Slk55 never serviced by MB

[jmn]

Looking at a 2010 car-1 owner from new-never been serviced by MB. Serviced by Westlake garage in High Wycombe. Should I be concerned? No invoices-stamped book only.

[barryrs]

It would be a worry for me personally; have you spoken to the garage to check the authenticity of the stamps?

[jmn]

Not as yet-do MB offer a free 'health check' for cars that they have never serviced?

[Iva Barchetta]

Westlake have a website n everything.

Could be a professional independent or a terrible back street nightmare.

[jmn]

Yes, I have looked at that-could not see any reference to expertise with MB cars.

[clarki]

Mine will never go anywhere near a Mercedes garage. The Horror stories are endless.

A good independent with access to the Mercedes digital service register would get my vote over any main stealer every time.

We've a couple of great merc indies here in Glasgow. I'd research the garage as suggested and request a look at the service log.

[daveenty]

Mine usually go to Mercedes for routine stuff for the first three years, which makes life easier with the warranty. I know it's not obligatory, but it certainly helps with any warranty claims, or even a bit of goodwill. Anything other than routine servicing gets done either by myself or by an independent. I still take it to MB for servicing as it keeps the Mobilo cover going, which can only be a good thing, and has helped me a couple of times.

The garage mentioned in the OP don't seem to be a specialist so, whilst hopefully following the manufacturer's guidelines, may not have the specialist knowledge and equipment needed to look after these cars, more so with it being an AMG model.

I'd personally leave this one alone and look for one with full history. Mercedes don't physically stamp books anymore, though do keep a full electronic record of each car, which any decent dealer would check out for you.

[xyyman]

I think it depends on who you use to look after your vehicle. I use an excellent independent specialising in Mercedes purely because my main dealer's service department has proven to be untrustworthy, although I have every respect for the sales staff. I owned an SLK55 from new and had a fully documented service history from the indy in the form of detailed invoices/worksheets, there is no service book to stamp. I sold it through the trade earlier this year with no issues and was even given £500 more than the main dealer offered. So provided its a Mercedes specialist with correct equipment/diagnostics I doubt there will be a problem.

The guys I use are passionate about what they do and always pleased to show the customer what they are doing. OK I don't get a fancy courtesy car or a designer espresso machine in the waiting area but they are reliable and trustworthy which ticks the right boxes for me.

[hornetrider]

It'll definitely affect value so price accordingly. Also, make sure you call the garage to verify they know the car, they will have the invoices on their system. They may not release them to you but you can certainly ask if anything out of the ordinary has been done.

[jmn]

Thanks to everybody for the helpful replies. On balance I think that I will leave this one alone. (It is the red car advertised on Autotrader). Now looking at a white car with PP.

[fizz47]

jmn said:

Thanks to everybody for the helpful replies. On balance I think that I will leave this one alone. (It is the red car advertised on Autotrader). Now looking at a white car with PP.

The one in Aylesbury ? I was about to look at this car this morning but decided against it last minute. Was not keen on the dodgy interior wood effect.


Does not seem to be many great examples for sale right now... Ideally I want a silver one.... Good luck on the White one


Also noticed snipersgate seem to be skewing prices slightly .. They seem to buy up a fair few but don't see them shifting particularly quickly...

Edited by fizz47 on Saturday 17th December 20:29

[jmn]

Yes, that is the one.

[paulwirral]

I looked at a silver one with pp earlier this year up by Blackpool , nice enough car that had new discs as well but was advertised with fsh , it had it but it was invoices from a back street garage that specialised in agricultural repairs ! Oil changes but no plug or gearbox oil change that were due 5k miles ago .
I thought I would steal it but they wouldn't budge much on the price , we ended up haggling over £500 , I suggested splitting it but they wouldn't , I bought a new 43 slc instead .

[krisdelta]

fizz47 said:

Also noticed snipersgate seem to be skewing prices slightly ..

They had a Z4M for sale when I was selling mine in June (I was keeping a close eye on values) and it remains for sale today.

Back on topic, picking something with more provenence would be a good move on any low volume car like the SLK55, doesn't need to be fMBsh, but something more than a book with stamps in it...