Three years ago I purchased a new Mercedes CLS 320 from a local main dealer and was persuaded to utilise MB Finance as their rate was 3.5%. This seemed a very good deal against other options and there was a balloon payment of £25,800 at the end of the three-year period. Every monthly payment was paid on time by direct debit, the agreement expired last month and, due to the current financial climate, the trade in-value against another Mercedes was only £20,000 and I decided to hand it back. The car was immaculate having only done 16,000 miles against the contract mileage of 30,000 but a week after the vehicle was collected I received a bill for £375 for "damage outside wear and tear". The items were two slightly scuffed alloy wheels, a small amount of light scratches on the bottom of the bumper bar (which cannot be seen by lying on the ground) and a new tyre. The latter was particularly annoying as, the previous week the car went into the main dealer for the service that was due and I asked that they check the tyres as I am aware that main dealers charge excessive prices for replacements and was told they were "fine." Both my wife and I have had cars on credit agreements for many years and the only time we have had a repair invoice on hand back is with Mercedes Benz Finance who seem to expect a three year old car to be in "showroom condition" on return. There appears to be no mediation procedure available and if a bill is queried all they say is "refer to the agreement". I shall not be buying another Mercedes financed through them and wonder if other readers have had similar experience as my local main dealer tells me "this is not unknown" They made representation to MB Finance on my behalf and were told that if they felt it should be sorted out to my satisfaction they should pay the bill.