Any recommended San Diego Benz aftermarket shops? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

steven88 · #1 11-06-2003, 01:59 AM

Greetings,

I have a 1993 190E 2.6 with an aftermarket AMG package, and am seeking a shop in San Diego where I can bring the car for future work, both mechanically and cosmetically. There are some potential modifications I may be interested in pursuing, but don't know of a specific place here in San Diego that I can trust to provide stellar service and parts. I'm hoping there may be someone on this forum familiar with such a shop in the San Diego area. Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks in advance...

speedy300Dturbo · #2 11-06-2003, 09:11 PM

Dr. Ziggy's on Miramar.

(858) 450-1501

steven88 · #3 11-06-2003, 11:05 PM

Thanks, Speedy D... I am familiar with Dr. Ziggys, but wasn't aware he did after-market mods, body work, etc... I'll contact him and see what sort of thinkgs he's into. I like him---he seems like a cool guy... Thanks again for responding...

Cannoli · #4 11-07-2003, 01:22 AM

I have been using Hoehn Mercedes-Benz (Carlsbad) for Service and Parts ... for the 500E and the 190E.

I receive discounts on parts and as far as non-OE equipment installs, the Service dept. will install on a time & material basis ... I supply the parts, and they do the install.

The technicians I have delt with are typically above-average.

Glen has / is doing some mods to his 16V (and he and I are doing some mods on our 500's as well) ... send a PM his way. He and I both live in North County.

What mods are you planning on doing?

steven88 · #5 11-07-2003, 04:30 AM

Hi Norman,

Thanks for posting a response. I appreciate your taking the time. I found your information interesting, with regard to your supplying parts that Hoehn then installs. Is this something you think they do for you because they know you well? Do you think they'd be as accomodating to someone who is new to them?
As to your question, I haven't decided yet what I might do. I'm open to suggestions. At present, I'm looking to have some fender work done: the previous owner had chrome-ish accent strips applied to the fender (the car is black), and I think I'd prefer that the orignal fenders be restored, if possible. Of course, I'd like to increase the car's power, though it is already very fast for a 190.
I'm envious of your having the 500E. That is my next target, though I realize they're not terribly easy to locate, esp with low miles and in mint-y condition.
BTW, I work up in Carlsbad on Mondays and Wednesdays, if you'd like to grab a coffee and talk MB... I'd love to see your 500E, as well as your 190E.
Thanks again for your response---good info!

Cannoli · #6 11-07-2003, 10:01 AM

Steve:

With you working in Carlsbad, introducing you to Hoehn will be a snap ... yes, coffee (espresso is my mainline

) and then we'll visit Hoehn - again, a bunch of good guys.

Regarding your bodywork - what's your budget? Amato's in Sorrento Valley has been highly recommended by many to me (dealerships and Amato's customers), but they can be bank. Stroyer Brothers in Escondido advertise in the SD Section Star Bulletin and are recommended by many as well.

A stock 190E 2.6 with enough power ... are you kidding? We need to talk!

As far as finding a low mileage 500E/E500, just look - they're out there! Market prices range from 18K to 30K, depending on condition. There is 1993 500E, Almadine Red, at Rancho Santa Fe Motors ... http://www.ranchosantafemotors.com/ViewItem2.asp?ITEM=143 ... priced on the high side IMHO. If you what to check it out together, let me know.

My 500E has just under 90K miles, in very good condition (as compared to Placo1's excellant condition 500E), with EVO II wheels, is worth around $22K, again IMHO. http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/mbprsha

steven88 · #7 11-07-2003, 12:02 PM

Excellent info, Norman, thanks. I look forward to meeting up with you and chatting a bit. Why don't you drop me an e-mail, and we can arrange a day and time to meet? My schedule up in Carlsbad is such that I'm not really free until around 8:00 p.m., but if that doesn't work, we can pick a different day and work around your schedule... Let me know what you think... Oh, I just wanted to clarify, my car is pretty quick, for a 190E (it has an aftermarket AMG package), but NOT compared to the 500Es of the world...lol.

Glen · #8 11-07-2003, 04:58 PM

Steve,
I'll second Norm's recommendation for Hoehn. They are always accomodating. Give them a call or go talk to one of the Service Managers...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Let me know if you and Norm meet up, maybe I can join you.

steven88 · #9 11-07-2003, 07:36 PM

Hi Glen,

Always good to get a second opinion, and it's nice to know you and Norman agree. I checked out your collection; verrry nice. I really like your E500 and 190, especially. Have you had any work done on them?
BTW, it looks like Norman and I may meet in Carlsbad Monday evening at 8:00 (Carlsbad Company Store mall at the Starbucks there). If you're free and it's convenient, it would be great to meet up with you there...

Glen · #10 11-07-2003, 07:50 PM

While I'm an avid DIY'er, Hoehn has worked on all my cars for various things that I either didn't have the expertise to handle or the time to do.

Monday sounds good...have a great weekend!

steven88 · #11 11-07-2003, 08:00 PM

Hmmm...well it'll be great to meet such an experienced MB man. I'm afraid I'm not in your or Norman's league yet, but my enthusiasm is there! I'll look for you and Norman at the Starbucks, then... Enjoy your weekend, too...

Itgb · #12 11-10-2003, 11:50 PM

Awww...looks like I was a little late on this one. Next time you guys want to meet up, let me know. Maybe we can caravan up to the big SoCal Euro meet in Anaheim on Nov 22nd.

Later,
Giancarlo

Cannoli · #13 11-11-2003, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by steven88
Oh, I just wanted to clarify, my car is pretty quick, for a 190E (it has an aftermarket AMG package), but NOT compared to the 500Es of the world...lol.

So, Steve, now that you got a taste of a 500E/E500 tonight, was it quick enough?

'Good meeting you, and we'll hookup again soon.

Giancarlo ... are you in the SD area? We'll be planning another GTG soon (next 3 - 5 weeks) so keep an eye open for an anouncement.

Itgb · #14 11-11-2003, 02:10 AM

Hey Norman,

Yes, I am in SD permanently as I have a job down here now. I hope that the meet will be sooner than later as I will be out of the country in December with my job.

Later,
Giancarlo

steven88 · #15 11-11-2003, 02:39 AM

Great meeting you, too, Norman! Glen, too, of course. And thanks again, both of you, for taking your time to meet me! Your cars are magnificent. And, um, no, after the ride in Glen's E500, my car isn't fast enough! lol... Please do let me know if you'll be engaging in any event-type stuff---I'd love to attend.

Giancarlo... Sorry you couldn't be there tonight. I'd like to have met you, too. I'm sure we'll have the chance to meet at some point in the not-too-distant future. What is the event in Anaheim? I don't know anything about it...