Can/will any Mercedes dealer service Smarts?

[SmartAzz]

(I haven't seen this definitively addressed, forgive me if it has been discussed already but my search did not yield an answer. I'll admit it was an impatient quick search though )

Can we bring our cars to any Mercedes dealer for service or does it have to be a Smart center?

[jwight]

Out on a limb here as I don't have a car yet, but I think the car is meant to be serviced by smart centers only. They'll have the parts and trained techs. Could a M-B dealer service one? Probably, if they had the parts and it was something relatively straightforward.

[bmx43]

smart centers only. most MB dealers don't want this car anywhere near their dealerships. haha.

[propes]

It's a valid question - especially for people who are quite a ways from a dealer and need repairs done and their warranty has expired (so no more smart 1). Instead of Mercedes dealers, I'd look for garages and specialize in foreign cars - they'd more likely have additional means to get the parts needed.

[BeSmart]

Originally Posted by SmartAzz

(I haven't seen this definitively addressed, forgive me if it has been discussed already but my search did not yield an answer. I'll admit it was an impatient quick search though )

Can we bring our cars to any Mercedes dealer for service or does it have to be a Smart center?

Mercedes dealers have the DVD service manuals and diagnostic software for the smarts. Some of them have been servicing the 450's. They don't cover 450 warranty work, though they can do the work. Hard to turn the money away.;)

Not sure what the policy will be for the 451's. Especially, if the car is a long way away from a smart dealer. Doing the service is money in the pocket.

[bmx43]

Originally Posted by BeSmart

Mercedes dealers have the DVD service manuals and diagnostic software for the smarts. Some of them have been servicing the 450's. They don't cover 450 warranty work, though they can do the work. Hard to turn the money away.;)

Not sure what the policy will be for the 451's. Especially, if the car is a long way away from a smart dealer. Doing the service is money in the pocket.

i asked my local dealer (my neighbor is the sales manager). he said absolutely not. i don't believe that every MB dealer was provided service manuals. MB dealers with Smart centers sent their techs to be Smart trained.

[spdickey]

Special tools, diag computers needed for the smart. Costs about $8000 to get going. Don't think the average Mercedes dealer is going to buy that stuff just in case you roll in.

[SmartAzz]

Too bad to hear that service will be limited to Smart centers - I suppose this means if you break down they pay for the flatbed to one with the roadside assistance no matter how far away you are? As far as I know that is what Mini ends up doing. The idea raises other questions about what to do in that event, but never mind, not the point

It's a shame, having a bigger network of service locations for warranty repairs if not sales would really benefit the brand.

[spdickey]

That is exactly why there is smart-1 roadside assistance. Those mechanics from Penske's operation are trained on smarts and have the equipment to make minor repairs. If not, they tow you to the nearest smart center.

Sure service centers are limited, but we get free towing for two years. Call 1-800-SMART-USA to get assistance.

[flywithsean]

Liberty mutual gives you that "tow to a smart dealer" service with your insurance.