This is definately a "sign of the times"...
I own two great, but old Mercedes vehicles (1989/300TE and 1993/500E)...I have for many years used the greatest place to service and repair them with reasonable cost and very speedy turn-around.I just got my 1989 back after a cooling issue and the owner mentioned that it's getting harder and harder to keep his place open with two mechanics(been with him >25years) on the payroll...I stopped going to the "dealer net-work" a long time ago and before finding this place I was "floundering" around especially with the 500E...I never reflected on this but the "Cash for clunker" program killed his business almost overnight...that, and the fact that "old" Mercedesowners on the West-Side are really getting "Old"(like in "Old fart"-old) and don't drive anymore or have either a "Prius" or a "wheelchair".
What was earlier routine service with oil-change/tune-ups etc, etc is now only a memory...the owners bought new vehicles or leased new vehicles(with service plans included) and either service them via the dealer/leasing outfit or use the "drive through" type outfits...why spend a few dollars on quality oil and filters when you're going to turn-in the "thing" next January anyway?...So here it comes...If you have an older(up to year 2000'ish) Mercedes or a BMW and have encountered the "hoplessness" of the num-nut at the service counter or "Client Advisor/Representative/ or I love this:...Specialist!!" at any larger dealer establishment...try this guy out...where can you get a new Thermostat changed and also top-off the A/C while you're waiting and pay with the money in your pocket?...or have a fanbelt replaced while you're waiting?...
Sehmi Motors Inc
2042 South Sepiulveda Blvd(On the right hand side just north of Olympic towards S:a Monica Blvd)
West Los Angeles, Ca 90025
310-477-6739
His name is: Sehmi
There is of course a selfish reason for this "plug" too....where would I go if he closes down?...well, maybe I need a wheel-chair by then.../ Lars...
P.S...No offense to Prius owners around...as a matter of fact I have been passed many, many times by mostly young girls whipping by my right side in the "thick of" traffic bouncing off the curbs or other vehicles nearby...so I know they are super fast...and super quiet!...