Name: Star Service Center
Address: 738 N. Graham Street, Allentown, PA, 18109, US
Telephone: 610-437-3374
Rating: 5

Star Service Center is the Lehigh Valley's only independent service center specializing in the maintenance and repair of Mercedes Benz Automobiles for 24 years.

As a Bosch Authorized Service Center, Star Service Center has the factory specialized test equipment, tools, and repair information to properly diagnose and repair your Mercedes Benz Automobile precisely and accurately.

We can perform your required maintenance services while your new vehicle is still under factory warranty. You are not required to take your vehicle back to an authorized Mercedes Benz new car dealer.

Our establishment is a AAA approved service center.

SHOP IS EQUIPPED WITH MERCEDES-BENZ FACTORY TEST EQUIPMENT.
FROM MAINTENANCE SERVICES TO COMPLEX REPAIRS, STAR SERVICE CENTER CAN DO IT.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME ABOUT ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE WITH YOUR MERCEDES-BENZ.

15 Reviews

Greg10 years ago

Trustworthy and competent. What more is there to say? A+

1995 Mercedes-Benz e320

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Jeffrey Hammel10 years ago

Tailgate would not stay up, took vehicle to MB dealer and was told I needed a new pump ($1,875)

Called Star Service, the installed price was less than 1/2 amount from dealer.

Part was ordered and vehicle was dropped off, Neil (owner) called me that afternoon and told me MB dealer diagnosed the car incorrectly, I only needed new tailgate shock.

Car was fixed, tailgate works great, saved a ton......I'll be taking my GL there for future service!

2010 Mercedes-Benz GL 350 Bluetec

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Harding11 years ago

Excellent and reliable service at all times! Highly recommend Star Service Center!

2010 Mercedes-Benz C300

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John E. Gerrard11 years ago

My 1999 E-320 has been in the exclusive care of Neil Dancho at Star Service Center for the past twelve years. In total, the clock on my old girl is now showing 224,000 miles. Last spring, my wife announced that this car had grown "too old" and insisted on replacing it with a brand new C-300. As a consequence, I began using the "too old" car for errands (my daily drivers for years have been Porsches). Facing an upcoming trip to Florida, and due for an oil change, I took the car into Neil and asked him to check it over with an idea of a a 3000-mile trip. Characteristically, Neil responded with a highly detailed list of what he would suggest be done and, perhaps more importantly, why it should be done. Each decision was mine. The detail included, for example, the mileage on each tire he proposed replacing. I approved all of Neil's suggestions and took the trip. Total mileage was 2960. Performance? Think "swiss watch." On a fourteen-year-old, nearly quarter million mile car.

I have been quite rigorous in embracing Neil's maintenance intervals and suggestions because, over the years, I have found him to be relentlessly thorough, knowledgeable, comprehensive and honest. I cannot imagine Neil's trying to "sell" me something.

Neil has my unqualified recommendation as a superb Mercedes Benz technician. He is truly expert, accepts full accountability for his work, his charges are modest versus the competition and he is dead honest ---- and Neil and his wife are simply very nice people.

1999 Mercedes-Benz E 320

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Diane11 years ago

I have been taking my Mercedes to Star Service since I bought it, which was about seven years ago. I can attest to my experience with Neil's garage as exceptional in every way. When it comes to making an appointment, he has always been accommodating to my schedule. As for repairs, Neil is informative with his recommendation on what needs to be done, as well as very clear on the total cost. But most importantly, it is reassuring for me to know that someone who is as competent and reliable as Neil is, takes care of my car. With that said, I would recommend Star Service with complete confidence to any fellow Mercedes owner.

2003 Mercedes-Benz C240

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Jim Vitale11 years ago

Star Service Center is the only garage that I will bring my thirty seven year-old 450 SL to. I have owned the car for twenty seven years, and in that time, Neil has proven to be an expert in diagnosing and repairing my classic Mercedes.

I knew I had found a fair and competent mechanic during my first encounter. After explaining that I liked working on the car myself as much as possible, he performed a complete evaluation, from bumper to bumper. Neil provided me a long, detailed list of the items needed to bring the car up-to-date, INCLUDING THE PARTS NUMBERS, so I could order the correct parts myself. What garage does that!

Over the years, Neil has repaired all of the items I could not do, and each time the repairs were done correctly, in a timely manner, and at a very fair price. Often times his final cost was much less than the estimate, further proof of his honesty and integrity.

Just recently, (November 4, 2013) Neil performed several repairs including rear shocks (interior panels need to be removed, which I did not know how to do), replacing shifter bushings, fixing a heater problem, installing a new window switch that I provided, repairing the driver door pocket, and many other engine service items. The window switch replacement did not fix my problem. After testing the new switch and fuse, Neil suspected the window motor, and provided a repair estimate. Although the window motor and labor estimate was expensive, I approved the work. After Neil removing the door panel and inspecting the motor, Neil observed only the wiring to the motor needed repair, which was a fraction of the cost and time. He could easily have charged me for the window motor replacement, and I never would have known the difference. Saved me in excess of $400. How impressive is that! The window works fine now, as do all of his repairs. Another job well done.

Any Mercedes Benz owner in the Lehigh Valley area would be doing themselves a great service by bringing their car to Neil. Estimates I have received from MB dealers are always more that double in cost, and the wait time for an appointment is ridiculous. With Neil, I get appointments in a few days.

On a final note, I took the time to detail this review because the Lehigh Valley MB public needs to know how competent, fair and honest Neil is. His pride in quality work is evident in his detailed responses to a very few number of not-so-positive reviews. These involve cars with undisclosed accident damage that the customer blamed him for, poor repairs performed elsewhere with incorrect parts, etc. Take comfort in knowing that if you bring your MB to Neil he will do everything possible to make sure it is fixed right, the first time And your wallet will be happy too!

1976 Mercedes-Benz 450 SL

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Andrea11 years ago

The E300 TD is my 5th secondhand MB diesel, of which Star Service has cared for the last three. After frustrating - and expensive! - experiences with several MB dealership repair shops in the area, I found Star Service through a referral from another MB owner. Much to my delight, Neil has proved to be exceptional at dealing with any vintage of MB's, always ready to patiently explain a repair that's needed and always providing excellent service at more-than-reasonable prices. I would not hesitate to recommend Star Service to other MB owners and have, in fact, done so with two acquaintances who are now equally impressed and pleased with his work.

1999 Mercedes-Benz E300 TD

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Sharawn11 years ago

I had a positive experience with Star Service Center. After receiving a quote from the dealer for over $1000 worth of repairs (for a suspension bar), I called Star for a 2nd quote. Neil looked over my car, and turns out there was an issue with my wheel and not the suspension bar. Neil was able to replace a bolt kit and save me hundreds of dollars. I dropped my car off at 7:30 pm on Wednesday, and the car was ready to go by 10:30am Thursday. Since then, the car has been running great. I would return to Star Service Center, and would recommend it to others.

2007 Mercedes-Benz E350

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Linda11 years ago

Great experience - he always comes through for us, no matter how little notice we give him when we need a quick repair, or when we have an emergency situation. They also never take advantage of us on the price, too, which is HIGHLY unusual when you have an emergency, in our experience.

Great service -- prompt, thorough, fair -- couldn't ask for more.

2008 Mercedes-Benz E350

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Christopher Spadoni11 years ago

I have utilized Star Service Center for years for a number of Mercedes vehicles and have found the service to be on time and top notch. Neil and his staff have provided valuable and courteous service through out the years and I would highly recommend Star Service Center for repairs.

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK350

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Donna Holt11 years ago

I moved here from Pensacola, FL about five years ago. There, I visited a fantastic import car service center. That is one of the reasons I was sad to leave that area. Would I be able to find something here, comparable, that would meet my expectations and requirements - someone I could trust and depend on - a service center that would honestly care and have my best interest at heart.

Shortly after settling in I began my search. A friend recommended Star Service Center. She had a friend who had been taking his Mercedes there for years - and spoke very highly of the service and the owner/technician.

So I booked an appointment. It exceeded my expectations. Neil's caring and expertise is the best I have come across, anywhere. He genuinely cares and knows my car inside and out. I travel for a living and depend on my car - so on top of the run-of-the-mill service appointments, I take it in quite often for trip-checks. I always feel he's looking after my safety - just like he would his own family. His rates are reasonable and there is just a great sense of trust and personable service - that's hard to come across. What a great find. Star Service is one of those rare gems in life.

2005 Mercedes-Benz C-240 Wagon

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Brian Gruber12 years ago

I have been pleased with the service I received at Star Service. They always inspect the car for needs and provide accurate estimates of the work needed. I've also had my car towed in and never had any issues with the work performed. In fact, I have recommended this shop to a number of people. I'm not sure how long I've been dealing with Star Service. The oldest receipt I still have is 10/21/1987. Don't let these couple of poor reviews scare you off, Neil knows how to fix MB's cars and he doesn't cut corners.

1973 Mercedes-Benz 450SL

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Harry V13 years ago

Terrible ServIce

I brought my 1988 560sl to Star Service center because I couldn't get it started.They told me mice had chewed some wires and they would fix the wiring.Then Star service center replaced 2 fuel pumps with 1 new and 1 old AFTER they were told the fuel pumps on the car were good.They replaced the idle control valve. The replacement turned out to be defective.They replaced all these parts without authorization $1253 dollars later they sent the car back to me.It wouldn't even idle.I had the tow guy bring it back to them.They called basically said they were done and couldn't do anything else and when I pay them they will send the car back to me.What could I do?I ended up taking my car to a Mercedes dealer in NJ I put the original pumps back on the car I got a new idle control off ebay and now the car is running perfect.I would not recommend this service center for anything so beware.They advertise they are AAA approved yet they are not listed under approved AAA repair shops.

by Harry V. in Middletown, NJ

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NEIL W. DANCHO13 years ago

I was contacted by Mr. Visco about a no start condition with his 1988 560SL

and was informed that both fuel pumps were replaced with negative

results. Upon his vehicle being towed in I discovered the following.

1- state safety inspection sticker expired in 2006

2- no license plate on vehicle

3- dead battery

4- fuel pumps not fasten in mounting brackets and rubbing on r/r axle shaft

due to being the incorrect "aftermarket" pumps

5- no fuel in tank due to leak at fuel pumps

For safety & diagnostic reasons the fuel pumps were required to be

replaced,battery charged & fuel added. The next problem discovered was

no power to the fuel pumps which required replacement of the fuel pump

relay. When fuel pump relay - located under the r/s of dash - was replaced

a large "rodent" nest was discovered & removed.

After the above listed repair work the vehicle did start after extensive start

cranking attemps and was idling at 2,000 R.P.M. with smoke emitting

from under hood & underside of vehicle from various "rodent' nests.

Mr. Visco was called & informed of what I found ,repair costs so far & the

next step in repairs - replacement of the idle speed air valve which had

broken electrical terminals. The additional work was authorized by Mr. Visco

After replaement of the air valve the idle speed was within specs. but

the check engine light came on & the fuel mixture - lambda - was

unable to be adjusted. I called Mr. Visco that addition work would be

required but he declined and requested his vehicle to be towed back to him.

Mr. Visco called me the next day to inform me his vehicle was stalling. I

had his vehicle towed back @ no charge to recheck my work & parts installed for any problems which there was not. I called Mr. Visco & told him

his vehicle was running "rich" - too much fuel going in engine - and he

would have to authorize more repair work which he declined & requested

his vehicle to be towed back to him which I did at no charge to him.

In December of 2011 I recieved a chargeback from VISA for the repair work

performed on Mr. Visco's vehicle which I appealed & the charges were

reversed. Upon the appeal process i was faxed a paid repair order from

Contemporary Motor Cars, a Mercedes Benz new car dealer for $5501.57

paid by Mr. Visco which lists addition work needed to be performed.

Star Service Center did nothing wrong in this repair - vertified by VISA .

It was Mr. Visco's choice to have his vehicle repaired at a dealer

for $5501.57 which seems to be excessive

If there are and questions/concerns about this matter please feel free to

contact me @ 610-437-3374

Thank You

Neil W. Dancho

P.S. Star Service Center is a authorized AAA service faculity

Nick Nicolaou13 years ago

This is a little warning concerning people who leave within Bethlehem/Easton/Allentown area and owned Mercedes Benz older or newer cars and need to have them serve.

Well I have found no place to trust yet. I have try out STAR SERVICE CENTER in Allentown independent car service mechanic.

Lately have the car serving with him. He charged me $750 just replacing engine oil, air filter and supposal fix in a light short and the ABS-Antilock break lights come on all the time and inspection. Well he didn’t fix any of the work above that he charged me. He charged for fixing a short on the lights $434. When I got the car still lights not working. I was so mud and I have surged my self and found the short fix it and replaced the 7.5 AMP fuse and all work is with me for $4. He charged me $434 that he never fix just looked at the car. Then he supposed to fix the ABS-Antilock break lights that come on all the time. He also charged me that he never fixed. The problem was and replace break light switch that cost $16.

Well I would never bring my car to some person that is digging in to my packet and just getting my money and doing any progress work.

Also I didn’t mention that the light for the car service is still on after I have pay for service.

GOOD LUCK TO ANY PERSON THAT OWN MERCEDES BANTZ AND GETTING FIX BY STAR SERVICE CENTER.

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NEIL W. DANCHO13 years ago

LISTED BELOW ARE THE REPAIRS & COSTS.

OIL/FILTER SERVICE WITH AIR FILTER & 1 SPARK PLUG.

PARTS $171.25

LABOR $ 46.00

TAX $ 13.04

TOTAL $230.29

PA.STATE SAFETY/EMISSION TESTS

$64.40

TAX $ 3.87

TOTAL $68.27

FOUR WHEEL ALIGHMENT

$92.00

TAX $ 5.52

TOTAL $97.52

FOR THE A.B.S. / ELECTRICAL SHORT I FOUND A DIRECT SHORT TO

GROUND PROBLEM IN THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS. SOMEBODY INSTALLED

THE "INCORRECT" BULBS IN THE REAR SOCKET ASSEMBLIES

CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE UNITS. THE BULB SOCKETS ARE PART OF

THE REAR TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES. LIST FOR $142.00 EACH & I SOLD

THEM @ MY COST OF $118.00 EACH

PARTS $254.40

LABOR $ 92.00

TAX $ 20.79

TOTAL $367.19I

AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED,VEHICLE WAS ROAD TESTED

NUMEROUS TIMES WITH NO PROBLEMS. MRS. NICOLAOU CONTACTED

ME ONE WEEK LATER TO INFORM ME THE A.B.S. LIGHT WAS ON & I

TOLD HER THAT I WOULD RECHECK HER VEHICLE @ NO CHARGE.

VEHICLE WAS NEVER RETURNED TO RECHECK.

COULD THE DAMAGED REAR TAIL LIGHT BULB SOCLETS DAMAGED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ? THERE IS A GOOD POSSIBILITY .

I WELCOME ANY COMMENTS ABOUT THIS MATTER.

PLEASE CALL NEIL @ 610-437-3374

Jessica13 years ago

Brought vehicle in for a simple inspection and diagnostic on an engine light (spark plugs) and picked the car up DAMAGED. Wheel well covered top of tire on passenger side, entire car sloped to passengar side. Definite suspension issue from being dropped off of lift, or not driven with care. Owner refused to take responsibility for damage. Filing claim against BBB and business' liability insurance. *EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION WHEN GOING TO THIS SERVICE CENTER* Has lost our business and that of our family and friends.

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NEIL W. DANCHO13 years ago

APPOINTMENT WAS MADE FOR A "CHECK" ENGINE LIGHT ISSUE &

PA. SAFETY/EMISSION TESTS. VEHICLE WAS TESTED FOR CODES &

ESTIMATE WAS PROVIDED WHICH CUSTOMER DECLINED. NO WORK

WAS REQUIRED TO PASS THE PA. SAFETY/EMISSION TEST.

VEHICLE WAS ROAD TESTED & PARKED ON FRONT LOT FOR PICK UP

EARLY AFTERNOON. I WALKED BY THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES

DURING THE AFTERNOON & DID NOT NOTICE ANY PROBLEMS.

THE CUSTOMER WALKED BY HIS VEHICLE WHEN PICKING UP & DID NOT INDICATED ANY PROBLEMS TO ME. I RECIEVED A PHONE CALL

15 LATER INDICATING THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE SUSPENSION. I ASKED THE CUSTOMER TO HAVE AAA TOW THE

VEHICLE IN WHICK HE DECLINED.

THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE LOT WITH THE R/F

SUSPENSION LOW. UPOM INSPECTION I FOULD THE R/F AIR SHOCK

LEAKING WHICH IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL.

I CALLED THE CUSTOMER ABOUT THE SITUATION STATING THAT THE

AIR SHOCK BROKE & I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE BECAUSE I DID NOT

BRAKE IT.

I WAS IN CONTACT WITH THE PA. STATE SAFTEY DEPARTMENT & THE

BBB & BOTH AGREED THAT THIS WAS NOT MY FAULT.

I OFFERED TO REPLACED THE SHOCK

@ NO LABOR COST BUT CUSTOMER DECLINED. WHEN VEHICLE WAS

TOWED THE NEXT DAY I WAS INFORMED THE VEHICLE WAS IN A

$8000.00 ACCIDENT THIS PAST YEAR.

TO SUM IT UP.'

I DO NOT DAMAGE VEHICLES BY "DROPPING" OFF THE LIFT

- THERE WOULD BE MORE DAMAGE TO VEHICLE -

OR HITTING POTHOLES - WHEEL WOULD BE DAMAGE -

I FEEL BAD FOR THE CUSTOMER BUT HE HAS A USED 2006 VEHICLE

WITH 57,000 MILES ON WITH KNOWN ISSUES WITH THE AIR

SUSPENSION.

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT

THIS ISSUE @ 610-437-3374

CUSTOMER TOWED

Star Service Center

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15 Reviews