Simonp4. I would recommend, if not done so already, telephoning Mercedes Finance - de-fleet. I was concerned I would have to pay for a new windscreen because the National Windscreen repair was deemed unacceptable by BCA. I had a very sensible discussion with one of the agents in de-fleet who on hearing that the repair was done professionally immediately removed the charge from the 'bill'. Also because the value of the remaining damage - 3 x scratched alloys and minor paint issue was less than their returned vehicle 'threshold' removed these charges as well. My car was only returned last week and I received the email payment advice notice 2 days later - I have not had the formal invoice yet which should only now contain excess mileage charges. The telephone agents clearly have the power to make adjustments to the charges and it may be quicker than trying to do this by post. The very best of luck with this.

It is madness and very disappointing I have have to move away from Mercedes Cars as in my opinion the grief at the end of Contract is simply not worth it. I will keep you informed re the Windscreen Saga. On a slightly more positive note, the full inspection on the CLC did at least happen this time. My last vehicle (Jeep) was apparently dirty (although it had been valeted at a cost of £70 the day before) and I had to sign a disclaimer. The assessor at the time informed me that Merc do a full assessment back at base so the on-site one wasn't necessary!

I have experienced the pain of de-fleet ridiculous charges 3 times now and enough is enough and I have changed to a BMW. The first was an E Class Saloon where the charges were almost £4k and after some serious fighting and getting an exemplary independent condition report from a Merc Main Dealer were dropped completely.. The second was a Jeep [then part of the Merc Group and leased via MBFS) where I was asked to pay almost £1300 but was never provided with any written evidence (photos etc.) what the charges were for. I have asked for the evidence twice but none was ever provided. The customer services de-fleet team were extremely rude on this occasion with with the attitude - you owe us the money - now pay it. My CLC has just been returned today. It had a chip on the windscreen which was professionally repaired yesterday. The assessor informed me this was a sub-standard repair and I will be charged for new windscreen almost £370.00. Yet another fight begins!