Mechanic Rec in Los Angeles?
 

It's about time for my first valve adjustment.

In the future, I'll do them myself. For now though, I'd like more a more experienced set of eyes on my engine -hasn't really had a once over since I bought it and would like to make sure I'm not missing anything egregious.

For you Angelinos, I'm in Venice. Any good recs?
And what might I expect to be paying?

Silver Star Services in Monterey Park on Garvey Avenue.

Thanks!
 

Any idea what I should expect to pay?

~$150

Much appreciated. While the cover is off, figured I'd have them check the timing chain/ provide me with a good bill of health so I can relax on longer journeys.

Certainly would rather spend that money on tools... but hey.

Are you serious? $150 for a valve adjustment? I need to raise my price then. I must be nuts to only charge $50 (gasket included)......Rich

I cannot set the prices for my two local indie guys (both are M-B Factory trained) but I feel $150 is rediculous .

If you're willing to drive to Pasadena I know who'll give you good and more importantly HONEST service and repairs .

Yes, you are a bit off (seriously). At least charge $50 plus the gasket. If you would come to my place I would happily pay you $75. All year long.

I hate doing it. I have a chronic bad back so that doesn't help. And as I don't do a lot of miles on my cars, it's long enough between adjustments that I have to relearn everything.

(Not to overshare, but I am post concussion, some things stick and others don't.... I can do front brakes, wheel bearings, front end work blindfolded but I blank out totally on valve adjustment the second after one is done.)

I am absolutely certain that the big time local indy here would charge $150 labour to do the valve cover GASKET. Or pretty damn close.

If they would agree to work on a w123 now. I have been told by a reliable source they now turn away anything before a w210. (They don't say no, they just offer an appointment three weeks hence.)

Sending you a PM on the Pasadena shop.

At a minimum a shop will charge for one hr labor. So what ever the hourly rate is.
Then the hazmat fee, tax, parts etc...

A buddy of mine has a 79 240D, he called about 10 different shops in the SF Bay area, San Jose etc... dealers, and indy shops. It was amazing the
variation of the price they would charge. It was ridiculous.

And as has been mentioned, many shops will not work on these cars. Mention Mercedes and Diesel and their eyes roll back into their head, they go into convulsions,
then look at you like you have two heads. :rolleyes:

Rollguy - if you're in LA, I will happily pay you that.

vwnate1 - would you PM me the contact info of your guy? Happy to drive to Pasadena for good service.

ROLLGUY is in Hesperia.

$150 is definitely the going rate for a valve adjustment at a competent shop

Hourly labor rates vary by region of the country. LA and San Francisco, and New York City are probably the highest at $100-$150 per hour plus parts, disposal fees, sales tax.