[stampede2009]

Hi Tim:
I have issues with my MB dealership. I gave them a deposit on the 2012 C class back in March, thinking it will be delivered in Aug/Sept. Then I got an "email" from the salesman saying "all pre Oct production cars MUST have the command Nav option" which means the car w/ the options that I want won't be here until Dec. Well, this is the last straw that broke the camel's back after 4 brand new MB purchases in the last 10 years. Went and bought a BMW 328 IX last week. The elitist attitude in both dealerships are unbearable, they always act like that they don't have enough cars to sell. I don't know if I have been a sucker the past decade for driving MB exclusively. The cars are nice/classy, but really not very reliable/problematic, except the the C300 which has had no problems. All the MB (CLK cabrio, ML320, C300, SLK350) were sold to me at MSRP, not a single penny off. Whereby the BMW I just bought was negotiated down by $5000 without much effort. Mind you, they are changing the 3 serie model in 2013, but it's still the current design for 1 1/2 years. I don't know if it makes any difference on the negotiating part, but I have always chased the newest model, so all the purchases were ordered the previous year for the next model for January delivery, Like the SLK was delivered to me in July of 08 for a 09 model. The only thing I ever got from them is:
1) one dealership - a MB shirt or a jacket or winter mats. Only one item, never 2.
2) other dealer - $100 gift cert for handing them the satisfaction survey signed but leave blank, so they can fill it out later. Wonder why they win all those awards!
This is how the non negotiating MSRP part was explained to me by the salesman - "There is not much margin on the cars I ordered due to a lack of options I want". Meaning I don't want the navigation system, panaramic sunroof, parktronic and etc. I do always get at least one option (like the premium package) to keep them off my back and act at least civil. Otherwise, comments will be made:
1) no one orders a manual.
2) no one orders the non 4 matic.
3) without this option the car is weird.
4) it's so plainnnnn.
So, what do I do, end up getting stupid options, like the airscarf. Some people might like it. Not here in Calgary, you try to put the top down in Autumn and turn the airscarf on and you will see what happens. Either your head freezes or your neck itches. Lose/lose situation. Only used it once in 3 years.
As you can tell, I am still pissed at MB, but I still like their cars, especially my wife. Who do I buy it from now in the future, since both dealerships are not particularly nice to deal with.
Another thing, man the BMW dealership was super friendly for the 2011 328 IX with manual transmission. Even the business lady who try to upsell after the purchase was nice. I expected her to change her face after I told her "NO" to all the extras, like the run flat tire insurance, protection this, protection that. Overall, a very nice shopping experience with a $5000 discount. On the other hand, the only guy that's helpful at the MB dealership is the service personnel, he always gets me a loaner for however, big or small jobs. I can pop in anytime for small problems and he looks after me.
I guess, I am just tired of MB constantly saying "NO" to my requests, whereby I was pleasantly surprised at the "YES" attitude from BMW. Please don't get me wrong in thinking that I make a lot of demands at the dealership, not at all. In fact I always thought that it was standard practice in selling their new vehicles at MSRP with all luxury brands. so I just cough up!
In fact it's the salesman who keeps telling me all these loyalty programs to get me interested in a new vehicle, but every time, I want to take advantage of it, I end up not qualifying due to one reason or another. Example:
1) when you get your fifth MB, you qualify for a 5% discount, but when I am ready to order my fifth MB, he now goes, you must have 5 vehicles registered under your name. I respond, who would own 5 vehicles at the same time, He says "lots of people, especially doctors and lawyers and oil barons. Well, you know I dont own 5 vehicles, then why did you tell me that I would qualify for the 5% discount? he just smiles.....
2) I go in for service, he approaches, "Oh, your current lease is expiring, do you want to do a pull ahead program and save yourself 1/4%. I though about it. Sure, I am going to need a new vehicle anyway in 4 months, why not take advantage of the 3 waived payments. So I go in to order one of their vehicles on the lot. Now the response has changed. "oh, you can not pull ahead until next month and by then the 3 waived payment promotion will be gone. for a while there, I thought great, for the first time, I can get a bit of discount from MB, but again, I was disappointed. another thing, when I paid cash for my first 2 vehicles, the sales people tells me that they actually prefer leases because MB makes more money. when I leased my last 2 vehicles, they tell me they like cash deals. When I wanted a 4matic but the wait is over 6 months, he tells me to get a set of snow tires and order the rear wheel and further tells me that even he doesnt need 4matic. However, 3 years later when I want to order a rear wheel vehicle, he tells me that NO one orders ones without the 4matic. My sales guy talks from both sides of his mouth and basically have lose all credibility with me.
I am ready to buy another roadster, (If it were me, I will just buy a Z4) but my wife already told me that she prefers another MB. so who can I buy it from now. If I go outside the city, will it affect the maintenance service?