PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - Are dealerships the wrong choice for older Mercedes?

G-Benz · #4 01-17-2006, 10:35 PM

It's not profitable for a dealership to service older vehicles for anything but routine service (fluids, brakes, belts, etc). More often than none, a typical repair for an older car winds up taking far more time than the book time dictates.

It would also seem that servicing one aspect of the vehicle has a way of disturbing the "karma" of said vehicle, and other problems crop up...at least that's what the owner says, when he/she returns with a different complaint using the time worn adage "it was running fine before you guys did so-and-so!"

There are some extremely loyal customers who return time and time again for service for their aged vehicles. Those rare few get a bit more preferential treatment and favored pricing, since the techs are already familiar with its service history.

By and far, though, it would be best to start searching for your own local guru...and as stated by the previous posters, most would rather not go near the newer models...too much investment in specialized tools and diagnostic equipment.

My favorite indie will work on my W124 (and my W163 only because he also owns one)...but won't go NEAR the CLK!