Ok, car is 99 E430
Shop advises motor mounts need relacement. $455 parts and labor.
1. Does this price seem excessive?
2. How many engine mounts are there total?
3. Are there any "special" tools that need to be purchased to DIY?
4. Anyone have DIY tutorial?

This price seems very high. I was wondering what the parts price would be and if it would be possible for me and a buddy to do it, then labor would only be pizza and bear

Unless MB changed them since the W124 chassis, the engine mounts are pretty simple IF you can reach them!

They are gell filled, with a bolt in top and bottom. YOu will have to be able to reach both the top bolt AND be able to grasp the mount, plus you need a floor jack to raise the engine up off the mounts while changing them.

I suspect the V8 mounts are a huge PITA, equivalent to the right side mount on the 300D -- burried under the turbo, completely inaccessable from above, so you end up putting the car on jack stands and working from underneath in very restricted space.

Take a look and see what you are in for -- the price indicates about an hour or two of labor (list price on the mounts is $100 each, I think), so it won't be too bad so long as you can actually reach the mounts from below and get the top bolt loose.

Peter

__________________
1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!

This site sells them for $85.79 each.

Haasman

__________________
'03 E320 Wagon-Sold
'95 E320 Wagon-Went to Ex
'93 190E 2.6-Wrecked
'91 300E-Went to Ex
'65 911 Coupe (#302580)

99 E430 what kind of mileage and symptoms cause you to need new motor mounts.

I am not doubting the diagnosis, just curious the symptoms.

Shop indicated that motor mounts were nearly collapsed and recommended replacement. This was the only information provided to me.
I don't see any symptons. I have read that one sympton is a knocking noise after acceleration and the torque of the engine jerks the engine up, and the engine falls back down.

Sounds like the symptom is that they need the money. I certainly wouldn't replace them until there's some sign that they are a problem. Or if you're worried about get a second opinion. The price sounds a little high but not terrible - it is a tough job on a V8.