Glad to hear that... Mr. Holtschulte will be working on my car in mid-june when I am on vacation in Europe. Can I ask whats wrong with your car?

It's an 89 300E, bought 6 weeks ago with 122K miles. It spent most of its life in Dallas, so there appear to be few body rust issues--just a little sun damage to interior.

I bought the car with the insurance check I received after my 92 Acura Legend was economically destroyed by a hit-skip driver. Although I was not looking for a Mercedes, happened upon this one and have since started down the road towards being a car nut. I've got the Service Manuals on CD and have spent hours a day on the Web--mostly this forum.

Main reason for seeking out Holtschulte is that it was using about a quart of oil per tank of gas. After spending a lot of time reading up, I've concluded the best guess (and cheapest repair if that is all it needs) is that the valve stem seals need to be replaced. Mike concurred, although the head might need a lot more work.

When I pulled the plugs to check for oil I found they were encrusted. That may mean too rich a mixture, so I may need injectors. I understand the O2 sensor may also need to be replaced. Other than that, there is a slightly rough idle, sometimes coughing start, and big throttle lag in reverse.

After dealing with the engine and powertrain issues, I'll probably focus on the suspension. Rattles a bit on rough roads and I could use a firmer ride. Needs new tires, too.

I've repaired a few body things already. Replaced the power headrest rack in the passenger seat. Lost the passenger power window, but it work again once I loosened the regulator. Hunted down and replaced the vacuum element behind the glove box. Will probably need to replace others soon, but I'm not eager to remove the dash.

Biggest A/C problem is no high speed fan. It appears that the correct control voltages are coming from the pushbuttons, and the fan runs fine on low, so I'm suspecting the regulator. I've explored down to the blower without removing the wiper assembly, and am looking forward to going all the way some weekend soon.

Other than that, it's practically mint for now.

__________________
Jim Wiggin
Columbus, OH
1989 300E

I have a 92 400E and a 2000 S500(Lease ending sooon and getting an E500 ! ) I've always taken both cars to the dealer since I bought them. However, I am a little disappointed with the service on my 400E, it doesn't seem like they know the car as well at the new ones. So can anyone suggest a good place to take the car in the Cleveland or Akron area? Thanks.

This is a good shop forum, so info about BAD shops is equally relevant, in fact more important.

AVOID MOTORCARS EAST IN BEDFORD, CLEVELAND. I can't say that any more clearly. They are the WORST MB shop that I have known in the 11 years I have owned my MB.

First, their service department is out to rip you off. Before I just ran from there one day (when they quoted me a ridiculous price), they

1. overcharged me on jobs.

2. recommended unnecessary repairs.

3. screwed up repair jobs.

4. could not figure out a simple problem with my oxygen sensor.

5. lied to me on many occasions - once they did not even change a part they said they changed.

6. gave me SLOPPY service - left the oil distick out after an oil c hange, left the transmission oil leaking, etc.

All this happened over 5-6 visits for various things I got sucked into one after the other. Then I obviously stopped going there.

Secondly, their sales staff is the typical carsalesman type. Their manager, Pete, is the most rude car salesman I have ever seen.

All in all, that's a shop where you have a high chance of getting ripped off in every way possible.

Just posting my experience with them so that others can decide where they should be going.

Putting a list together of MB mechs in the Cinci, Columbus, Dayton OH and surrounding areas.

Please submit them here, I will put a final list together and repost monthly for all

__________________
Diesel-Lover
STABLEs STAR MEMBERS
190, 220-Missgreatly
E300D95-Smoothassilk

Precision Motorcars
5565 Murray Rd
Cincinnati, Ohio 45227
513-271-5565

Excellent work!

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95 E420 ( 76K) SOLD
85 380SE(125k)
95 SL500(72k)

I am looking for a good shop in or near Dayton. If you live around here, also any salavage yards with mercedes.
Thanks...Jon

Don't know anyone MB techs in Dayton, but Jim Stevens in downtown Cincinnati can be trusted.... he is located acriss from the city hall in donwtown... 513-241-nick is his number, tell him I sent you.. I have a 420sel parts car, and access to other parts, what do you need?

bob poe

Steven Forgien Auto Repair
Downtown, Cincinnati across from city hall
Jim Stevens owner
513-241-nick phone

Thanks Bob, I was just looking for a good Mech. to do some tuneup stuff in the spring. I have a 84 300D that will need some work and was wondering if there was anyone local.
Jon

Need a good MB mechanic on east side (suburbs) of Cleveland, Ohio. Hear that the dealers are expensive and of questionable quality. Thanks.

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Jon S.
1979 450 SL

Moreland Hills Classics
Marathon Station at the intersection of SOM Center Rd (91) and Miles Rd. These guys great... not as expensive as the dealership, but not cheap either. They're honest and do a great job on everything from brakes & alignments to timing belt changes.

Recently I was told by another S500 owner that he uses a guy in Seven Hills (or something like that) - but that the guy comes to you, leaves you a car and takes your car back to his shop... then returns it. I've had a couple of people swear by him:
Klaus - 440-439-5023 (tell him Joe from Beachwood referred you - no, that's not me... that's they guy who referred me!)

- michael

how did you make out with your compilation of good ohio shops?

i am looking for a shop near zanesville.

thanks

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'85 white 300SD - "YCAGWYW" as in: "You Can't Awlays Get What You Want."
'85 gold 300D - "Pain"..for sale, as in..Anyone want to date my Ex-wife... I'll Pay !!
'83 300td - "Tumblin" as in "Dice"
'81 black 300TD Fenix, risen and sold, now residing in NJ

BLAGOI'S
3816 E.Livingston Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43227
614-235-1811

Taken good care of my 83 300D and fathers 88 420sel.

So far there are only three data points.

Thanks folks for your data, if you come across any more lets put em here once we get to a dozen or more I can summarize and repost em.

Thanks again.

__________________
Diesel-Lover
STABLEs STAR MEMBERS
190, 220-Missgreatly
E300D95-Smoothassilk