more bad news from mechanic - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cmp21 · #1 06-20-2007, 12:00 PM

I just heard that i need a new water pump, blower motor and a/c condesor for my '88 560 sl. Prices he gave seem crazy. $350 for water pump, $190 for lower radiator hose, $600 for blower motor...and that doesn't include labor. My question is this...since I only planning on driving my sl in the summer, with the top down...can I get by without the blower motor and condensor?

Secondly, my mechanic told me the blower box was completely rusted out. I have been leaking water through the firewall whenever it rains...is it possible this is the source? If so, will simply sealing up the box solve the problem? Thanks

MattBelliveau · #2 06-20-2007, 12:52 PM

? Uhhh, $190 for a lrh? WTF? I need to go pro! I'll do it for $150...including labor.

dugald · #3 06-20-2007, 02:09 PM

If you don't use the AC why repair it?
Neither of my SLs have had working AC. They are summer top-down cars, so who cares.

JFawcett · #4 06-20-2007, 03:11 PM

Parts sound a way high.
Blower Motor is $445.
Water pump is $161.
Can't imagine a radiator hose costing $190.
It is possible that the blower box is rusted out.....as they do get water in them if the seal under the hood is bad.
Take it somewhere else.

BDBENZ · #5 06-20-2007, 03:41 PM

The water pump only comes as a rebuilt from MB dealer and is approximately $160 - $200 dollars plus your core. There are aftermarket units, but the repair is so labor intensive that I would only use the MB unit. The dealer will charge around 1000.00 - 1200.00 for the total repair. I did mine in a weekend with the help of the forum members. I have pictures that I could email you. The repair does call for you to remove the harmonic balancer pulley to get to some of the water pump bolts. It is pretty much by the numbers after that. As far as the heater box goes, rust is a common problem on those. Mine was salvageable with some sanding and paint, and it has held up well. The lower hose is rather pricey because it is two hoses molded together. Good luck on your decisions.

Bill

Roncallo · #6 06-21-2007, 12:06 AM

The prices quoted are not unusual. They are retail prices that most independents sell parts for. Yes they are more expensive than parts purchased here at Fastlane, but you cant expect an Indy to purchase parts here and not mark them up. It just goes to show you how much you can save by working on the car yourself. The blower motor is very easy to change and used ones are all over E-bay for under $300. But again an Indy is not going to E-bay.

John Roncallo

YonkR · #7 06-21-2007, 11:17 AM

I had a discussion! with my indie the other day about providing parts,and having them install.I found the parts for about 30 to 40 percent cheaper.Of course they will do it,but it will be 30% more for labor.He did make a goodpoint though.If I provide the part and the part is faulty,I have to pay to have it removed and replaced,even if my part I buy has a warranty. These are great cars,but they never will be cheap for repairs.The costs to repair 20 plus year old cars of any make is getting higher too.

Roncallo · #8 06-21-2007, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YonkR

I had a discussion! with my indie the other day about providing parts,and having them install.I found the parts for about 30 to 40 percent cheaper.Of course they will do it,but it will be 30% more for labor.He did make a goodpoint though.If I provide the part and the part is faulty,I have to pay to have it removed and replaced,even if my part I buy has a warranty. These are great cars,but they never will be cheap for repairs.The costs to repair 20 plus year old cars of any make is getting higher too.

That sounds about right and it's only fair. They are not in business as a public service. My advice is to learn to do as much as you can yourself.

John Roncallo

ctaylor738 · #9 06-21-2007, 09:45 PM

The blower motor can probably be rescued by pulling it out and soaking the bearings with PB Blaster and turning it by hand. Even if it is truly dead itt is a very easy DIY and you can find the units for $300 or less. While it is out, you may be able to repair the cavity with fiberglass, again, not difficult. It is important to put it back together with an new cover and gasket. You may also be getting water in through the big grommet on the firewall (holds vac lines etc), near the left fender.

Also, a condensor is an odd thing to need to replace.

Finally, why do you need a water pump? Is it leaking?