what the car came in for. Everything I write up on a car is something needed and I mark them in order of whats necessary and what can wait. Techs get no commision for what they write up, only straight pay. I can't comment for other dealerships, but thats the way I do it.

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1980 500SE/AMG Euro
1981 500SEL Euro
1982 380SEL
1983 300TD
1983 500SEC/AMG Euro
1984 500SEC
1984 300TD Euro
1986 190E 2.3-16
1986 190E 2.3
1987 300D
1997 C36 AMG
2003 C320T 4matic

past: 1969 280SE 4.5 | 1978 240D | 1978 300D | 1981 300SD | 1981 300SD | 1982 300CD | 1983 300CD | 1983 300SD | 1983 380SEC | 1984 300D | 1984 300D | 1984 300TD | 1984 500SEL | 1984 300SD | 1985 300D | 1986 300E | 1986 560SEL | 1986 560SEL/Carat | 1987 560SEC | 1991 300D 2.5 | 2006 R350

Wow Jim B.
that article is a real eye-opener! I have had my own business for many years and I certainly have always had a certain level of respect for anyone who can put up with the general public and still keep a smile on their face! I certainly am not one of those effeminate cranks you get in line behind who make demands just because they feel it is their right and I know while some people show their cards right off the bat, in many cases it is hard to figure out which customer is going to be a jackass, so you just give everybody the same dispassionate treatment. What is amazing is they have apparently tied only the S.A.'s pay to this survey. That is like your boss saying: you're responsible for the quality control of the widgets but you can't stop production if you find a problem! In any event, I will keep this in mind as I just received the dealer survey by email.

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Problems while owning '99 E430
Continual ABS/BAS problems.
P.S. pre-catalytic convert rusted out at 90k
Ignition key actuation problems.
Gear shifter shift gate issue.
Bad antenna amplifier.
CD changer.
Heated seats never worked.
Biannual air conditioning failure.
Power windows and moon roof.
Leaky valve covers.
Rear power window broke.
Poor rear lamp connections due to bi-metal corrosion.
Maybe my spring perches will fail someday!
Engineered like it's not a car

Yes, if you're going to be a serious owner of a serious car, you cannot do without dealer support.

Best to leave all the "conspiracy theories" behind and just be prepared to pay professionals what they're worth.

Life is a self-fullfilling prophecy, and if you treat people well, that's how they'll treat you. If you go to a dealer on the defensive, you'll be dismissed pretty quickly and it's your fault.

As far as used Mercedes go, there will always be a period when guys factory trained in the older models run independent shops, and they're a viable alternative if

--they have WIS
--they have a good relationship with the local dealer.

General mechanics with not necessarily any Mercedes experience and resources should be avoided like the plague--which they are when they get hold of a Mercedes.

You of course don't have to buy tires at a Mercedes dealer, but you should fit Mercedes-specified tires. Don't seek alignment anywhere but a dealer.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

That's a good post.

However I believe the definition of this word "professional" differs from person to person.

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11 S550
09 C300
91 560SEL
90 300CE
84 380SE
83 240D

Different dealerships have different pay scales. Technician or advisor pay rates are a function of the individual dealership and not of the manufacturer. When I worked at the Benz dealer, it was a high base salary with only 1% commission on Cash or "customer pay" repairs and bonuses and "spiffs" for CSI and add-ons like detailing, paintless-dent removal, phone,cd changer or nav system installs.

The current Audi dealer is a straight dollar amount commission for every hour of service I write, which includes warranty, cash or internal (pre-delivery inspections, used car certification/repairs).

The a/c leak is most likely at the hose to dryer o-ring and the regulator does sound cheap from what I remember...

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Sharing my partner's 2012 Forte 5dr SX til I find my next 123 or 126..
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Do I miss being a service advisor ???

Have to agree with Jim. B.. One of my first jobs was working for a Mazda Dealership writing service. You become a punching bag for any reason. One of my best friends father came in yelling at me because the salesman promised him an AC unite that was not installed on new car. On the other hand a nice lady came in complaining the dash had a creeking sound. The Mechnics are paid by 10th of an hour to repair this once if it goes pass that point they hand back the car fixed or not. I had to pull a dummy repair invoice from a rotory engine to give them more paid time still no results . I felt so bad for her, but my hands were tied.
I finally quit and presued my passion auto detailing. Cars don't talk back and many of your customers are happy when they leave.
If I learned one thing being on this forum is get out the manual and read it. If you don't understand it ask some one who does and have him help explain it to you. If you can not do the work your self fine a good Mercedes-Benz Mechanic and treat him respectfully!!!
Bob Geco
1992 300-E