[W126 Coupe] Repair estimates
Axel Wulff
mbcoupes@mbcoupes.com
Sun, 09 Jan 2005 19:30:43 -0500
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<P>Anders,</P>
<P>Just a few more reference points for you.</P>
<P>I recently had my steering box replaced with a used, reconditioned unit. The work was done by my independent MB mechanic (close to Philadelphia). The part was $250 and the labor was $180.</P>
<P>By way of comparison. The local MB dealer charged me $400 just to re-set my tie rods. They claimed they were really, really stuck and needed a lot of work to loosen them. They were proud that they had been able to save my old ones so they did not have to replace them.<BR></P>
<P>Best locate a recommende local independent mechanic. It will save you a lot of money and hassle.</P>
<P><BR><BR>Regards, </P></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>Axel J. Wulff
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<DIV></DIV>>From: Anders B <cqi987@yahoo.com>
<DIV></DIV>>Reply-To: mbcoupes@mbcoupes.com
<DIV></DIV>>To: mbcoupes@mbcoupes.com
<DIV></DIV>>Subject: [W126 Coupe] Repair estimates
<DIV></DIV>>Date: Sun, 9 Jan 2005 09:23:46 -0800 (PST)
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>> My 91 560 SEC (106K miles) has developed vibrations in the front beginning at 65-70
<DIV></DIV>>MPH. I am not an MB mechanic, my mechanical experience is so far limited to my 1967 and
<DIV></DIV>>1970 Chevy's, they fit my own age.. I asked an MB dealer-shop to check wheel balance and
<DIV></DIV>>other reasons for the vibrations, plus whatever else they would recommend while checking,
<DIV></DIV>>and their estimates are below. After that, I checked WEB-pages from ADSIT and Active Auto
<DIV></DIV>>Parts what the parts would cost, and I am more than surprised, and ask myself if the work
<DIV></DIV>>to do it is so complicated, are the dealer estimates really reasonable for each item?
<DIV></DIV>>What's your take?
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>(1) Front lower ball joints(2) $700 (part is $30 each)
<DIV></DIV>>(2) Front shocks $470 (Bilstein is $54 each)
<DIV></DIV>>(3) Resealing steering box $1025 (rebuilt is $625)
<DIV></DIV>>(4) Power steering return lines $200 ($22)
<DIV></DIV>>(5) Motor Mounts (collapsed) $380 (Web says $35 each)
<DIV></DIV>>
<DIV></DIV>>I plan a second opinion from a non-dealer MB shop, and I look forward to you comments and
<DIV></DIV>>advices,
<DIV></DIV>>Thank you,
<DIV></DIV>>Anders
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