Quote:
Originally Posted by 777funk
I wouldn't ever go to Tom's Imports of Columbia Missouri again. He ruined my first MB experience. I bought an 89 190d that had leaky delivery valve seals. He quoted me $200 for the replacement (one oring on the #3 valve) and a couple days turnaround. He led me on for a week saying the part hadn't arrived yet and was ordered from California. Turned out he ruined the Injection Pump. I couldn't afford to get a new pump and have it installed. He refused to pay for the damage. Turned out to be a very bad deal and I felt he was very dishonest in the transaction. I've never been burned as badly by a mechanic. I ended up having to sell the car.
On the other hand, Paul Stroutman of Legend Automotive (Columbia's Mercedes Dealer) is a very honest guy. He will answer my questions over the phone. He even walked me through removing and resealing the entire IP (external seals and o-rings) on my current 87 300D. Very very smart guy and really knows his stuff on MB diesel as well as gas vehicles. Super nice older guy with experience. But he's a little expensive since he's at the dealer. At the same time, you get what you pay for.
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I'm going to second most of what 777funk has said here. I've had very little reason to go to Tom's Import of Columbia, but my limited interactions have not been all that great. Every so often I will call to see if they have parts in stock that I would otherwise have to wait to arrive by mail. Generally, the over-the-phone customer service is not all that great (better from the local dealer). Also, I once took them the spindle (which I had already pressed the old ball joint out of) and a new ball joint - asked what is would cost just to have them press in the new ball joint. Tom says "$50." That was just for one side! I would have paid him $50 for both, but come on - $100 just to press in new ball joints. Forget it - I did it myself.
On the other hand, I've had pretty good experiences at a local dealer - Joe Machens. I've never had any work done there yet, but will probably take the cars for alignments there and see how it goes. I have bought lots of things from the parts guys, though. They are always helpful on the phone and in person. They are not offeneded if I call up and just want to order a couple cheap o-rings (although I've spent much more there). AND, most importantly, they don't mark-up the parts (more than normal I mean). As an example, I ordered the delivery valve splined socket (oh yeah, they will sell you the tools, too) - IIRC I paid $27.50 for the socket. You can't find it that cheap on line. Good experiences - they do have to have parts/tools trucked in from St. Louis a lot, but usually shows up the next day. Go to Joe Machens for parts/tools. I will report back if I ever have them do any service work.