[Lupin..the..3rd]

Originally Posted by holminator

I have an MB too and I can tell you that Mercedes in Arlington is the worse (long stories). I'd rather drink battery acid than do business with them.

If you're talking about American Service Center off of Glebe road, I agree wholeheartedly. I'll never bring a car there for service again.

[jsilverm]

Originally Posted by roundel

Oh, and Z-Max is supported by Carrol Shelby so it must not be a scam.

Dont you remember the old commercials for ZMAX? Its got linkite. It soaks in to metal to provide far superior lubrication. Its also FAA approved. I cant think that a stealer would add that stuff. My old VW dealer would add BG products, but they told/asked you about it up front. I never had a problem because I like BG products. Sorry to hear you got hosed Greg.

[Potomac-Greg]

Originally Posted by jsilverm

Dont you remember the old commercials for ZMAX? Its got linkite. It soaks in to metal to provide far superior lubrication. Its also FAA approved. I cant think that a stealer would add that stuff. My old VW dealer would add BG products, but they told/asked you about it up front. I never had a problem because I like BG products. Sorry to hear you got hosed Greg.

When I walked in this morning, I saw that they had a ZMax stander on the counter and a big ZMax poster on the wall. Pitiful that a premium dealership has whored out their brand like that. The service rep (Beaver Ho - a guy who has gotten positive reviews on AudiWorld) literally said, "We use it on all services. It's great stuff." I might as well take my car to Midas for service.

[roundel]

Check out this ZMax lawsuit PDF. I does not appear good on the surface...

If I were you, I would print this lawsuit out and show it to the service manager. I would then suggest that they drain the oil and put in the oil of your choice gratis. Sumsobitches!

http://www.ftc.gov/os/caselist/00232...omp0023256.pdf

[roundel]

More info from the FTC website:

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2001/02/zmax1.shtm

I think you may be in the position to really have some fun with these iceholes.

[John]

Originally Posted by Potomac-Greg

The service rep Beaver Ho

That's got to be one of the top ten best names in the history of the world.

[930slant]

I have ALWAYS supported independent shops whether for my 2 BMW's, 3 MB's, or 2 P-cars. I think the dealers feel they have a captivated audience from buyers who buy to drive but who don't really get involved with their cars the way local club owners do. Independent shops who are in business for the long haul typically take care of their customers. Although some dealers do a good job and support local clubs, not all do and I really thing you take a big risk in going to them. My 2cents.
J.

[Vicegrip]

Originally Posted by 930slant

I have ALWAYS supported independent shops whether for my 2 BMW's, 3 MB's, or 2 P-cars. I think the dealers feel they have a captivated audience from buyers who buy to drive but who don't really get involved with their cars the way local club owners do. Independent shops who are in business for the long haul typically take care of their customers. Although some dealers do a good job and support local clubs, not all do and I really thing you take a big risk in going to them. My 2cents.
J.

One thing I have learned over the years is that Dealers have no lock on ripping people off. Dealers seem to be more stupid or sloppy at times due to quality control from inconsistent skills of the technical or front end personnel. Taking more of your money than is due is seen in all forms of the auto industry franchise or independent. Some shops are very good at glad handing you and making you feel good as they clean your wallet with a good dose of friendly one on one trust building to dull the pain.

Some swear at and some swear by the same shops, dealers included. The rare sweet spot is to find a good mechanic in a good shop that is not swamped or over his head on some things.

[washington dc porsche]

Funny, there's a post just like this over on the MB Board about dealers adding additives during an oil change.

[Fairfax 944]

Originally Posted by washington dc porsche

Funny, there's a post just like this over on the MB Board about dealers adding additives during an oil change.

Hmmm, there was one on the Audi board too.