Sorry if this is in the wrong place...

I have a 2002 CLK 320 that I just got back from the service dept a few days ago. It was brought in for the third time because the engine kept stalling out on me while I am driving. The third time they decided to keep it for a week to try to recreate the problem. (which they were successfully able to do) They decided to replace a relay and see if it fixes the problem.

However, while picking up the car I noticed that the steering wheel is different. They denied touching my steering wheel, but I have reason to believe that they had switched it out with a different one. The buttons are all scratched up and the leather on the wheel is burned like it has been out in the sun for months. The rest of the interior is in prestine condition. I was told that there are identification numbers on car parts to find out if the particular part was the original part or not. Is this true? Is there anything I can do to prove my case? Please help!!!

 

Wow!

A dealer did that to you?

I have a friend who took his older Mercedes in for service at an independent shop. They switched out his prestine seats for some ratty seats without his permission. He tried to sue them but was unable to prove anything. I have a 1989 300E with 68k miles and the interior is perfect. Unless it is obvious, how do you know something was not replaced under the hood or in the interior? Almost afraid to leave the car with anyone if it needed service!

 

Yeah, the leather on the steering wheel is discolored really bad. The car was purchased less than a year ago certified. I am bringing the car to the dealer later today to show them. I'll withhold the name of the place until I find out what their response is.

 

 

Well, the SA told me that he needs to talk to the service department manager and he will get back with me. I'm giving them every chance to make this right. Although I know if they deny ever doing it, it will come down to a "He said, she said" kind of thing..... Which means that I'll lose because I didn't think to take pictures of my car before I brought it in to them. Kinda sad that I paid extra for the warranty to be a "preferred" customer and I get this treatment.