Mercedes Dealer Not fond of Old Cars

[dwilli3038]

After replacing the stearing box tire rods and drag link, I need to have the front end aligned. (I did get it close using a tape measure) I called a place that was open Monday...they said they are computerized and did not have a 230SL in their computer and suggested I call the Dealer. On tuesday I called Mercedes Benz of Athens and asked for an apointment to get the front end aligned on a "64 230SL.....The answer from the lady was "SIR we do not work on ANYTHING that is more than 10 years old![!]

I have found a local alignment shop that was recommended by a car collector I know and will have the alingment taken care of next week.

Daryl
'64 230 SL Buckeye Benz Scarlet interior and Grey top Serial # 508
'77 280SE

[merrill]

yep, you need to find a dealer that has a mechanic that can even work on your car.

in Austin there is 1 mechanic at the dealer who knows what he is doing on the 230 sl.  according to the service manager, they are happy to work on the car, but I need to schedule the time based on his availablity.

I have found I have to do most of the work on my car myself.


Matt
Austin Tx
66 230 sl - "white"
78 300 D - Blue
98 C230

[ja17]

Hello Daryl,

Mercedes-Benz of North America goes to great lengths to preserve and cultivate it's heritage and promote pride and ownership of any older Mercedes. I would dare to say that they would not condone any such policy by any of it's dealers.

I am occasionally called into both the local dealerships to assist and advise in the repair of these older models. I help by supplying literature, special tools, advice and assistance when needed.

The techs are not trained in these older models these days and they do  appreciate good information. They are usually working on a flat rate basis and any information helps them make money.


Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[hauser]

Before my car was delivered I had asked my MB dealer service advisor if they could work on it.  His reponse was that his techs hadn't been born yet when my car was built.[:0]  I also told him it was a Euro model and he tried to tell me that parts would not be available for it.[:0]  

Since then the dealership has changed hands and they have two techs that can work on vintage cars.

I take mine to an independant shop where most of the mechanics learned their trade on 30+ year old cars.



1969 280sl 5 spd
Gainesville, Fl.

[dwilli3038]

it would not have surpised me if they were not able to work on the injection system but not even an alignment that was amazing.....I also was amazed by the strict 10 year old policy 1996 models are not that different or more dificult from current models. Fortunatly I found a local alignment shop and When I need mechanical help we have a great mechanic (drives a 300SL roadster and a 190SL) that is only 30 miles away.

Daryl
'64 230 SL Buckeye Benz Scarlet interior and Grey top Serial # 508
'77 280SE

[al_lieffring]

Daryl

I had my 230's alignment done at Porterfield Tire on Hog Mountain Road, near Butler Crossing in Watkinsville.

Talk to Mike Nash, He is a super nice guy and I service the clocks for his family.

They got my front end set up to where It will track down the highway at 90mph with two fingers on the steering wheel. They do the tire and alignment work on all of my cars and never any problems.

As for the local MB dealer, Nick and the dealer's son are best friends from high school, but they treat me like dirt any time I go there for parts. And dont get me started on how bad they screwed up the warranty work on Rose's 02 Beetle.

I have seen 108 and 111 series cars in thier shop, so there must be a double standard that applies here.

Al Lieffring
66 230Sl
Jones'n for a new gas tank