Question for AMG owners

[Yiliterate]

After nearly 4 years of M5 ownership, I'm considering trying something from the AMG stable. During my time with the M5, I have had all servicing and other maintenance work done outside the main dealer network, primarily at a highly-regarded ///M specialist. Not only has this proven substantially cheaper but frankly I've felt more assured that the car was being looked after by a garage that deals with them (and similar) day in, day out, rather than a place that spends 90%+ of their time dealing with standard models.

However, having had a quick look around, I'm struggling to find much in the way of referencing to recognised/renowned independent AMG specialists. So, do people typically take their AMGs to main dealers or are there specialists that are well-regarded amongst AMG owners? For reference, I'd be looking at something around 6 years old.

Any advice or thoughts gratefully received...

[vilus]

Having owned four BMW's including two 7 series and two M5's, I switched to a Mercedes E55AMG two years ago. It is well known that Main Stealers charge an 'AMG tax' There are a great many Mercedes Independant Specialists throughout the UK. Hourly rates vary around £45-£60 per hour, which is less than half of what some dealers charge. You will need to find one that has STAR diagnostics, the official Mercedes software to get the codes accurately read. Have a browse through the Mercedes owners sites which are full of helpful information. There are some Indies who specialise in the performance end, but generally the AMG models are no more complex than standard Mercedes models. Do your homework thoroughly as most Mercedes models have their issues such as SBC braking, ABC suspension etc which can be costly.

I find the E55k a much more relaxed everyday car,and other road users are noticably more courteous to the Merc! The suspension is a bit harsh around town, more due to the wide low profile tyres. Costwise the AMG is cheaper to run than both my E39 M5, and E60 M5.

http://www.mbclub.co.uk

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/

[Yiliterate]

Thanks for the reply vilus. I see from your profile you're in Kent. Out of interest, is there anyone in that neck of the woods that's worth keeping in mind? I'm in West Sussex so it's feasible for me to get over there (I was taking the M5 over to Buckinghamshire so am quite used to venturing slightly further afield!). Even if I don't yet have an AMG, there's some work I need doing on my A200t in the new year...

Regarding running costs, that's quite encouraging to hear. Not that I begrudge it, but I did spend a fair amount keeping on top of things with the M5, including replacing the MAFs and some VANOS work. Think the tyre bill might be even steeper with an AMG though...!

[Chris Bowes]

These people are meant to be good if you are in the north area of West Sussex - http://www.inautos.co.uk/contact.html - I ve never used them myself but friends have

Chris

[vilus]

If you're in West Sussex then PCS at Horndean are the ones to go to. Ollie the owner is a Mercedes Guru and they do a lot of tuning and associated work with AMG vehicles. I wish I was nearer and could use them myself!

http://www.prestigecarservice.co.uk/

Here in East Kent I use Class Cars at Sandwich. They are local to me and the owner Steve is ex-Mercedes and specialises in Porsche and Mercedes.

http://www.classcarscanterbury.co.uk/

Andy at PCD in Rickmansworth is also recommended, and now does all the tuning work for Eurocharged UK.

http://www.pcd-ltd.com/index.php

There are also several others, well regarded. Wayne Gates in Harrow, Wright-tech in North kent. Just do a search on the Mercedes forums, I'm sure there will be someone on your doorstep. The great thing with Star diagnostics is that fault are easily located without guesswork. AMG engines and gearboxes are generally bulletproof with regards to relaibility.

[adeel_gt]

A bit far out but MSL Performance in birmingham are very well reguarded in the merc/amg world.

[ClaphamGT3]

Don't know where you're based but MercServices in Merton look after ours and a jolly good job they do too

[Yiliterate]

Thanks all, much appreciated - InAutos looks the closest but glad to see I have a fair bit of choice within a reasonable distance. Well, I'm off to see a car next Saturday…keep your fingers crossed!

[The Stiglet]

Yiliterate said:

Thanks all, much appreciated - InAutos looks the closest but glad to see I have a fair bit of choice within a reasonable distance. Well, I'm off to see a car next Saturday…keep your fingers crossed!

What did you see? Bought it?

[Yiliterate]

The Stiglet said:

Yiliterate said:

Thanks all, much appreciated - InAutos looks the closest but glad to see I have a fair bit of choice within a reasonable distance. Well, I'm off to see a car next Saturday…keep your fingers crossed!

What did you see? Bought it?

I went and saw a very nice CLK63 (it's the one in the classifieds; black, 45k, located in Leeds) but in the end decided not to go for it. Immense car and in a lot of ways was everything I was looking for, but decided in the end it was just a little too…what would the right description be…polished or refined? I felt it would have been the perfect compromise if I was doing a mixture of commuting and 'pleasure' driving, but as this will primarily be a weekend toy, after much deliberation I've decided to go for a 996 turbo (something I had vowed not to do on the basis that my mate bought one about 6 months ago and he will give me non-stop grief for copying him again, given he got a Chimaera before I did as well!).

However, I was mightily impressed with that 6.2ltr lump..so an SLS has now gone very close to the top of my dream/lottery win/'one day…' list!

Anyway, thanks all for the suggestions on the Indies - something that will still be of use to me as, all being well, I'll be hanging on to the A200 turbo for a good while longer!

[Battlecat]

If I may jump on the back of this topic as it leads on from the original question, do you think getting an AMG serviced at reputable independent will make it significantly more difficult to sell?

I’ve had my C63 for a couple of months now and the car has told me it wants a service soon. I used to get the 911 Turbo serviced at an independent and have always preferred to use specialists recommended on sites such as this. My preference is therefore to use a recommended specialist (eg someone recommended at the top of this section and that has the Mercedes software etc) rather than a main dealer. But when looking for the C63 it seemed that almost all had MB history, although I assume as they were c. 3 years old there are warranty and service plans considerations. I accept some adjustment to price is typical, but nothing substantial.

Does anyone or should I worry about using a specialist in relation to resale, which could be in say 3 years time?

Comments gratefully received.

[kevinpsw]

Given that a reputable specialist will do a perfectly good job, it shouldn't make a difference. However, put yourself in the mind of the buyer. Likely you would choose one with FMSH over one without at a similar spec and price. I also feel certain a dealer would offer lower on a trade in without MSH. Therefore, a short period of ownership and just 1-2 services and your saving by using an independent would be lost when selling on, perhaps with a bit more on top, especially if the car is still valuable, say above £20k. However, a longer period of ownership that takes the car substantially below £20k would give you a saving that would make it worthwhile.

I bought a CLS63 AMG with FMSH at 5 years old. I'll keep it for 5 years and save, by my estimate, up to £2k on servicing through using independent specialists, more if there are faults to repair. Likely the car will only be worth £10k at 10 years old, and I don't think use of independents will make much difference on a sale at that price point, so long as there is a FSH.

[lifebegins@400]

[There are also several others, well regarded. Wayne Gates in Harrow, Wright-tech in North kent. Just do a search on the Mercedes forums, I'm sure there will be someone on your doorstep. The great thing with Star diagnostics is that fault are easily located without guesswork. AMG engines and gearboxes are generally bulletproof with regards to reliability]

+1 vote for Wayne Gates in Wealdstone (Harrow, Middx) - done top work on my c55 in the past - has the right diagnostics kit also

[cramorra]

There is the question of goodwill if something goes wrong when not MB service history, too (not there's so much goodwill left these days..)