AMG SLS my dream machine!
Discussion
Love this thread, the SLS is a dream car for me too. They definitely look to be on the up, probably into the unachievable by the time I would be able to even consider one!
Ref your issues with the main dealer, it seems to be fairly common that they are not always necessary the best place to go with cars older than like 5 years, and certainly the most expensive.
I would look to find a reputable Indy somewhere, or possibly consider travelling to a well regarded dealership. I get the impression MB Brooklands deals a lot with high end Mercedes such as SLR's and SLS's, so may get a better experience.
I have a 2004 E55 - and now use Prestige Car Services in Horndean due to their knowledge and reputation specifically on the M113k & W211 platform - worth it for the piece of mind even though I live 120 miles away. My local MB dealer is friendly and good for parts - but significantly more expensive than an Indy and less knowledgeable on the car itself - prime example is went in for a sunroof recall where they offered a free underbody car check - perfect opportunity for them to suggest some work to earn some money - spotted the obvious oil leak and 1 or 2 other items but failed to notice the collapsed engine mounts and rear subframe bushes among other items - common E55 items any Indy would spot instantly! If you've met a few SLS owners on the forums maybe see who they suggest and if they are local.
Ref your issues with the main dealer, it seems to be fairly common that they are not always necessary the best place to go with cars older than like 5 years, and certainly the most expensive.
I would look to find a reputable Indy somewhere, or possibly consider travelling to a well regarded dealership. I get the impression MB Brooklands deals a lot with high end Mercedes such as SLR's and SLS's, so may get a better experience.
I have a 2004 E55 - and now use Prestige Car Services in Horndean due to their knowledge and reputation specifically on the M113k & W211 platform - worth it for the piece of mind even though I live 120 miles away. My local MB dealer is friendly and good for parts - but significantly more expensive than an Indy and less knowledgeable on the car itself - prime example is went in for a sunroof recall where they offered a free underbody car check - perfect opportunity for them to suggest some work to earn some money - spotted the obvious oil leak and 1 or 2 other items but failed to notice the collapsed engine mounts and rear subframe bushes among other items - common E55 items any Indy would spot instantly! If you've met a few SLS owners on the forums maybe see who they suggest and if they are local.
So as an update to this thread I wanted to endorse DK Engineering - In particular Russell Knight - for all his help with sorting the car out.
After Mercedes had finished with it I sent the invoices for the rectifications to him and I had over £3500 in my bank account to cover. Other dealers perhaps take note. Will I buy from DK again? In a heartbeat.
In fairness to MB they did take my complaints seriously over the substandard work and joyriding and I attended a meeting where my concerns were discussed.
By that time I was resigned to leaving the car sorned for the winter and so I decided not to take them up on this but I have shake of the hand promises that come service time next year any outstanding issues can be looked at and handled professionally. Does it excuse it? No of course not, but they did do their best.
Because of the aforementioned winter layup I don’t have much to report other than that the new windscreen free of stone chips is a lot nicer and really adds to the thing. And, also, that I’m completely in love with it.
Should you buy one? In my opinion, yes!
Come the spring I’ll try to update this a bit more with some decent stories and pictures.
In the mean time, my AMG contact went quiet and I’m still no further on in terms of booking the car in with AMG Germany for the suspension and gearbox upgrades. Any ideas?
After Mercedes had finished with it I sent the invoices for the rectifications to him and I had over £3500 in my bank account to cover. Other dealers perhaps take note. Will I buy from DK again? In a heartbeat.
In fairness to MB they did take my complaints seriously over the substandard work and joyriding and I attended a meeting where my concerns were discussed.
By that time I was resigned to leaving the car sorned for the winter and so I decided not to take them up on this but I have shake of the hand promises that come service time next year any outstanding issues can be looked at and handled professionally. Does it excuse it? No of course not, but they did do their best.
Because of the aforementioned winter layup I don’t have much to report other than that the new windscreen free of stone chips is a lot nicer and really adds to the thing. And, also, that I’m completely in love with it.
Should you buy one? In my opinion, yes!
Come the spring I’ll try to update this a bit more with some decent stories and pictures.
In the mean time, my AMG contact went quiet and I’m still no further on in terms of booking the car in with AMG Germany for the suspension and gearbox upgrades. Any ideas?
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