OT - Larry thought he'd seen it all, but this beats the lot!

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
T

Tim Hobbs

Guest
Last week the passenger wiper arm fell of the Merc on the M1 (sheared
near the spline). I ordered a new arm and blade last week and went to
collect it from the dealer today.

In line with the usual Merc service level, only half the parts had
actually arrived (despite assurances by phone 30 minutes earlier that
all was ready). So I have to return at 4pm, by which time they will
have retrieved one from the dealer in Leeds. So far, all par for the
Mercedes course.

Then I mentioned that I woudn't be paying for the parts, as they were
a warranty item. Parts man said he couldn't possibly authorise that,
so would I talk to 'Service' (a sign written with no sense of irony).

"No sir, you can't have the parts free. If it's a warranty item we
will need to see the car."

I explain that it is snowing and therefore if they want to see the
car, they will have to recover it. However, if they just give me the
parts (£17 for the arm, plus whatever for the blade) then I can fit
them myself in under 5 minutes.

I am now waiting for Mercedes to deliver a courtesy car, recover mine
to the dealer and then reverse the procedure when the highly-trained
schoolboy has screwed the new part on.

All for a broken wiper arm....


--

Tim Hobbs

'58 Series 2 88" aka "Stig"
'77 101FC Ambulance aka "Burrt"
'03 Volvo V70

My Landies? http://www.seriesii.co.uk
Barcoding? http://www.bartec-systems.com
Tony Luckwill web archive at http://www.luckwill.com
 
>>
>>All for a broken wiper arm....
>
>Oh the joy of it.
>
>

Just phoned the local Volvo dealer to book a service. I bought a
Volvo largely because BMW and Subaru (the other two options) don't
have dealers in Barnsley.

However, to improve customer service they have closed the Barnsley
dealer and transferred all the customers to Sheffield. "Would you
like me to book your car in for you Sir?".

"No, I effin' wouldn't"

Bastards.


--

Tim Hobbs

'58 Series 2 88" aka "Stig"
'77 101FC Ambulance aka "Burrt"
'03 Volvo V70

My Landies? http://www.seriesii.co.uk
Barcoding? http://www.bartec-systems.com
Tony Luckwill web archive at http://www.luckwill.com
 
On Mon, 21 Feb 2005 15:41:37 +0000, Tim Hobbs wrote:

> However, to improve customer service they have closed the Barnsley
> dealer and transferred all the customers to Sheffield. "Would you
> like me to book your car in for you Sir?".
>
> "No, I effin' wouldn't"

Ah what you need is the truck that delivers the courtsey car can take
your car to be serviced. After the service is complete the reverse can
happen.

That is just what happens up here(*) but then this is remote a rural
rather than urban or even populated.

(*)SWMBO'd Ford needs a service 'twill be interesting to see if they
still do it.

--
Cheers [email protected]
Dave. pam is missing e-mail



 

"Tim Hobbs" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> >>
> >>All for a broken wiper arm....
> >
> >Oh the joy of it.
> >
> >
>
> Just phoned the local Volvo dealer to book a service. I bought a
> Volvo largely because BMW and Subaru (the other two options) don't
> have dealers in Barnsley.
>
> However, to improve customer service they have closed the Barnsley
> dealer and transferred all the customers to Sheffield. "Would you
> like me to book your car in for you Sir?".
>
> "No, I effin' wouldn't"
>
> Bastards.
>
I feel so much better having read the posts about Merc and Volvo customer
service. I thought it was just Landrover that were s***t!

TonyB


 
TonyB composed the following;:
> "Tim Hobbs" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>>>
>>>> All for a broken wiper arm....
>>>
>>> Oh the joy of it.
>>>
>>>
>>
>> Just phoned the local Volvo dealer to book a service. I bought a
>> Volvo largely because BMW and Subaru (the other two options) don't
>> have dealers in Barnsley.
>>
>> However, to improve customer service they have closed the Barnsley
>> dealer and transferred all the customers to Sheffield. "Would you
>> like me to book your car in for you Sir?".
>>
>> "No, I effin' wouldn't"
>>
>> Bastards.
>>
> I feel so much better having read the posts about Merc and Volvo customer
> service. I thought it was just Landrover that were s***t!

Add Renault to the list.

Brand new Laguna 2.0 RTi Sport, just had a second major service, same day
loses a con-rod at 80 in fast lane of M1 just passing J15 heading South.

Replacement engine (Volvo), another major service interval, later that day
injector not fastened, ****es petrol onto exhaust, car burnt out, but got
all family, shopping and other tat out OK.

Diesel 1.9 DTi replacement car, brand new, 1k service, rear wheel drops off
as driven out of garage by mechanic.

I wouldn't accept a repair, body work, suspected bent rear lower wishbone
(whatever it's called by Renault) so got a new car a few weeks later ...
this one lasted three years or so, only gave it up when I was made
redundant.


--
Paul ...
www.4x4prejudice.org
(8(|) Homer Rules ..... Doh !!!

 

"Paul - xxx" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> TonyB composed the following;:
> > "Tim Hobbs" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> >>>>
> >>>> All for a broken wiper arm....
> >>>
> >>> Oh the joy of it.
> >>>
> >>>
> >>
> >> Just phoned the local Volvo dealer to book a service. I bought a
> >> Volvo largely because BMW and Subaru (the other two options) don't
> >> have dealers in Barnsley.
> >>
> >> However, to improve customer service they have closed the Barnsley
> >> dealer and transferred all the customers to Sheffield. "Would you
> >> like me to book your car in for you Sir?".
> >>
> >> "No, I effin' wouldn't"
> >>
> >> Bastards.
> >>
> > I feel so much better having read the posts about Merc and Volvo
customer
> > service. I thought it was just Landrover that were s***t!
>
> Add Renault to the list.
>
> Brand new Laguna 2.0 RTi Sport, just had a second major service, same day
> loses a con-rod at 80 in fast lane of M1 just passing J15 heading South.
>
> Replacement engine (Volvo), another major service interval, later that day
> injector not fastened, ****es petrol onto exhaust, car burnt out, but got
> all family, shopping and other tat out OK.
>
> Diesel 1.9 DTi replacement car, brand new, 1k service, rear wheel drops
off
> as driven out of garage by mechanic.
>
> I wouldn't accept a repair, body work, suspected bent rear lower wishbone
> (whatever it's called by Renault) so got a new car a few weeks later ...
> this one lasted three years or so, only gave it up when I was made
> redundant.

Renault < spit! >


 
>
>All for a broken wiper arm....
>

It seems that someone with a brain has spoken to someone with a
computer, and a bit of sense has (at last) prevailed.

The bloke with the recovery truck went to the dealer, collected the
new arm and came to our house and fitted it.

Time to do job - 4 minutes

Time sat in cab filling in paperwork - 12 minutes

If they'd done this straight off I'd have been posting about great
Merc service, but what a bloody fuss!



--

Tim Hobbs

'58 Series 2 88" aka "Stig"
'77 101FC Ambulance aka "Burrt"
'03 Volvo V70

My Landies? http://www.seriesii.co.uk
Barcoding? http://www.bartec-systems.com
Tony Luckwill web archive at http://www.luckwill.com
 
On Mon, 21 Feb 2005 19:53:59 -0000, George Spigot wrote:

> Renault < spit! >

s/Renault/Any trade "professional"/

Main manufactures vehicle dealers doubly so.

--
Cheers [email protected]
Dave. pam is missing e-mail



 
On or around Mon, 21 Feb 2005 21:50:28 +0000, MVP
<mr.nice@*nospam*softhome.net> enlightened us thusly:

>On Mon, 21 Feb 2005 19:53:59 -0000, "George Spigot"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>> Add Renault to the list.
>>>
>>> Brand new Laguna 2.0 RTi Sport, just had a second major service, same day
>>> loses a con-rod at 80 in fast lane of M1 just passing J15 heading South.
>>>
>>> Replacement engine (Volvo), another major service interval, later that day
>>> injector not fastened, ****es petrol onto exhaust, car burnt out, but got
>>> all family, shopping and other tat out OK.
>>>
>>> Diesel 1.9 DTi replacement car, brand new, 1k service, rear wheel drops
>>off
>>> as driven out of garage by mechanic.
>>>
>>> I wouldn't accept a repair, body work, suspected bent rear lower wishbone
>>> (whatever it's called by Renault) so got a new car a few weeks later ...
>>> this one lasted three years or so, only gave it up when I was made
>>> redundant.
>>
>>Renault < spit! >
>>
>
>a french friend of mine (now living in the UK) had a renault for a
>while, finally got rid of it in discust to the tune of "fecking french
>cars! piece of crap!" never heard her use words like that before.....

mind, I have a lot of time for the (proper) citroens. I'd love a DS, and
the CX was something else. Had 2 different BXs and they were very good.

--
Austin Shackles. www.ddol-las.fsnet.co.uk my opinions are just that
Confidence: Before important work meetings, boost your confidence by
reading a few pages from "The Tibetan Book of the Dead"
from the Little Book of Complete B***ocks by Alistair Beaton.
 

"Tim Hobbs" wrote
>
> Just phoned the local Volvo dealer to book a service. I bought a
> Volvo largely because BMW and Subaru (the other two options) don't
> have dealers in Barnsley.
>
> However, to improve customer service they have closed the Barnsley
> dealer and transferred all the customers to Sheffield. "Would you
> like me to book your car in for you Sir?".
>
> "No, I effin' wouldn't"
>

Similar thing happen with a new Alfa I bought from Thorobred Cars of
Shepperton, a garage with an excellent reputation10 mins down the road, only
had it a couple of months and get a letter to say they had lost their
dealership to a chain and the nearest dealer was now in Alperton just off
the Hanger Gyratory (and they wanted it there for 8.30am, in the rush
hour!).
When I complained to Alfa GB they said I could use any Fiat Group garage so
I suggested Maranello at Egham and they agreed but only if I would like to
pay their hourly rate! (it's the UK's senior Ferrari dealership) I didn't go
there. :)
Personally I don't think anyone can beat the service standards of our local
BMW garage, and they are also cheaper for services than a VW garage a friend
uses.

--
Regards
Bob
In Runnymede, 17 miles West of London

--
Regards
Bob
In Runnymede, 17 miles West of London





 

>
>Similar thing happen with a new Alfa I bought from Thorobred Cars of
>Shepperton, a garage with an excellent reputation10 mins down the road, only
>had it a couple of months and get a letter to say they had lost their
>dealership to a chain and the nearest dealer was now in Alperton just off
>the Hanger Gyratory (and they wanted it there for 8.30am, in the rush
>hour!).
>When I complained to Alfa GB they said I could use any Fiat Group garage so
>I suggested Maranello at Egham and they agreed but only if I would like to
>pay their hourly rate! (it's the UK's senior Ferrari dealership) I didn't go
>there. :)
>Personally I don't think anyone can beat the service standards of our local
>BMW garage, and they are also cheaper for services than a VW garage a friend
>uses.

Don't get me started on Awful Romeos....


--

Tim Hobbs

'58 Series 2 88" aka "Stig"
'77 101FC Ambulance aka "Burrt"
'03 Volvo V70

My Landies? http://www.seriesii.co.uk
Barcoding? http://www.bartec-systems.com
Tony Luckwill web archive at http://www.luckwill.com
 

"Austin Shackles" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On or around Mon, 21 Feb 2005 21:50:28 +0000, MVP
> <mr.nice@*nospam*softhome.net> enlightened us thusly:
>
> >On Mon, 21 Feb 2005 19:53:59 -0000, "George Spigot"
> ><[email protected]> wrote:
> >
> >>> Add Renault to the list.
> >>>
> >>> Brand new Laguna 2.0 RTi Sport, just had a second major service, same
day
> >>> loses a con-rod at 80 in fast lane of M1 just passing J15 heading
South.
> >>>
> >>> Replacement engine (Volvo), another major service interval, later that
day
> >>> injector not fastened, ****es petrol onto exhaust, car burnt out, but
got
> >>> all family, shopping and other tat out OK.
> >>>
> >>> Diesel 1.9 DTi replacement car, brand new, 1k service, rear wheel
drops
> >>off
> >>> as driven out of garage by mechanic.
> >>>
> >>> I wouldn't accept a repair, body work, suspected bent rear lower
wishbone
> >>> (whatever it's called by Renault) so got a new car a few weeks later
....
> >>> this one lasted three years or so, only gave it up when I was made
> >>> redundant.
> >>
> >>Renault < spit! >
> >>
> >
> >a french friend of mine (now living in the UK) had a renault for a
> >while, finally got rid of it in discust to the tune of "fecking french
> >cars! piece of crap!" never heard her use words like that before.....
>
> mind, I have a lot of time for the (proper) citroens. I'd love a DS, and
> the CX was something else. Had 2 different BXs and they were very good.

I have a BX (and a LandRover), I work in a garage and hate Renaults <spit>


 
Austin Shackles wrote:

> mind, I have a lot of time for the (proper) citroens. I'd love a DS, and
> the CX was something else. Had 2 different BXs and they were very good.
>

I've had a few CX, the old 2.4 and the later 2.5. They were both good
engines that never gave any trouble and the earlier 2.4 had great mid
range power. The DTI was the last made and I believe it was a good
diesel too (I never owned one). Apart from radius arm bushes and
terrible electrics I had no trouble with any I owned.

--
Regards,
Danny

http://www.gaggia-espresso.com (a purely hobby site)
http://www.dannyscoffee.com (UK advert for my mobile espresso service)
http://www.malabargold.co.uk (UK/European online ordering for Malabar
Gold blend)
swap Z for above characters in email address to reply

 
On Mon, 21 Feb 2005 22:55:54 +0000, Austin Shackles
<[email protected]> wrote:

>On or around Mon, 21 Feb 2005 21:50:28 +0000, MVP
><mr.nice@*nospam*softhome.net> enlightened us thusly:
>
>>On Mon, 21 Feb 2005 19:53:59 -0000, "George Spigot"
>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>> Add Renault to the list.
>>>>
>>>> Brand new Laguna 2.0 RTi Sport, just had a second major service, same day
>>>> loses a con-rod at 80 in fast lane of M1 just passing J15 heading South.
>>>>
>>>> Replacement engine (Volvo), another major service interval, later that day
>>>> injector not fastened, ****es petrol onto exhaust, car burnt out, but got
>>>> all family, shopping and other tat out OK.
>>>>
>>>> Diesel 1.9 DTi replacement car, brand new, 1k service, rear wheel drops
>>>off
>>>> as driven out of garage by mechanic.
>>>>
>>>> I wouldn't accept a repair, body work, suspected bent rear lower wishbone
>>>> (whatever it's called by Renault) so got a new car a few weeks later ...
>>>> this one lasted three years or so, only gave it up when I was made
>>>> redundant.
>>>
>>>Renault < spit! >
>>>
>>
>>a french friend of mine (now living in the UK) had a renault for a
>>while, finally got rid of it in discust to the tune of "fecking french
>>cars! piece of crap!" never heard her use words like that before.....
>
>mind, I have a lot of time for the (proper) citroens. I'd love a DS, and
>the CX was something else. Had 2 different BXs and they were very good.

I've had 3 CX estates, including an ex ambulance. All brilliant cars.
At least 3 BX saloons, mostly good, 1 Xantia, fair to middling and a
V6 3l. 24v XM which was a stunning 150mph car, great apart from the
rear exhaust manifold which kept cracking.

The electrics on old Citroens are on a par with similar aged LR
products. Which is a shame, on both parts.

--
ColonelTupperware,
spouting bollocks on Usenet since 1997
Usenet FAQ at
http://www.its.caltech.edu/its/services/internetapps/news/news2.shtml
UPCE FAQ at http://upce.org.uk/ UKRM FAQ at http://www.ukrm.net/faq/
 

"Colonel Tupperware" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Mon, 21 Feb 2005 22:55:54 +0000, Austin Shackles
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> >On or around Mon, 21 Feb 2005 21:50:28 +0000, MVP
> ><mr.nice@*nospam*softhome.net> enlightened us thusly:
> >
> >>On Mon, 21 Feb 2005 19:53:59 -0000, "George Spigot"
> >><[email protected]> wrote:
> >>
> >>>> Add Renault to the list.
> >>>>
> >>>> Brand new Laguna 2.0 RTi Sport, just had a second major service, same
day
> >>>> loses a con-rod at 80 in fast lane of M1 just passing J15 heading
South.
> >>>>
> >>>> Replacement engine (Volvo), another major service interval, later
that day
> >>>> injector not fastened, ****es petrol onto exhaust, car burnt out, but
got
> >>>> all family, shopping and other tat out OK.
> >>>>
> >>>> Diesel 1.9 DTi replacement car, brand new, 1k service, rear wheel
drops
> >>>off
> >>>> as driven out of garage by mechanic.
> >>>>
> >>>> I wouldn't accept a repair, body work, suspected bent rear lower
wishbone
> >>>> (whatever it's called by Renault) so got a new car a few weeks later
....
> >>>> this one lasted three years or so, only gave it up when I was made
> >>>> redundant.
> >>>
> >>>Renault < spit! >
> >>>
> >>
> >>a french friend of mine (now living in the UK) had a renault for a
> >>while, finally got rid of it in discust to the tune of "fecking french
> >>cars! piece of crap!" never heard her use words like that before.....
> >
> >mind, I have a lot of time for the (proper) citroens. I'd love a DS, and
> >the CX was something else. Had 2 different BXs and they were very good.
>
> I've had 3 CX estates, including an ex ambulance. All brilliant cars.
> At least 3 BX saloons, mostly good, 1 Xantia, fair to middling and a
> V6 3l. 24v XM which was a stunning 150mph car, great apart from the
> rear exhaust manifold which kept cracking.
>
> The electrics on old Citroens are on a par with similar aged LR
> products. Which is a shame, on both parts.

But on the whole, Renaults are sh!te :-/


 
On or around Tue, 22 Feb 2005 16:24:14 +0000, Colonel Tupperware
<[email protected]> enlightened us thusly:

>I've had 3 CX estates, including an ex ambulance. All brilliant cars.
>At least 3 BX saloons, mostly good, 1 Xantia, fair to middling and a
>V6 3l. 24v XM which was a stunning 150mph car, great apart from the
>rear exhaust manifold which kept cracking.

'course the one I'd love to have if money were no object is an SM. Amazing
car, even now.

Can;t help thinking that no-one's really that innovative now, not even
citroën any more. Looking backwards, the DS was probably 20 years ahead of
its time when it was launched. Most of the competition still had live axles
and non-assisted drum brakes...

--
Austin Shackles. www.ddol-las.fsnet.co.uk my opinions are just that
"The breezy call of incense-breathing Morn, The swallow twittering
from the strawbuilt shed, The cock's shrill clarion, or the echoing
horn, No more shall rouse them from their lowly bed."
Thomas Gray, Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard.
 
Austin Shackles wrote:

> On or around Tue, 22 Feb 2005 16:24:14 +0000, Colonel Tupperware
> <[email protected]> enlightened us thusly:
>
>>I've had 3 CX estates, including an ex ambulance. All brilliant cars.
>>At least 3 BX saloons, mostly good, 1 Xantia, fair to middling and a
>>V6 3l. 24v XM which was a stunning 150mph car, great apart from the
>>rear exhaust manifold which kept cracking.
>
> 'course the one I'd love to have if money were no object is an SM.
> Amazing car, even now.
>
> Can;t help thinking that no-one's really that innovative now, not even
> citroën any more. Looking backwards, the DS was probably 20 years ahead
> of
> its time when it was launched. Most of the competition still had live
> axles and non-assisted drum brakes...
>
I still have a DSpecial - but stored at present due to cost, plus I am
afraid of damaging it, as it is in good condition. I've owned it for
25years.
The DS was in many respects more than 20 years ahead of its time, but by the
mid seventies it was getting dated particularly for noise levels. These
were very hard to reduce because of the detail aerodynamics round the
windows and the basic design of the door seals. Also because the suspension
used no rubber whatever. Suspension arms moved on tapered roller bearings,
and the chassis alignment specified relative position of front and rear
suspension to +/- 0.1mm. This precision gave exceptional tyre life.
My experience is that the electrics on mine were very good compared to
similar age Landrovers - no wiring problems at all, still got the original
starter/alternator/distributor/switches etc. The only electrical problem
has been a worn spade connector on the coil/distributor lead due to the
need to remove the distributor to set it up every major service.
Despite being designed in the mid fifties, it still has safety features not
yet common - for example you can see forward with the bonnet open and back
with the boot open.
JD
 


JD wrote:
it still has safety features not
> yet common - for example you can see forward with the bonnet open and back
> with the boot open.
> JD

Seems very safe to drive around with the bonnet and boot open......:)))
Erik-Jan.


--

http://www.fotograaf.com/trooper
 
On or around Wed, 23 Feb 2005 00:13:32 +0100, Erik-Jan Geniets
<[email protected]> enlightened us thusly:

>
>
>JD wrote:
> it still has safety features not
>> yet common - for example you can see forward with the bonnet open and back
>> with the boot open.
>> JD
>
>Seems very safe to drive around with the bonnet and boot open......:)))
>Erik-Jan.

but if the bonnet managed to come open on the motorway, I know I'd be
pleased if I could still see.

--
Austin Shackles. www.ddol-las.fsnet.co.uk my opinions are just that
Soon shall thy arm, unconquered steam! afar Drag the slow barge, or
drive the rapid car; Or on wide-waving wings expanded bear the
flying chariot through the field of air.- Erasmus Darwin (1731-1802)
 
In message <[email protected]>
Austin Shackles <[email protected]> wrote:

> On or around Tue, 22 Feb 2005 16:24:14 +0000, Colonel Tupperware
> <[email protected]> enlightened us thusly:
>
> >I've had 3 CX estates, including an ex ambulance. All brilliant cars.
> >At least 3 BX saloons, mostly good, 1 Xantia, fair to middling and a
> >V6 3l. 24v XM which was a stunning 150mph car, great apart from the
> >rear exhaust manifold which kept cracking.
>
> 'course the one I'd love to have if money were no object is an SM. Amazing
> car, even now.
>
> Can;t help thinking that no-one's really that innovative now, not even
> citroën any more. Looking backwards, the DS was probably 20 years ahead of
> its time when it was launched. Most of the competition still had live axles
> and non-assisted drum brakes...
>

I'm not so sure aabout them not innovating any more......
(Cut to previous live as a software engineer)
Citroen had a all CAN bus version of the XM (not available
in the UK - officially, we got ours from France) - way
ahead of everyone else. A few years ago (4?) they were
looking like being first to market with either 36 or 42
volt systems, again way ahead of the rest.
Personaly I don't like Citroen, but they are probably
the most inovative car maker - certainly in Europe.

Richard

--
www.beamends-lrspares.co.uk [email protected]
Running a business in a Microsoft free environment - it can be done
Powered by Risc-OS - you won't get a virus from us!!
Helping keep Land Rovers on and off the road to annoy the Lib Dems
 
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