Cost for Repair: '91 300E strut tower

[lawlopez]

I have a quote for $1700 to
have the front strut towers supports
repaired on a '91 300E 4 Matic with 116,000 miles
on it.

They told me the spring perches are cracked.

I was wondering if this is a reasonable price
and if the problem is reasonable.

The diagnostic is from Halloway in Manchester, NH.
The quote is from a local body shop in Manchester
recommended by them.

Both pretty much told me that it's probably a good
idea to get rid of the car.

But I just got it !!!!

I also need a front right lower ball joint and tires.

I think I'm looking at close to $3000 just to get
it to pass inspection.

gasp!

[daveCT]

the strut rubbers are about 20 bucks each , 40 bucks
and ball joints are 20 bucks each 40 bucks

should be about 80 bucks to repair that common stuff

if the metal is cracked , Mercedes sheet metal is very reasonable, 50 -100 for the whole tower and to have someone weld it in shouldnt be more then a few hundred bucks
sound like you are getting talen for a ride

[lawlopez]

Thanks!

Any other observations ?

[G-Benz]

I've overheard dealer quotes nearing your thousand-dollar estimate!

Playing on the customer's ignorance of all things technical is how they make money!

Though labor is a leading factor in high repair bills...

..like my $0.75 ML shifter bushing that cost me $125 to replace! (I was too lazy to do it myself)...

[lawlopez]

Well it's not a dealer quote.
It's a third part quote.
Also the dealear and the third party
advise me to lose the Mercedes.

[Bruno_300TE]

Is this a neglected car? Does the 4M work? Is the body in good shape?
Bruno

[lawlopez]

Is this a neglected car?
I wouldn't say so.

Does the 4M work?
It did during the winter.

Is the body in good shape?
Excelent as far as I can see except
for one scrape on the side.

I got new tires at Tire Warehouse and was able
to look at the the spring perches.

One looks absolutely clean.
The other is clean on one side
and a slight amount of rust on the other.

I can understand the concent with 50 % of the
front end weight on each spring.