Approximately 3 years ago MB of North America initiated its “TRP” program. To the uniformed, “TRP” is an acronym for “Theft Related Parts.” This is arguably the death knell for all independent MB repair facilities, because it takes away the incentive and the ability for the independent to repair the customer’s car on a timely and cost effective basis.  So what is a “theft related part?” I suppose this is a part that an individual who has the intention of misappropriating someone else’s car should not have the ability or the right to obtain. From what I can understand, this program was initiated with keys, and then with electronics. This was completely understandable for obvious reasons. These are items for which Mercedes has a completely captive market—the dealers are the only ones who can supply these if you need another.  So bend over if you need one. If you are an individual who needs a replacement key, you must provide proof of ownership and identification – and the two must match. However, the key must be picked up by you in the car, or it must be delivered by MB to the car for an additional charge. If you are a repair facility getting the key for a customer, there is another layer of documentation from signed repair orders, with shop documentation, etc., et al.

  Ok, I can understand the key thing, but this has morphed, at least in my mind, to other items, for which I cannot understand the theft relationship.  Virtually all control units that need to be version code, from some trans shifters, transmission control units, engine control units, and alarm and central locking units. The last trans control unit we purchased had to be version coded by the dealer even though we clearly had the ability to do so! If you need a transmission for a newer MB (722.9) Mercedes has virtually made it so that only a Mercedes dealer can do the repair because of the coding that must take place after the transmission is installed.  The end result is that the repair environment will be less competitive, TRP will be whatever MB says it is regardless of application, and it will not make sense for the consumer to own a newer Mercedes once it is out of warranty. The heritage of Mercedes has always been longevity at a reasonable cost. The independent repair facility has always had its role in realizing this concept, but this is no longer the case. If you want reliable economical transportation in the future, you will have to place your trust in another manufacturer.

    It is amusing that often we get calls from customers pricing oil changes – fundamentally showing how totally disconnected people are with the concept of car maintenance. How much do you think you will save by comparison shopping? The cost of quality parts and oil do not differ more than 10%, so you may save $5 - $10 at the most by shopping around. From a businessman’s point of view, an oil change is a losing proposition when it comes to our bottom line, but it is important in getting the customer in front of us and perhaps getting a new customer, if you want them. As a business, who is your competition? Dealers, other independents, Jiffy Lube, the customer’s brother-in-law? Maybe your competition can compete by putting in a substandard filter and oil, or not changing all of the oil, or not changing the oil at all! The point is that to maintain your Mercedes, you must find an independent who is competent, and fair, and one that you can trust. The relationship between the customer and the repair shop must be one of trust – how that trust is earned is the subject of another blog. But, if you do not trust your repair facility, you should find another. If you trust your mechanic and can communicate this trust, then you will always get the better pricing and the business will go the extra mile, and work harder to make sure that you are a satisfied and happy customer!

               Our goal is to repair your car in the most expeditious, economical, and competent manner possible. We approach every repair in a manner that takes into account your budget and the safety of your car. Multiple suggested repairs are prioritized with safety in mind and the projected repair that is most important will take precedence. We want to keep your car safe and operational, so that you will continue to be our customer. This means that we  take additional time  to inspect certain systems on your car to make sure that the repair we do is the one that will keep your car on the road. If your car is brought in for AC repair, but you have a serious brake problem and you only have a budget that will get one fixed, you must address the safety issue.

               Our prices for parts (OEM – Original Equipment Manufacturer) and labor have always been, in most cases, below the prevailing rates, and we take pride in doing a professional job. We gain a sense of pride from repairing your car and we enjoy doing so. The Benz Store has the most recent diagnostic MB software on site, and we are capable of diagnosing the most difficult problems. We have considerable experience in older Mercedes, especially Diesels, so if you have a vintage MB we can accommodate this need. Let The Benz Store provide the personal touch in repair as well as parts. Thank you for your consideration.--Ken