Auto repair companies are always looking for ways to discern themselves from their competition, and those that have earned the prestigious Diamond Certified award are already several steps ahead. In addition to focusing exclusively on repairing Mercedes-Benz vehicles, European Sales & Service differentiates itself by taking a highly personalized approach to customer service. “Our personal service makes us stand out,” confirms owner and Mercedes-Benz expert Richard Cordes. “We work one-on-one with each customer and make sure they understand their car problems. We’ll even bring them on the shop floor and show them exactly how we’ll perform their repairs.”

European Sales and Service has been repairing Mercedes-Benz vehicles since 1985, providing full diagnostic services and fixing everything from transmissions and front-end suspensions to air conditioning and electrical systems. “Mercedes-Benz automobiles are known for their safety, luxury and precision engineering,” says Mr. Cordes. “They require specialized care performed by qualified professionals, and that’s exactly what we provide.”

Unlike larger auto repair shops that focus on completing jobs as fast as possible to allow for maximum vehicle turnover, European Sales and Service takes the necessary time to perform a thorough diagnosis for each vehicle that comes to its Santa Rosa facility. “We gather all the relevant information from the customer before starting any work,” says Mr. Cordes. “If we have to road test a car, we’ll bring the customer along to help us recreate the conditions when the problem first appeared.”

Another distinguishing feature of European Sales and Service is its highly experienced employees, all of whom are trained to operate the latest diagnostic and repair equipment for any Mercedes-Benz. “In addition to state-of-the-art equipment for new cars, we have a specialist who’s an expert on diagnosing and repairing older Mercedes models,” says Mr. Cordes. “We’ve been in business for so long that we’ve accumulated equipment Mercedes dealers no longer have. If a customer has an older car, we have the necessary equipment to keep it in repair.”

To properly care for your Mercedes-Benz, use maintenance methods specifically designed for European automobiles. Weather patterns, dirt, ultraviolet rays and other factors can have a significant impact on the appearance of any car’s exterior, but for a luxury vehicle like a Mercedes-Benz, they can be especially damaging in terms of aesthetic value. Consider the following tips for keeping your Mercedes-Benz in the best condition possible:

Washing
How often you wash your vehicle depends on the conditions in which you live and drive. Wash your vehicle more frequently in the winter months or if you live near the coast, where ocean salt is more prevalent.
• Before washing, rinse the entire vehicle with a strong spray of water.
• Starting at the top, wash one section of the vehicle at a time using a soft sponge, towel or sheepskin wash mitt. Thoroughly rinse both the vehicle and the wash mitt before continuing.
• After a final overall rinse, wipe your vehicle dry with a natural chamois or 100 percent terry towel (use of any type of toweling other than thick nap, 100 percent cotton terry cloth may cause swirl marks). • Never wash the vehicle unless it’s cool and in the shade.
• Avoid using dishwashing detergents, which may cause paint to fade and oxidize.

Paint protection
For exceptional protection, use paint care products specifically designed for Mercedes-Benz vehicles. They can help remove light surface problems and polish your vehicle’s finish to a high gloss by coating it with a complex layer of waxes, silicones, polymers and resins.
• Use a sponge applicator or soft cotton terry cloth to evenly apply the paint care product to the entire vehicle, one section at a time.
• Remove residue with a soft towel.

Exterior care
Mercedes-Benz finishes are highly durable, but regular care is still necessary to maintain their appearances.
• Immediately remove scratches, swirl marks, vehicle exhaust, insecticides, industrial pollutants, tree sap, bird and insect droppings, ocean salt and other common surface contaminants—left untreated, they can leave your car’s finish looking faded and dull.
• To evaluate your finish, run a clean, dry hand along your vehicle’s clean surface. It should feel as smooth as glass. If it doesn’t, you’re feeling bonded contaminants.
• To reduce surface damage, park your vehicle in the garage whenever possible or use a vehicle cover.

Interior care
While the outward appearance of your Mercedes-Benz is most noticeable to others, the interior is what you see most often. To keep your interior surfaces and seats looking their best, use car care products specifically designed for Mercedes-Benz automobiles.
• Frequently vacuum the inside of your vehicle and use seat covers if you’re worried about discoloration caused by contact.
• Use a cleansing and conditioning formula to clean leather seats and protect them against damaging UV rays.

Wheel care
• Wet the wheel with a strong spray of water.
• Spray a wheel care product onto the wheel, covering it completely. Apply only when wheels are cool to the touch.
• Agitate the surface with a soft bristle brush.
• Rinse with another strong spray of water and wipe dry.

Q: Do I need to get all the recommended repairs done immediately?

A: Generally, yes, but we’ll tell you if a repair can be deferred and when it’s best to get it done. Most times, getting a repair done immediately will save money. Recently, we had a customer with a bad front-strut bushing, and it was only a matter of time before the other bushing went bad. We recommended replacing them both, because it would save on labor—sometimes, it’s just as easy to replace two bushings as one.

Q: How long will my repair take?

A: In most cases, repairs take just one day. When we have to order a part, it can take as long as three days.

Q: Do you use original Mercedes-Benz parts?

A: In most cases, yes. Some aftermarket parts are very good, though. We’ve been around long enough to know which ones are reliable and which aren’t. Sometimes we’ll recommend an aftermarket part to save the customer money, but only when we know the part is as good as an original part.

Q: Do I need an appointment?

A: We prefer you make an appointment. That way, we can be sure to perform your service in a timely manner and have the parts here. But we accept walk-ins as well.

Q: Do you provide shuttle services?

A: Yes.