Shocks and motor mounts labor
 

Does anyone know the approximate time it would take by a reputable shop to replace all 4 shocks, motor and trans mounts on my 83 240D? I've got all the parts, but really don't want to get into this job. Any Cincinnati area gurus out there interested?

Since labor rates vary a lot you could call several places on the Telephone and find what they charge and post the Fees here and see what the Member have to say.

I would guess 4 hrs. Many shops won't install owner supplied parts. Those that do won't guarantee that they will work.

I had all kinds of trouble with rear main in Cummins. Had new trans, expensive fluid, new Southbend clutch, OE rear main. Mechanic lubed seal and did not use.installer tool. Main leaked bad. Fortunately, owner stood behind it. I drove 1000 mi on vacation in a truck that left oil puddle at fuel stop.

My usual independent shop will install my parts because I'm such a regular customer, although they won't warranty them, naturally. Labor rate is $97/hr. I was just wondering if anyone knows the official guide book time for the job that shops use when they give you an estimate.

You are a regular customer but you are implying that you do NOT trust the numbers given to you by your usual Independent shop? You want a 2nd opinion? Or you are soliciting shade tree mechanics from here to do it on the cheap, or at least cheaper than the shop?

FYI to replace the rear shocks...the backseat must come out....that is labor intensive and its possible many shops may not do that....as if they destroy the sun baked upholstery.... The client will say it was their fault....because of the labor charge on both shocks and motor mounts, confirm you are using blistein shocks and non uro mounts..

Not implying lack of trust at all. Just curious as to how long it would take a professional to do the work. I wanted to offer the job to any local members who may have the facility and space, as well as make a few $$$.

thats nice dubadxx,I would do it for 200. If I were close,thats with you suppling parts

I guess, unfortunately, I purchased Uro mounts, which I see are offered here by Pelican. I was under the impression that parts purchased thru this forum sponsor were at least somewhat reliable. I got them from another supplier, A*******AZ, and can't return them as I purchased them greater than 30 days ago. They look and feel really substantial, but who knows how long they'll last. I put less than 5k a yr on the 240D.
The shocks are Bilsteins. Who makes a good mount, other than Mercedes Original Parts? $127 ea. is a tad steep!
My rear seat upholstery is nice and soft, since it's not a desert car. I think I'd trade dry seats for rust free though any day!

3 8mm bolts is labor intensive?

Of course its not to me...but remember the shop charges by the hour....figure those 3 bolts will probably cost you 300$...it also takes 2 people to make lifting out the rear back cushion easier...

I'd estimate four hours too....and I have removed the rear seat solo many times...but I am a fairly stout fellow.

I had the rear seats out and back in when doing the rear defroster glass. Takes minutes. Push one tab in on seat bottom, lift up, do the same with the other tab then pull seat bottom out. That's one minute. Lift up on seat back and take out. That's another minute. Is that labor intensive?

I give up....I am talking our labor vers shop labor....personally...I can disassemble a door and reinstall everything in 30min.....but shop labor is different....that charge you up the ass for any mundane work....why do you think some of these cars and 40k in labor expenses by the time they were 10 years old....

I would be prepared for it to be between 4 and 6 hours labour charged. Depends on the shop. I had to take one car into a shop a year ago for two VERY (embarrassingly so) small things. It was in the bay 50 minutes. I was charged 1.5 hrs @ $120/hr -- each item booked at .75/hr. Not planning a repeat performance anytime soon.

Lemfoerder, Carlyn or Corteco mounts would be a better idea. Anything made by URO should be expected to be good for 6-12 months. Lots of stories to support that on all the boards, BMW, VW, you name it.

You want to take a chance to save a few $$$ now on the mounts and pay again next year, at possibly more than $97 per hour, to do it again?

As to why PP and others sell Uro products, answer is just about everyone does because a large segment of the online shopping population buys on price alone so they have to offer a low-line alternative to compete. Lots of discussion on this board on how some established parts names are now shipping substandard stuff as well.