SLK350 Positive dealer experience (service)

[disad-vantage-d]

As my car is coming to the end of it's warranty period I scheduled a visit to my local dealer to have a few minor issues rectified.
Whilst the vehicle was there I received a call from the service department with regard to its impending MOT test.
Not only did they offer to match a promotion being offered by a local MOT centre of 50% off the MOT test. But also after pointing out that my rear tyres were near the limit and that I intended to replace them prior to submitting the car for test. They managed to source me a pair of tyres all but matching the most favourable quote I had received elsewhere. All work was carried out to a very high standard, importantly without marking the wheels.
The warranty matters also appear to have been carried out satisfactorily.
This is my first Mercedes and I am aware that several years ago their after sales reputation was subject to some conjecture.
I have to say that to date my experiences of this particular dealer have been on the postive side.

Edited by disad-vantage-d on Thursday 3rd April 05:38

[steve-p]

I think things must have changed a lot since the (deserved) bad reputation of dealers of the past. My local dealer has also been excellent with both cars over the last three years.

[disad-vantage-d]

I have never known a main prestige brand dealer try so hard for my business. From past experience it has usually been a case of these are our (high) prices take them or leave them.

[siwil1]

Since buying my wife's car new in sept 06 I have found our dealer superb, they made the buying experience smooth and professional and I get a courtesy call every 2/3 months to check all is ok. Havent had to use the service dept yet but will be shortly and am hoping the service is just the same. I think Mercedes have been/are working very hard at customer satisfaction at the moment and I must say I think they are doing a good job.

[disad-vantage-d]

siwil1 said:

Since buying my wife's car new in sept 06 I have found our dealer superb, they made the buying experience smooth and professional and I get a courtesy call every 2/3 months to check all is ok. Havent had to use the service dept yet but will be shortly and am hoping the service is just the same. I think Mercedes have been/are working very hard at customer satisfaction at the moment and I must say I think they are doing a good job.

I have no previous experience to judge them by. My experience of Mercedes ownership has probably begun after the darkest days. I can only speak from experience. The attentiveness and courtesy I have experienced so far have been second to none. I must admit I have only used the one dealer so far.

[2skiddy]

Maybe they are trying harder due to enormous overheads and a slowing economy. Yes the coffee machine and showroom are great, but, it is you that pays for it. Usually the parts department is a better experience (for me) than the sales. I have grave suspicions about what actually gets done on your car at service time. Do the least and charge the most? We are obsessed in the UK about those dealer stamps, and the dealers know that!