THIS WEEK AT SPR AUTOS 6! MERCEDES TRIES SCAMMING MY CUSTOMER! IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT⚠️MERCEDES VLOG

[@sprautos]

Hope everyone is well and still enjoying the weekly’s. So there you have it, we’re not taking on any new customers. We’re going to re evaluate in the new year. All the best everyone, support for the channel has been mega. 🙏

[@Millennial_Manc]

Another great video with some major success stories too. Thanks for giving the two old 80s girls some airtime. I think the “I’d never buy a Mercedes” comments are mostly motivated by the contempt the dealers are showing MB drivers and you, and the infuriating lack of parts.

[@chuckfinley3542]

I was happy to hear that you won’t be taking on any new customers (*except* for your KZbin subscribers). I look forward to you servicing my W126, R107 & W114 in the next month. 😊

[@iamyourfuture808]

nice position to be in when lots of businesses are going bump😉

[@carcontrolcommitment]

Interesting development: my background is regional aftersales and workshop management for OeMs. A couple of things you might want to check out - who books the cars in. Do they allocate appropriate time for the work. That is they aren’t booking out 2 hours of the diary for a 90 min job. Take a look at your diary for one day next week and go through it. I bet you’ll be able to claw back multiple hours. - carry overs, these are absolute money killers. You have to get on top of why you have them. Is it a parts issue, if so can you pre order part or stock more parts. But mostly you need to have a much more thorough conversation and diagnostic before the car arrives, pre ordering what part you might think it needs. - returns, do some analysis as to why customers cars returns with the same fault. Is it always down to the same tech, is it always a parts issue. - finally you could extend your hours- but it’s your business and you probably want you weekends free. Please take the above as help, as things you might want to consider reviewing. I am in no way criticising your business:

[@graemehanlon3592]

Just subscibed to your channel as I've just bought a merc, great content, any hoodies left?

[@danielmccarthy1982]

Proper mechanics properly fixing proper cars... I wish these guys lived closer.

[@wolfgangezeh2221]

Same here, mate! If and when I buy a Mercedes Benz, I won’t mind doing the 5 hours round trip to get my car serviced/fixed.

[@stuontwo677]

would make no difference they're not accepting new customers as he said in the video.

[@johndanner4890]

i would drive the 500 mile round trip to be serviced by honest MB techs

[@yandenuts]

Me too!

[@juststuff5216]

I wish there were more like him. The industry is hardly overflowing with integrity to begin with, that finding someone who is; 1. Honest 2. Competent ... is like finding a needle in an entire harvest!

[@jamesdunican1750]

You don’t need new customers You already have more than enough customers And the reason for that is you are good at your job And your customers are happy 👍👍👍

[@xmaxbabilo]

Personally i blame that cheeky car dealer from romiley ( you know who you are) . 😂

[@JJS321]

Great to see a garage so busy and for all the right reasons. Only recently come across you and these "weekly" videos are enough to satisfy curiosity without being too in depth to get boring or go over my head completely. Just the right balance, thanks for your effort.

[@sprautos]

Thank you 🙏 and that’s great feedback for me as I often wonder is it to much or not enough.

[@johnseddon7049]

You have the knack for making these videos interesting from start to finish! Keep 'em coming!

[@sprautos]

That’s great to hear, thank you 🙏

[@franklee2598]

@@sprautos It's the honesty and transparency. You just say it as it is and not trying to be fancy. It gives us viewers the feel of really being there. Sometimes things happen when not expected or you get an interruption. That 's just part and parcel of every day working environment.

[@jeesmith99]

Love the channel. Work is tough, but thanks for sharing with us.

[@ThreeCoos]

On my second Mercedes now, keep them maintained properly and they'll give good service. Another great video - thanks.

[@timothysears6970]

It's always a highlight for me to view your latest video.

[@sprautos]

That’s mega. 🙏 support has been ace 👍

[@grahambansal8192]

Having more customers than you can handle is deserved thanks to your work ethic. Great content, has become regular weekly viewing 👍

[@balnsingh4118]

Absolute gem of a channel SPR... Your vids are honestly such a great watch especially the way you talk and explain step by step with NO bulls--t. Keep em coming, thanks for sharing 😉👌

[@sprautos]

Much appreciated! Thank you 🙏

[@EmilysDadd]

''You need new discs & pads Sir!" is a common shout by main dealers because they try playing the safety card, and lots of people don't know enough to challenge them so pay up. I had it years ago by a MB main dealer ..... years later & 1000s of miles later, I've only just changed them.

[@franklee2598]

I don't know whether they just look at a dealer instruction list which says something like "when this work is done, offer new discs and brakes". So the recommendation is made without any inspection. My dealers said I needed new discs and pads. My specialist finally changed them after 6 years when they said they needed to be done.

[@kipper841]

Great video again! Id love to see the MB mechanic's reaction to you outing his crap work or even worse. I am sure your channel will just grow and grow. Keep up the good work

[@markhobbs-ro5wi]

Good Work @SPR being to busy is testimony to your professionalism

[@matthewhemmings735]

I had my c class w204 subframe replaced under warranty by Merc in Swansea.they rang me while the car was in and asked me to do the brake pipes while the subframe was out.i told them to go ahead and they charged me £220 So I was pretty happy with that.and they changed the rear control arms for free as they were damaged by the broken subframe. The subframe issues must be costing them a fortune so it looks like they are looking to claw some of the money back when they get the cars in now.

[@sprautos]

£220 is a bargain and have clearly done it as a reduced rate because the subframe is out anyway. That’s how it should be. Well done 👍

[@oliverlotus]

Great, enjoyable watch as always. Thank you.

[@douglasgreen437]

Great channel, He is the Fred Dibner of Mercedes mechanics....

[@Parknest]

When I had the rear subframe replaced under warranty on my W204 C200, I agreed to have an exhaust clamp and rear flexidisc replaced at the same time. It was clear in their insepction video that both parts neded replacement. Both these parts had to come off as part of the subframe replacement so there shouldn't have been any extra labour involved. The dealer tried to charge me for an hour's labour. I challenged it and they backed down straight away so I only had to pay for the parts. Love the W123 and the 190E

[@tallgest]

You need a bigger garage and more staffs. Excellent video and enjoy every minute. All the best.

[@franklee2598]

Actually it's probably because you are a smallish outfit which makes it so special with your personal touch. There's only so many jobs you can oversee at any one time. A bigger set up would mean you would have to rely on someone else to take on some of YOUR work but they might not be up to your standard.

[@wolfgangezeh2221]

Already looking forward to the next episode!🤣🤣🤣. Your channel, the delivery and expertise, combine to make your channel one of the best to look forward to every week. Good job.

[@carstenrubner520]

You deserve all the gifts from customers...still a fab vid ..relaxed and informative...presented.love it.☺️

[@georgedaville4662]

You have a great business Sam, and finding the time to do the videos is amazing seeing how busy you are. Good shout on closing your new customer list, it is the loyal customers that you want who appreciate what you do and also supply you with some nice Scooby Snacks 😂

[@pauloliver7853]

yes please to more buyers guides! Especially looking forward to a CLS buyers guide. Great channel. Many thanks for all the videos.

[@xmaxbabilo]

Loving the longer format videos , tbe views dont lie you guys are gona be on a millions subs soon. Keep up the amazing work😊

[@john3892]

You’re a star! I use a trusted local garage for all our cars’ servicing and repairs. For non-emergency work they have a 4-6 week lead time for bookings. When people know you’re good, the business just keeps coming. Good luck managing the workload.

[@gregbeacock7504]

Thanks for sharing, I own a S204 /220 and I try to carry most service items and repairs myself, so getting tips off guys such as yourself is invaluable. I've yet to find a reliable decent mechanic where I live unfortunately.

[@steveclement9815]

Well done Sam on another excellent video. As usual very informative and interesting, please keep them coming . As a long standing Mercedes owner they are the best on KZbin

[@denniscronin1112]

Great episode really enjoyed the content. Interesting around the no new customers. You've obviously worked out there's only so many hours available to you makes sense to focus on the customers that supported you before your new found fame. Look forward to the next update

[@stevegoodfellow3423]

A great channel. I bought my first Mercedes back in 2016. It was an '09 C220 CDi estate with about 65,000 miles on the clock. When I sold it in March '24 the odometer was showing 232,000 miles and all it had needed in that time/mileage was servicing. My current car - 2016 E220 Bluetec AMG Night Edition estate has 185,000 miles on it and she runs like new - smooth, economical and a joy to drive. Mercs are quality cars and ultra-reliable as long as (as you say) they are maintained according to the MB schedule.

[@jjimmyrjagger]

Fantastic video , glad you shamed the dealership it always worth knowing these things 👍👍👍

[@Mac_F87]

Affectionately known as the main stealer for a reason. Got to pay for the fancy showroom and “free” coffee somehow. 😂

[@xmaxbabilo]

Stockport mercedes slacking with the coffee though...they just had tea and it wasnt even p.g tips .

[@wookiewookster1214]

Thanks again for sharing, love the channel, good honest quality workmanship. 👍

[@AllThingsMercedesBenz]

Raw, Raw, Raw, love it, tell it how it is, no smoke and daggers.... expansion plans coming, brilliant work, can you open up a unit in Leeds so you can look after my car, great video, keep them come... thanks

[@sprautos]

Thank you 🙏 Raw, we’re going to keep it that way 🙌

[@coolcat23]

That SL 55 AMG is one of the nicest looking cars Mercedes ever built, AFAIC. The only aspect of it that bugs me is the dashboard with the exaggerated instrument hoods. That's just not my style, but the outside of the car is drop-dead gorgeous.

[@wayveyjayvey]

Nice surpise seeing that Blue/Grey W123 Wagon! Currently restoring a 280TE in the same colour!

[@m60kaf]

I requested a bit of SBC content in past - thanks for covering, very useful ... only other SBC thought I had is do you have to put brakes into service/reset on Star if you change pads (im thinking more about correct pressure on the rear after replacement, rather than some picky disable SBC during work). The alarm sirens have ni-cads in that leak on the board and "rust" the copper tracks off) last about 10 years

[@sprautos]

You can put SBC in service mode to be safe yes 🙌

[@martynoxley3745]

I had a B Class and my Mercedes dealer said I needed new pads and discs all round. It was 2 years before my local garage said and replaced my pads and discs!

[@paulcadman3022]

You’re a top guy, methodical with an eye for detail …. I would love you to give my 2006 SL500 a gearbox service an oil change and refresh the break fluid …. I have a LR Discovery and use an independent like your self who knows his stuff worth every penny mate

[@sprautos]

Thank you 🙏

[@paulcadman3022]

Thanks for the ❤️… having watched your latest video it appears I’m chasing a lost cause as your not taking new customers 😔

[@PitSmok]

Outstanding week again, so many cars back on the road, more rare cars to👍approach to these task is incredible, that treatment from the dealer for that e class- shocking 😲 keep up the good work👊

[@bluesky4733]

Only recently discovered your channel and been binge watching . Fantastic channel and fabulous service for your lucky customers. Down to earth and honest . Well done all involved

[@charliebounced]

You have an opportunity to grow your business. Get a bigger workshop, hire some very experienced Merc mechanics, only focus on the difficult jobs yourself! Pass on the knowledge and experience you have! 😊

[@BentleyOnABudget-mp8jj]

Best testament to any business, completely booked up! Great that you put your regulars first like that. Respect mate 😊

[@nigelmadeley7117]

My go to channel.... love it!

[@sprautos]

🙏

[@aib0160]

I've never come across a main dealer from all makes that wasn't crap or happy to rip you off. I'm old school, I'm old school and don't want to sit in some plush waiting room with so young girl that knows nothing much outside of fashion and make up telling me what my car needs. I want to speak to the guy doing or supervising the work.

[@Millennial_Manc]

I know where you’re coming from, but the ‘young girl’ in SPR’s waiting room doesn’t miss a trick so it’s not a gender thing. Maybe the main dealers hiring those types is the 00s equivalent of a mechanics with Sam Fox taped to the wall next to the kettle.

[@franklee2598]

@@Millennial_Manc Not sure if it is a sign of a good specialist. I'm on my second specialist having moved and so disappointed to be no longer using my first specialist. But now I'm getting used to the new specialist in my region. Both of them have receptionist who really knows the cars and thoroughly explaining the work needed.

[@51madmitch]

People need to check out BMW and Audi repair sites, many common faults, not just Mercedes, as you have shown, customers seem to think it’s ok to skip repairs or regular maintenance.

[@JamesScarborough-i1w]

Let us know if you start taking on new customers. I’d drive to you from West Sussex to have you work on my car instead of having some numpty at the main dealer charge an arm and leg to change the window washer fluid. Luckily my local garage, although not being merc specialists, can sort most things. I’m delighted you’re so busy. It shows that doing the right thing by your customers pays off. Also the channel is the tops. I’m slowly working my way through the videos I’ve not seen.

[@sprautos]

Plenty to catch up on 📺 enjoy 🍻

[@franklee2598]

I used to go to PrestigeCarService in Horndean. Olly there is great. He has the same integrity and ethics as Sam. I miss him not being my local.

[@51madmitch]

Glad you mentioned about Febi parts, like ATE pads they make them for Mercedes, who seem to double the price or close to it. Great video as always, thanks.

[@eddiecairns2623]

Great video, you guys get through a lot of work. It is great that you have so many return customers as you just do what you do properly. Not rocket science, just great garage service.

[@Viewsonic61]

The world would be a much better place if people had half the integrity these guys have. Top guys!!!

[@sprautos]

very kind of you. All the best

[@mercamg9312]

Yes My A180 2017 model still has the original Merc Battery with 70K kms. Starts perfectly but occasionally the check engine light appears on the dash but disappears soon after. Will change it soon for a Varta.

[@neilg3364]

Even the Mrs's number plate stands for Free Of Charge 👍

[@sprautos]

😂 🤫 don’t tell her that well spotted

[@karlmabe1649]

Some lovely lovely cars this week

[@noelconnor8539]

Lovely 20 yr old merc like new😮

[@bobatwell7505]

Great video , fabulous channel..👍

[@markjaxx3]

Entertaining (7 hours for brake pipes is probaly book time for weekly bonus) Thank you for entertaing covarage :)

[@sprautos]

Yea I bet your right

[@ericdilks9044]

Great work u do why aren't all garages like you

[@frankirvine316]

Great work Sam, Amazing for relatively new cars how rusty they get underneath,and if left dangerous!

[@joehooper5582]

Keep up the good work chaps . Loving the videos 👍🏻

[@dangothdangoth5449]

Please do the 200 k costings on the w212 that would be interesting

[@sprautos]

Agreed I think it would be interesting

[@markamd1]

Another great video! Thank you sir and greetings to you from Calgary

[@MartinBrown-h1r]

Great tip on the wheel liner I've got a CLK and my wife has got a 203 coupe

[@Raf-zu5le]

Lovely SL55 and nice to see how it's brakes are bled properly. Are you able to give a ball-park figure for how much that should cost with a garage with the proper STAR program? Many thanks 👍

[@razvangopro]

Please do the buyer's guide on the w212. Always appreciate your work, keeps me glued to the screen!

[@bamog4560]

I absolutely love this channel it’s great watch

[@davidjackson3818]

Excellent video.

[@grenvillephillips6998]

I think the more positive examples and outcomes tends to leaven the content and make for a happier tale.

[@andrewgrimshaw5180]

Great content once again. Look forward to this each week.

[@1234minster]

Another great video, totally understand your policy to look after long-standing clients. You just can't get highly trained and experienced guys like yourself which is why your clients keep coming back and guys who see your videos want to use you. If only main dealers realised that by scamming owners they are doing themselves out of work. Look forward to more from you when your time permits, great channel.

[@BenTaylor-h4u]

Gutted you're not taking any new customers on, but totally understand, great videos, thanks 👍🏻

[@paulboon1100]

I just sold a 1988 560SEC, in beautiful condition, still not happy about selling it but I had no place to park it under roof, couldn't watch it rust away so now it's being babied by the new owner. What a car! (probably regret selling it...I am!) best car to drive and fast for its age, had a good mechanic work on it I could trust too. Nice to see there are more of you working on Mercedes.

[@cosmos7492]

'If someone can't drive stay away from them' I PMSL LOL thanks for the video enjoyed it as always

[@sprautos]

😂 it’s true I don’t want to be anywhere near them 😂

[@alexbrown1995]

Delightful content. It's a pleasure watching you guys. Proper professionals!

[@zzhughesd]

Learn so much these being a 2 decade in service Trader helps. Like the clues head ups. Cheers.

[@hemtet5500]

Brilliant a week in the garage almost like being back at work almost.

[@zzhughesd]

How clean is the 123. Love the keys on those old girls !!!! And just £60.

[@tonynicholson2789]

Would like to see you working on a GLE 250d or even a buyer’s guide? Love all your videos and your knowledge is second to none

[@familieverhoeve7127]

I am from the Netherlands...I looked for a translation of the word honest. I went to Google and typed it in. Guess what. Google showed me SPR garage. I am not surprised. The way they treat customers is the way to do it !!! Great work, good videos, nice people.

[@JeffPower-dv3zl]

❤🎉😊

[@franklee2598]

Ha that's interesting. Soon dealerships will be using this phrase "you don't worry sir, leave it with us, we will do an SPR job."

[@familieverhoeve7127]

@@franklee2598 sounds like a plan!

[@paulknight1332]

A nice long episode this week with a great variety of content. MB main dealer shame for the brake disc and pads etc. plus lots of other interesting issues with cars. What brake fluid tester do you use? Seems like a nice tool for the self maintainer if they aren't crazy money. Bitter sweet news that you aren't taking any new customers, hopefully that won't impact you continuing to make these videos as I imagine they were primarily to raise the profile of your business.

[@Millennial_Manc]

It looks like that but SPR was already booking 6 weeks in advanced before starting to do the videos… good things sell themselves

[@sprautos]

Brake fluid test, tbh I’ve used snap on and Amazon testers side by side and both give same results, as a diy I would get a cheap and cheerful one there not expensive. With regards to KZbin, it’s just something I’ve fancied having a go at for years for my self, I actually really didn’t want it to raise the profile of the business atall as I have always been mega busy. I was going to do it anonymously “Sam Mercedes man” or something along those lines, it just would be to difficult with staff, uniforms, and signs knocking around 😂 Thanks for watching glad your enjoying them. 🙏

[@timrobin6303]

Great work mate. Love it. people like you are are a rare commodity, especially in Australia. Got an E220d with airmatic and AWD. Love it.

[@sprautos]

thank you, and e220 with 4 matic 👌

[@CemlynRoberts]

I do look forward for your weekly videos. Very educational and admire how honest you are with your customers. Good job I don’t currently have a Mercedes as I would be upset that I would not be able to bring my car for a service. I understand that you are having to not take new customers currently. I do like your long arms and being so handsome 😉🤣👌❤️

[@davidgray6232]

I had to do backplates on the rear of my C204. Same job as on the C207 I think. I used an angle grinder and saved the bother 🙂

[@tonyb1184]

Shame your not taking on new customers Sam but I understand why. If I had a Mercedes I wouldn't want to take it anywhere else. You guy's are straight genuine and honest which is getting rare these days. Keep up the great work and I'll keep watching and learning more about these great cars.

[@trevormansfield6495]

I’m surprised your customer will wait six weeks. I’m two weeks booked up and they complain like fuck…..Good video again mate

[@Millennial_Manc]

Mine’s in with them now but I booked it in February to be on the safe side… after all, we do get 12m notice for when our MOT is due It’s the unexpected stuff that’s the problem

[@sprautos]

We have been 4-5 weeks for years so there used to it. There just not used to 9-10 weeks 😂 Keep going buddy 🔧

[@xmaxbabilo]

I complain all the damn time.. no1 cares 😢.

[@peterthomson8453]

My very first job was a prep clark for a merc dealership. I know exactly what happened here. The mechanic or Technician, yes there are two. Depends who did the work on the car. Would have written the job card out, all the work that needs doing or has been done. The Service advisor is the one responsible for generating the invoice. They get incentivised on how much money they bring in. So yes they will charge for everything they can. Next time you go to a dealership, the service advisor you deal with, is the one who is going to pants you. So make it clear with them from the start what you expect to pay based on what needs doing. Otherwise they will take liberties.

[@Judith-c6r]

My son was charged for a replacement water pump on his performance VW over £1000 at a Plymouth dealer. A week later the Exeter VW dealer fitted a new water pump as this had not been fitted in Plymouth although they took payment! It looks as if many main dealers are scamming customers.

[@ftffighter]

It's happening here in the US too... Crown Dublin of Columbus, Ohio was supposed to change my air filters and cracked my airbox/air intake for my CLK 55 while never changing them. They tried charging me for it too!

[@deanrwilson]

Great Video and from what I can see, you guys do the best most informative videos, especially for customers who have a mechanical clue.! They do make a difference.! Also good to hear about dealer scams because we know they go on..! GO TO SPR ALL DAY EVERYDAY.! Pity you aren't in Australia

[@dbains4682]

Hey Sam, love the videos, mainly for the way you do things the right way and also the amount of knowledge you share. I was wondering if you could do a video on the business side of running a repair garage, set up costs, maintenance costs, which software/database you use, insurance policies etc etc.

[@sprautos]

thank you, yea maybe one day

[@s61095]

Love Varta batteries, they do genuinely last a long time. We've had the factory battery on our B200 for 14 years before changing it out this year. Wish they were more readily available in Canada, the genuine Merc batteries supplied here are from Interstate rather than Varta. Interstate is good but I don't think they'll last as long as Varta.

[@michaelcobelli6003]

Great video , you now need to open another garage in the South of England ...we need someone like you down here..

[@franklee2598]

PrestigeCarServicing in Horndean. I used to drive an hour to get my car looked after by Olly there. He's made from the same stuff as Sam. Unfortunately I've now moved up North East so even SPR is too far.

[@Leo555ZZZ]

I had to replace the conductor plate on my 722.6 transmission last year. I think if you have one of these and the plate has not already been replaced , it would be a good idea to replace it as part of a transmission service , because chances are quite high that it will fail in the near future.

[@lesprudence374]

Your work ethics are impeccable very nice to see in this day and age. Love the channel very well done 😂👏

[@nigelbryant5932]

Love your honesty. Main dealers are not known as main stealers for nothing. They quoted me £900 + vat to replace the brakes on my wife’s SLK 😮 had them done for £550 absolute thieves

[@Blade-1501]

Really enjoy your videos , so down to.earth good or bad , i was leyland trained old school , wish i was young again able to use all this new diagnostic conputers , sadly to old now lol

[@jimross5806]

Another fine video diary. Love the old Mercs, they still look superb😎👍

[@kevinsmith6653]

Excellent video as usual. I hope you all get chance to eat them biscuits 👍

[@bernardpowell3582]

Top man. I will only consider buying a Mercedes when your books are open up to New customers. A very interesting video. Keep up the excellent work.

[@SteveRiceDJPUD]

Great content n seem honest n trustworthy...i know ya not taking new customers so good job ya not too near me..Carry on the great work/ channel.. 1 question....is it possible to have w205 front drivers seat retrimed as mine split

[@grobins2007]

Love watching your videos, you at very informative and explain things in a proper way.

[@michaelknight-d6z]

Hello. Just want to say great job on the videos. Full of great information. Any chance on adding a service & repair for a late model S550 2020-2022. Thank you

[@riseld4]

I used to own a 2014 Mercedes E350 with a 3.0 V6 diesel engine. Couldn’t fault the engine, it was bulletproof and I put 170,000 miles on it before I sold it My big issue with Mercedes is the stupid amount of sensors that will fail very often and the pain and inconvenience of replacing them

[@LH17578]

Really enjoyed the content, and thank you for your time taken to do these videos it's appreciated.

[@jonjames9036]

Absolutely love this channel could watch you all day never boring always showing us itis possible, nice1 on vrs3 mate.

[@Solidsnake0208]

Really love the content, appreciate you making it despite being insanely busy!