Originally Posted by oledoc2u
I know there isn't any Chrysler parts in the cars, but you can't tell that to a MB service writer...or I quess I could...bottom line, I was wondering if anyone knows if this is an MB order to their stores not to work on them, of just a local problem...I don't need any work, but I don't want to take it to Chrysler either. I will fix most things myself, but I dropped in to look at a car on their lot and that was their response. My response, well why would I buy a car here? It was the quality of the XF that lead me here. Just curious.
It seems like MB and Chrysler tried to put some distance between their dealers. One issue I can tell you is that the dealers rely on the factory Scan tools to work on cars and MB dealers do not have Crossfire in the Star Diagnostic system. A MB dealer can service a Crossfire by selecting SLK320, but most shops don't even enter the system this way. They enter the STAR system by inputting the VIN and it will not take a Chrysler VIN. On the other hand, Chrysler was not given the STAR Diagnostic system and Chrysler dealers have to use the DRBIII with a special memory card and multiplexer cable to work on a Crossfire.
I think the best bet for future service is independent MB shops. They will usuall have the STAR system as well as many other systems such as those sold by Snap On which include Crossfire diagnostics. If you have an extended warrenty many independant shops can honor it and I would much rather have my car being serviced by someone that works on Mercedes all day versus a Chrysler dealer. If you go to an independant MB shop and they tell you they don't work on Crossfires, rasing the hood on them will usually get them to change their mind. Sometimes you may have to educate the shop. When I first drove into Krause's automotive two years ago to talk about a V8, he said he didn't know anything about Crossfires. I asked him to come out and take a look. He was very suprised and called all his mechanics over to take a look. they all said "shoot this is just a SLK320, we can work on that".