Did it fall off the lift?
 

Went to pick up my MB at dealer service- they said 'it's in the body shop'; I still do understand the explanation about the lift ?arm failing apparently at this point needed a new door, one report was there was a hole in the door, rear quarter panel and something with front side panel- all same side of vehicle.

I originally asked if there were structural damage, they said no- this has been a trusted dealer yet I cannot picture what happened- unless, of course, it is what I saw in a utube with a car on its side off the lift.

So if anyone can explain that would be great, as well any advice for when I pick up car- I am concerned that over time something might be 'off' and I will have a series of repairs that would be related to this incident and I will be stuck with the costs- vehicle is a 2002 out of warrantly.

Thank you.

I would have at least demanded to see the vehicle immediately. The car may have even landed on one of the wheels at an odd angle which would probably cause some frame damage if it did not happen to land in the direction of suspension travel...

It sounds like they are covering all costs at least...

ask the general manager of the dealership and tell him/her point blank to start explaining. Then get that explanation in writing. Remind him that sending the car off site without your knowledge or permission can be construed as grand theft and comes with jail time. -CTH

Oh and ask your insurance company for the names of a few independent adjusters. Explain to the dealership that the adjuster is going to be giving them a bill for his review. -CTH

Not only all of that. After the car comes back I would send her off to a very, very reputable MB dealer explaining what happened and have them (at cost to the original shop) inspect the vehicle VERY thoroughly for any defects or compromises.

Whoa!
 

Your Mercedes was damaged at/by the Dealership and they didn't call you?

F**K them,just on the slime-ball-ness scale.

The ONLY thing they'd be getting from me is a letter from my LAWYER.

"Sneaky Little Bas-Turds"

Take it to another dealer for a full inspection/damage report. It could be pretty serious.

I wouldn't have left until I saw my car. Also, the fact they sent it off to be fixed without telling me would have me wanting to put heads on a stake.

Over ten years ago I had a car fixed at a small local shop. One of the mechanics backed my car out of the bay with the door open. They didn't bother to tell me until I called wanting to know when my car would be fixed. So they sent it to a body shop that did a very good job with the repair, it was quite expensive. After a lot of phone calls they finally rented me a car to drive while mine was at the body shop. Even after all the BS, 2 months total, they still wanted me to pay the 300 some dollar repair bill. The replacement part cost $27 the rest was labor. I reluctantly paid the entire bill.

Contact your lawyer.

EAL, here are the steps I would take:
1) Contact an attorney.
2) Demand to see your car so you and your insurance company's rep can inspect the damage.
3) If you are dissatisfied with the bodyshop where the dealer sent your car have your car transported to a bodyshop of your choice.
4) Insist that the bodyshop use all new OEM parts.
5) Demand the dealer give you a loaner MB vehicle until your car is repaired to your satisfaction.
6) Look for another MB dealer to work on your car in the future.

The fact that they sent it off without notifying you is shady, it makes it look like they were (are) trying to cover something up. Usually shops let you know every step of the way if things are being done (or need to be done) beyond the work that you hired them for.

You need to do everything that Ferdman mentioned.

Has the body work started on the vehicle, if it has not started or even if it just started you need to get over there with a camera and photograph everything.

well first off at least they told you and didnt try to cover it up,so that right there shows integrity on there part,i wouldnt worry about any issues further down the road,if its a reputable shop im sure they have it on there frame stretcher if there was any main frame damage,but if it was just a lift arm that slid out it most likley just damaged the door as it went in the air,i would trust that it was a mistake per human error,and that they will do there most proffesional job repairing it,cuz if they cant satisfy a customer with free repair work why would he come back to pay for any other repair work,hope that helps,goodluck.marc

ABSOLUTELY no excuse for not notifying you, that is deceptive and an indicator that they don't want you to know all that is involved.

Find the car, get photos, get a second opinion on work to be performed. It is your option whether they have it repaired by their shop or another, and how it is done, amazing what some service departments will try to pull.

No matter what anyone tells you, there is no way to repair bent metal to be like new. If any damage was done to the rockers, or any other weld-on or non-replaceable metal, it is likely going to rust much sooner now as the car can't ever be restored to its full zinc-dipped rust protetion. If there is paint-work, it can never be done as well as the original, can't really bake a car the same as the OE system, and matching paint is an art that works out some times, depending on the age and color of the car.

Used parts? Again I would say a loud NO!. If there is a dent in the door, I would not allow it to be "skinned", new door only, etc. Standard body shop practices are to keep costs down while making your car look like it did, not to make it as good as it was.

Best of luck.

Thanks, voice mail said they did replace door since it had a 'hole in it' ? And I will request pictures- and I think I will also ask to see the repair bay and with a visual have them explain exactly what happened.

EAL, if the dealer happens to have an identical pre-owned car like yours on their lot I would be tempted to swap cars even-up. A repaired car, no matter how well the repair was done, is not like an original. As mentioned premature rusting, abnormal tire wear, creaks, etc. can result when a car undergoes bodywork. Now, if you have no intention of keeping your 2002 MB automobile indefinitely then you will be passing the problem(s) along to someone else. Keep in mind a repaired car will be worth less than an all-original one.