I'm still looking for a premium vehicle for my next car - the Merc CLK 270cdi is tempting me as I've now got a commute of 50 miles a day so comfort / economy appeal. By all accounts, Merc dealers are pretty rubbish and expensive so here's my question - if I get it serviced by an Indi specialist (and I'm likely to keep it 3 years) how much less will I have to sell it for than if it has main dealer service history? By my calculations (based on phone calls to a few garages):
(MB) A service = £325 / (Indi) A service = £160
(MB) B service = £600 / (Indi) B service = £380
So if in 3 years I need 2 x A and 1 x B then it'll cost:
MB = £1250 Indi = £700 (indi saving £550)
If it needs 1 x A and 1 x B it'll cost:
MB = £925 Indi = £540 (indi saving £385)
The question is, once a car like this is 7-8 years old, if it's in good shape generally is it so important for it to have the FMBSH?
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Compare Smoke's and my experience in his ST220 rust thread for the value of main dealer history.
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In my experience, it's not just the notional or perceived lesser value at trade-in time, but the actual saleability itself
of a premium brand without FMSH, let alone the anticipated quibble (legal or otherwise) should any warranty work
be required. Then there's the very useful Mobilo(free breakdown recovery contingent on FMBSH) facility - something I made use of recently
& any ex-gratia 'warranty' work outside the strict warranty period.
Not worth it imho.
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I endorse Woodbines view regarding the 'saleability' . Any of the premium brands will usually sell better and command a better price with a full dealer history. How much more you will get on sale will depend on other factors ie. state of tyres, length of MOT, general condition etc.
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A seven year old Merc? you will get to know the parts man very well whoever you choose do your repairs ,this is exactly the vintage to avoid with a barge pole rust a major problem and even at GSF and the like parts are an arm and a leg.
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My dad has a 55 reg CLK 270 CDI and absoloutely loves it, I have to say that it hasn't given him any cause for concern yet, the paintwork is excellent and it seems extremely well screwed together. Go buy one Perleman, you'll love it!
Blue
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He is talking about a 7 year old one .Not the overpriced piece your on about.
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Sorry for confusion, I am talking about buying an 2002 or 2003 model - the new shape. My mention of 7-8 years refers to the age the vehicle will be come resale time after I have used it for 3 years. Is the new shape less prone to rusting following the aweful issues the 97+ models are famed for? Is it galvanised?
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According to the ADAC and AutoBild in Germany they are not a lot better till you get to 2005 produced vehicles a family friend has a 2006 e class and it spends most of its time with the friendly nice coffee making DB agents but that cannot be true of them all, BMW trounce them in every respect I have had a few of both and its BMW every time but it would not do for us all to be the same .
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If only BMW made a Z4 with their 3.5l diesel engine!
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