Exactly my point. When paying dealer rates for service, one should reasonably expect to get an expert level tech or group of techs to address the problem. Twice, I've had a dealer service department fail to meet this expectation. Neither problem was old school Mercedes specific. One time I had a sunroof problem and another issue with my 603 overheating. They charged thousands and gave me back a less-than-repaired car. That being said, I would rather be told upfront when something is beyond a shop's capability. I have zero qualms with paying more (and expect to) when something requires a very specialized skillset. Neither of my negative experiences required anything too specialized.

Actually yes. My example: For more than 2 decades, I've worked in the tech area for one of the largest companies in the USA. I'm required to have working knowledge across every generation of systems, including some that are as old or older than me. I work with very few people who are comfortable with (or have any desire to learn) the old systems. As such, I'm considered an industry SME (subject matter expert) on these relics. I can work on a mainframe that has the processing power of a calculator and wouldn't fit in my dining room. The demand is low. Problems are infrequent. Capability is necessary. My pay level is no different than anyone else with a similar level of I.T. experience and time with the company. I know this is not exactly an apples to apples comparison with auto mechanics, but the concept is the same. I don't necessarily like working on the old stuff and thankfully don't have to very often...but when the need arises, I do it and make no higher level of pay when I do. It goes with the territory. As with tech, automotive work is always evolving. Learn the new things but remain proficient with the old.


You're right. I'm totally ok with mechanics and don't have an axe to grind with them. Quite the contrary. We can't all be experts for every scenario and I applaud those who are masters at wrench turning. Also I am very thankful for this forum. There is a broad scope of knowledge and experience that could never be duplicated in a single location.

__________________
Lance Allison
Lance@LanceAllison.com

Current:
11 MB S550 4Matic, 55k miles, Designo Black/Black
14 Ford F150 XLT Lariat Crew, 73k miles, 5.0
Coyote V8 4x4. Black/tan.
09 GMC Envoy Denali, 5.3 V8, 4x4 SWB. 38k miles,
Jewel Red/Med Gray.

Gone:
87 MB 300SDL, 320k miles, Astral Silver/Blue.
98 VW Jetta TDI, 488k miles, Classic Green/Gray.
85 Olds 98 Brougham FWD, 4.3 DIESEL V6, 80k
miles, 3x Gray.

MBCA Member, Chicago Region