BEFORE YOU BOOK
Clear answers about products, fitting and visiting us.
Start with the practical questions customers ask most. If your car or retrofit is unusual, speak to the workshop and we will check it properly.
1
Choosing an upgrade
I cannot see the retrofit I want. Can you still help?
Usually, yes. Almost any factory option can be retrofitted, even if it is not shown on the website. Whether it is sensible depends on the parts, labour and final cost; DISTRONIC is one exception we do not offer. Send us your vehicle make, model and registration and tell us what you would like to add.
Why can a retrofit cost much more than the original factory option?
A factory option is installed while the car is being built. Adding it afterwards can require complete sets of genuine Mercedes-Benz parts, additional wiring, trim, control units, coding and considerably more labour. An option that was relatively modest when the car was specified can therefore cost many times more as a retrofit. We will explain the likely cost before you decide whether it is worthwhile.
Can you retrofit Mercedes-Benz DISTRONIC?
DISTRONIC, Mercedes-Benz distance-controlled cruise control, can technically be retrofitted. However, it is a safety-critical driver-assistance system and we do not offer this work because of the associated liability.
How do I know which product fits my car?
Start by selecting your vehicle. We will only show products listed for that model. Where equipment or head-unit specification affects compatibility, contact us and we will check before booking.
Do you work on vehicles other than Mercedes-Benz?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz is our speciality, but we also work on BMW, Aston Martin, Porsche, Volkswagen, Smart and other brands. We regularly work on trucks, vans and coaches, and have also worked on caravans, motorhomes, boats, cranes, tractors and motorbikes. If your vehicle is not listed, get in touch before ordering.
2
Booking, fitting and payment
What happens after I order an installed product?
You pay the deposit online, we contact you to arrange a workshop date, you bring the car to us for the work, and the remaining balance is paid when the installation is complete.
Where are installations completed?
Installation work takes place at our workshop at Unit 3 The Smithy, Tewin Hill Farm, Tewin, Hertfordshire, AL6 0LL.
How long will the work take?
It depends on the retrofit and the equipment already fitted to your car. The product page gives a useful guide where possible, and we will confirm the expected time when arranging your booking.
What warranty do you provide?
Our retrofit installations include a two-year parts and labour warranty. Product-specific details remain on the relevant product page.
3
Visiting the workshop
Can I wait while the work is completed?
Yes, when the job length makes that practical. We will confirm whether waiting is suitable when arranging your booking.
What is there to do while waiting for the installation to complete?
You can work or relax in our customer lounge, which has a spacious desk, WiFi, comfortable seating, tea, coffee and cold drinks. The Honey Hill Tearooms is a very short walk away, and the surrounding countryside has nearby woods and fields for those who would prefer a walk.
Is there a courtesy car?
A courtesy car may be available at no extra cost; you only replace the fuel used. It has a manual gearbox, so the driver must be comfortable driving a manual vehicle. The car must be requested and booked in advance.
Is there a train station nearby?
Welwyn North is the nearest station, on the King’s Cross line. We may be able to arrange a lift to or from the station if you mention it when booking.
STILL UNSURE?
Tell us about the car and what you want to change.
Make, model and registration give us enough to start. We will ask for more detail only if compatibility depends on it.