Mercedes-Benz Classic Magazine Advertisements

[mdsalemi]

I've been reading (after subscribing lately) the Mercedes-Benz Classic magazine, published "by" Mercedes-Benz but apparently done under contract to outsiders.

In one issue I'm reading, there are two advertisements, one for Mercedes-Benz Munich, and another for Rosier Mercedes-Benz.  Both make reference to being part of a group of Mercedes-Benz Classic service centers; the Rosier saying there are 10 in Germany.

Out of mere curiousity, do any of our European members here have insight into what this is all about?  Is it possible that actual technical training still exists from the factory, on cars like the Pagoda and 190, and these are specialists in the old cars? Is it just some marketing ploy?

I wonder why, with the USA having probably the largest collection of "old" Mercedes-Benz around, we only have one "Classic Center" and that is factory owned...I know we have independents all over, and specialists, too--but so does Germany. Thus, it's a puzzle to me.

Thoughts or insights anyone?

[Cees Klumper]

Not an answer to this direct question, but 14 years ago when I first got my car, and I needed some parts, I went to one of the Amsterdam MB dealerships. The fellow behind the counter told me to go to one of the small independent shops to get my parts because that would be best. They have since changed their approach and I did hear that, in The Netherlands a least, Mercedes was a few years ago gearing up to designate some dealers as more specialized in the old models, but I have not seen that play out. I just looked on the MB netherlands website to try and find out if they offer information on this question, but I can't find any.

[Cees Klumper]

Correction: what the Mercedes site did not want to divulge, Google has discovered: MB in the netherlands has designated 12 of its dealers as so--called Classic Partners that are approved and recommended as being equipped to maintain and repair old Mercedes. So the program has been rolled out and surprisingly they have more of those than in Germany, after all a much larger country and the home of the marque.

I think this fits into the strategy of MB to more tightly comtrol the distribution of the parts. Where places like SLS could always supply you with all available parts, nowadays many of the specialized ones no longer are available from them, and we have to go to the MB dealer.

[66andBlue]

Cees,
these "classic partners" are also in Switzerland.
http://www.mercedes-benz-classic.com/content/classic/mpc/mpc_classic_website/en/mpc_home/mbc/home/vehicles_service/mb_classic_center/worldwide_distribution_network/worldwide_distribution_network.html
 It is surprising that none of the better known repair shops for vintage Mercedes cars in Germany are in this group.

[Cees Klumper]

Thanks Alfred. But the Geneva dealership is literally within walking distance from my place of work and all I need is parts; thanks to this group, literally, I can pretty much all of my mechanical repairs and maintenance myself.

In NL only MB dealers are eligible, none of the independents.

[mdsalemi]

Very interesting.  Only in Germany, Netherlands, and Switzerland are their the "Classic Partners".  I wonder if it is going to be on a bigger rollout?

[jameshoward]

Gutengag Tag, Michael,

Rosier are all chain of dealers, or stealers

Amongst their network is my local stealer. They are primarily a car sales outlet like any other franchise. They get me parts from the classic centre within 24h with our club discount. No return on any parts, though, which is my major gripe. And about as helpful as the most unhelpful Germany ever. Typical of my part of this great country that is somewhat lost in time if not space. Most Germans would admit that where we live is pretty unique!

Anyone, it seems, can order from MB Classic centre through any dealer. Perhaps some just wish to advertise the fact more in a magazine aimed clearly at owners of classic cars. I certainly wouldn't let Rosier anywhere near my car if it needed work. They just access the parts list. The best thing ever is the EPC. Armed with that I would think you can get anything you want from any dealer, access to which is free to all members of the MB club! (Though don't try it on a PC running 64bitWindows Vista - it will drive you bonkers!)

JH