Oregon

[DJChillfit]

Howdy,

I just bought my first car (woo), a 78 280E with about 125k miles on it.

Anyway, it doesn't need any mechanical work right now, but I'd like to know where to turn in case of emergency. I'm also interested in getting the roof touched up.

So, if you can recommend any mechanics or paint shops in the Eugene-Springfield area in Oregon, it'd be much appreciated. Thanks in advance

Simon

See following posting:

Eugene recommendation

Posted shortly after your question by one of your Oregonites. Quite a coincidence.

I'm looking for a good independent in Eugene, Oregon. I insist on taking the cars to MBI Motors in Portland when the problem allows, but I'd like to have a back-up in Eugene.

[DJChillfit]

Well, I previewed the reply I was going to post to this thread and then forgot to actually submit it, so that's disappeared. It was pretty lengthy, and I'm happy to try and recreate it if you want more detail, but until that happens I'll just give you a brief summary.

A few months ago I got my first car, a 78 280E, and tried a few places for minor things and here is my general feeling:

******** can be spendy, the mechanics seem experienced and knowledgeable. The attention to detail and the small things seemed lacking, like making sure each part is properly put back in place after work is done.

The dealership has a good parts counter that can next day ship for free any part you want and a lot of parts are in stock. The guy who takes a look at problems and does scheduling and that sort of stuff, his name escapes me, seemed rather pushy and underquoted me a fair bit and the work was done rather poorly, in my opinion.

I would not go back to either place. I've also heard from close friends that the Auto Doctor in Goshen is expensive and the quality of his work is questionable.

My first option for any service now is Joe's Garage. It is run by Joe and his wife, too very nice older folks, and there are a handful of quality mechanics who work there. Prices are very reasonable and the service of good quality. I really felt welcome there and didn't feel talked down to, even though I'm not much of a gearhead and only 16. They do not specialize in imports, but Joe understands Mercedes, for instance when he said 125,000 miles is nothing for a MB. What they lack in specialization, they make up for in honesty and integrity. If you don't mind leaving your MB between a Ford and Nissan (though I even saw some Jags there), I really do recommend Joe's Garage.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask, I'd also be curious to hear any experiences you have with the places I mentioned or others. Good luck

Simon
78 280E 128,000 miles

Thanks for the info. I know the service writer you are speaking about at the dealership, he is the first reason I have never had anything serviced there. The second is the high cost, I was quoted a price of $700 to $800 to replace the air cells in the hydropneumatic suspension (I would have done this myself, except for my busy schedule at the time.) I ended up having MBI in Portland do it for $362 total.

Sig at MBI has always been fair and competent, thus I am spoiled.

The parts counter seems fair at the dealership if you need something quickly, they will also give you a 15% discount if you are a MB club member. However, Fastlane is still my preference and cheaper if you can wait a few days for the part!

RIC

[westsidewagon]

What do you think of the place and their work?

[MonsieurBon]

I would recommend MBI Motors on Hawthorne. They are very friendly and really know their old mercedes.

[westsidewagon]

Does MBI Motors have a website?

[MonsieurBon]

Nope.

MBI Motors
1309 Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard
Portland, Oregon 97214
(503) 231-0446

If you call them, ask if you can talk to Sig. He's in the service department and really knows his stuff.

[gerryvz]

I heartily recommend MBI as the best shop in the Portland area to go to, particularly if you have a 124 or earlier car.

If you call MBI and are looking for service, talk to Sig Raethke (owner) or Rich Helzer (shop foreman).

If you are looking for parts, ask for Rick or Josh.

503-231-0444

cheers,
Gerry

[westsidewagon]

gerryvz,

I saw your 600 SEL 6.3, your 450 SEL 6.9, and your E500 on a website. They look awesome!! Can I ever see them in person sometime?

What do you think of Star Motors?

Thanks for the great info!!




p.s. my parents bought a 95 E320 Estate that came with just 6,900 miles. I love it! Too bad I know of only one high schooler who likes wagons as much as I do.

[gerryvz]

I don't know of Star Motors, I've never heard of them.

I do know several places in town: Hamilton's, MBI Motors, German Formula, and Burback Motors. of those I would recommend MBI and Burback, both of which are in inner Southeast Portland.

Also there is a new place out in Beaverton called Bavarian Motors or something like that, who supposedly work on BMW and Mercedes cars. Not familiar with them at all, but probably worth checking out. They supposedly have all kinds of new equipment and are a pretty deluxe place. Probably not good for the older cars, like MBI or Burback would be though.

ANytime you want to get together, let me know. I live in the Irvington District near the Lloyd Center and Rose Garden, and my storage garage is in inner Southeast. I sold the 6.9 late last year to a local guy who lives in Beaverton.

Cheers,
Gerry

[732002]

We have been going to Star for nearly two years and have
been satisfied. Star is much closer for us that MBI.

Dave

[dcellisesq]

I highly recommend:

German Auto Repair
Hwy 99 West
Tigard, Oregon
503-624-7200

Jan Juras (the owner) has taken care of four Mercedes for me over the last 15 years. He is extremely knowledgeable and scrupulously honest. You absolutely can't go wrong here. I've also heard good things about Burback Motors.

[gerryvz]

Can you post information on Star Motors as far as where they are at, expertise, contact info and name, size of the shop, etc.?

Thanks.

Cheers,
Gerry