Anyone know a good honest mechanic to look at a gasser? 1985 vintage. Regards Tom

I Will second: Any recommendation for a good independent MB mechanic and/or MB shop in the Capital District of NY?

Thanks

1994 E320 Wagon 141KMiles

One hour north of Albany NY is a good shop in Glens Falls named Evia. They have fair labor rates ($75/hour) and do good work. (518) 798-1666.

__________________
1985 300D / 175k

WISH LIST
29' HackerCraft - Gentleman's Racer...
http://www.hackerboat.com/html/29__gentleman_s_5.html

Alan Miller; at Redline Engineering in Canaan New York has been servicing my 86 560sl for years. He is great at diagnostics and is fairly priced. Canaan is about 25 miles east of Albany.

I posted the previous message after having known the shop/front desk without knowing a particular indie there. That said, I'll give the specifics after having known them for over 2 years;
Mistake #1- I always gave them a total dollar amount that I was willing to pay up front. This time I only told them the things I needed repaired.
Mistake #2- Given their 'decent' but never stellar past record after 2 years, I trusted them.
Mistake #3- I did not seek anything in writing because of Mistake # 2.

I told them my complete situation. I'm leaving town with it cross-country for graduate school and I wanted these repairs to help secure a safe trip and as preventative maintenance since I have the money from my school loan. Snake-in-the-grass Translation; It's the last time I'll be there. I need the repairs done because I have to have my car, plus I have the money ready on hand.

Situation- I received their agreement to replace my belts, timing chain and to check the ball joints and control arms- all assuming I'd get a quote. I dropped my car off a week ago on Jul 6. so they could work on it the next day/Mon and be done by Tues as agreed.
-I called Tuesday last week and they said they were waiting for parts which would be in Wed.- so it would be finished Thurs. and "...the car's apart and taking up space...".
-I called Thurs. and they said still awaiting parts but it "it looks like it'll be finished Mon".
-I called Monday, they still weren't finished but "Tues. it'll be done". I won't even give the quote as of Mon., it's astronomical.
-I called yesterday, the "car's together now and will be finished Wed."/today. These people have another hour before they will close for the day and they haven't called yet. I've had to re-book all the 'week in advance' hotel reservations for my road trip. Thankfully all 3 hotels agreed to move them back one week without charge even though I booked with the 'no refund, no re-scheduling' options.

Lesson #1- Don't trust this shop for a square deal.
Lesson #2- If you find a shop you think you can trust, trust the indie in the shop and not the shop itself.
Lesson #3- Get it in writing and/or tell them your total dollar amount you're willing to pay. That way, you can also prioritize a list.

Bottom Line- They are the only local shop within an hour of me (that I know of) familiar with W123's. If you find yourself here, take every precaution and learn from my mistakes.

__________________
1985 300D / 175k

WISH LIST
29' HackerCraft - Gentleman's Racer...
http://www.hackerboat.com/html/29__gentleman_s_5.html

Go to Quality Foreign Car Care in Ballston Spa New York. http://www.qfcc.com/data/