[W126 Coupe] Repair estimates

[Anders B]

Hi everybody,

especially those who gave me advices and comments. So, what the status? Well,I took my 
car to a local shop that specializes in ONLY MB, asking for diagnosis about why I felt
front vibrations at 65-70 and up. Their verdict was somewhat different compared to what
the dealer found and recommended. The local independent shop found the reasons to be:
-Worn tire(s) (Oops, I did not beleive they were that bad, but they were, dealer did not
comment..). "Alignment is needed, but buy new tires  first, and only Michelin!"
-Shocks, old and they leak (same as dealer)
-Steering damper
-Idler arm bushings(as Dick suggested)

They did not see any problem at all with the joints (as the dealer did), but like the
dealer they found the power steering returnlines leaking, and that the steering box needs
TLC, but not urgent, can wait. 

Their shock replacement cost was 30% lower than dealer, returnlines 20% lower, the rest
(to me) reasonable.  Parts however, was twice compared to  Web-sites', they would not
accept to do the job if I supplied the parts.. They are pleasant people to do business
with. I do not have time to do more research and do not have the capacity to do it myself
right now, so I bit the bullet if there was one and went a head and had them do it. When
I picked up the car this afternoon, they volunteered to lift it and let me look from
below what they had done as well as show me the status of steeringbox, flex-disc and
exhaust. 

The proof will be during testdrive after new tires and alignment. If I still have a
problem then, I will let you (and the shop) know about it. 
Once again, thanxalot guys,
Anders
(In Northern Virginia).



		
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