So a bit of a mixed update. Car went in for its service + MOT and there was a stored fault code. The issue hasn't repeated but it showed a misfire on cylinder 1. It wasn’t present when they did the work, and it had been logged on the day I had the issues (no recorded faults since). They have advised to monitor and if it happens again look at replacing the coil pack (£430.20), will monitor and see what happens.
Whilst that was going on I was also contacted by the sales team at the branch. I think I posted previously about my original experience when I was looking to buy my current car. I had booked a test drive, I turned up and there was no car there and they were more interested in my finances than they were talking to me about the car I wanted to purchase. Well I thought I’d give them the benefit of the doubt, so I arranged a meeting on Tuesday (just gone). Unfortunately work related issues cropped up and I had to attend site on Monday and it looked like I’d also be required on Tuesday. Called them up Monday morning to let them know I needed to re-arrange. Had a follow up call to rearrange the appointment to 12pm today.
Roll on today, I turned up 10 minutes early, noticed that people were in the showroom which was a great start. Stood outside for 6+ minutes waiting for the door to be unlocked, I appreciate there might be issues with letting people into the showroom outside core hours. Doors were then opened and I was greeted and asked what I was after. I explained I had a meeting to discuss a replacement vehicle and was pointed in the general direction of the salesman who would be dealing with me. Walked over to their desk and they were on the phone. After ~30 seconds they paused their call and asked if I wanted something. I explained I was there for the 12pm meeting and he advised he will likely be on the call for a while. I asked if he wanted me to wait over in the general waiting area to which he nodded. Helped myself to the free drinks and waited 10 minutes, he finally came over and apologised and said he had come in early to deal with a number of calls but they had taken a bit longer than expected. He said he had to sort something out quickly and would be back in a few minutes. Just over 10 minutes passed again and at that point I’d had enough. I should have guessed it was going to go this way based on the initial interactions when I turned up, definitely didn’t feel like I was welcome and I was more of a hindrance turning up. I think this is the end of Mercedes ownership for me. It was great when the car worked but when I had to interact with the local dealerships the experience has mostly just been painful and disappointing.