Just dropped my car to the shop yesterday to get my shift linkage fixed. Of course I wanted them to go through the car and tell me anything thats wrong with it thus far. Is this super expensive or a deal or should I use someone else?
These are quotes for parts and labor.
Flex Disc Broken - $225.00
Motor Mount Broken - $310.00
Down Pipe - $365 - 450

In your opinion how crucial are these to my driving locally everyday (seriously) and Also, are these things I (being an intermediate mechanic with some tools) should fix myself?

For those prices, you can certainly afford to buy any needed tools, if you do decide to tackle any of the jobs yourself. Not that they look out-of-line, but labor is expensive. I figure my free time to be worth about $40/hour, so unless I enjoy the job (which is usually the case), it's a wash to do it myself or take it to a shop, as they can usually do the job in half my time.

On the other hand, I admit it to myself if I break something else along the way.

I have no clue on the shop rates, but the flex disc should be done in one hour, the motor mount can be done in 30 minutes, and the downpipe can be done in two hours......maximum.......if everything goes badly and you have to take the entire system down.

The cost of the flexdisc is about $50.00, the motor mount is $30.00 and an OE downpipe is about $160. or so.

All of those items can be done by a decent home mechanic. The motor mounts are the most difficult.......simply because supporting the engine and working around the jack is a PITA without a lift. I watched my indy do both motor mounts in 40 minutes with a proper floor jack for the engine. Cost me one hour labor.........$78.00........well worth the expense versus the alternative. But, if I had to shell out $310 for parts and labor........I'd have done it myself.

Remember, you have a Mercedes-Benz and the shops see you coming........even before you arrive!! That's why most of us have to do the wrenching ourselves.........the mechanic is not satisfied with his hourly rate on these vehicles.

So you think the flex disc would be a relatively easy fix with an average tool kit?

1984 300d Turbo
The Down Ext Pipe Is A Diy 2 Hrs 2 New Copper Flange Nuts, Ext Seal, Check Hangers To Trans Use Floor Jack To Hold Up Ext Pipe,
Check Rear Or Replace 4 Rubber Hangers, Ext Pipe Expanders Are Free At Auto Zone To Replace 2 Ea Mufflers With Pipes Use Two Floor Jacks To Lower 2 Pipes And Install $110, Front Muffler $110
Rear Front Down Pipe $150.00 Down Pipe, Free Shipping. 4 Rubber Hangers.

Motor Mounts Are Diy, 2 Outbolts 6 Mm Allen , Center 8 Mm Allen
Remove And Install Center Bolts Last Use Long Ext And Tap In Allen
And Seat In Allen Tool Before Remove, Jack Eng Up Use 2x4 Wood Under Oil Pan Up 4 In, Remove 15 In Thro Rod Next To Oil Filter 3 Hrs
Diy Done

Yes, and the flex disc replacement needs to be a priority if it's broken. If it breaks completely while you're driving it will quickly become more expensive.

__________________
TXBill



Former owner of a few diesel MB cars
1998 Lexus ES 300 In Chicago We Trust

Dirty hands equal a less depleted wallet. The earlier you start in life the more you benifit. The other factor is you increase your self confidence in tackling things in general. Makes you feel good to personally acomplish as well. Mail your financial savings to me if they present a dillema. Priceless.