I have been quoted 4 hours labor by the indy to change the subframe bushings.
Before I said yes, I wanted to find out if that is correct. This shop has been known to overcharge.
it's for a 87 260E.
thnx.

__________________
Whether you think you can or cannot, Either way you're right!. by Henry Ford.

4 hours isnt too bad, I think it usually takes more.

__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.

Exactly which bushings are you talking about? If you are indeed talking about the rear subframe bushings, that would be a pretty quick job, much less than four hours. The differential to subframe bushings, however, is a tougher job requiring a specific puller.

Have a great day,

Well the shop wasn't honest enough with me on this one. Last time it was in the shop they mentioned that the differential bushings were worn and one arm link on each side need to be replaced.
But after I picked up the car the symptoms of fishtailing came back. So i went back and complained. now they are saying that the cross link bushings (from what I recall) are worn. The guy at the shop mentioned that these are bushings where all the cross members/control arms join and then attach to the body.
I asked them why they never found this to be faulty when they initially charged me the $650 to do the differential bushings, and he said they didnt "notice" it then. That is why I am questioning their labor rate now. More over the owner mentioned that once they change these bushings, they will call me to let me know what else needs to be replaced. That to me doesnt sound right from the beginning....

__________________
Whether you think you can or cannot, Either way you're right!. by Henry Ford.

650 for the differential bushings +labor sounds a little high.

But when you do suspension stuff, replace it all at the same time and just get it over with. Thats the best advice, then you dont have to keep getting the car aligned.

__________________
Current Stable:
1994 S500 v140, 210k miles, white with grey.

Former Mercedes in the Stable:
1983 300CD Turbo diesel 515k mi sold (rumor has it, that it has 750k miles on it now)
1984 300CD Turbo Diesel 150 k mi sold
1982 300D Turbo Diesel 225 sold
1987 300D Turbo Diesel 255k mi sold
1988 300 CE AMG Hammer 15k mi sold
1986 "300E" Amg Hammer 88k mi sold (it was really a 200, not even an E (124.020)
1992 500E 156k mi sold
etc.

The diff bushings will have nothing to do with handling. When they go out you will have a clunking on acceleration and deceleration.

I don't agree with replacing everything. Simply raise the car safely with the wheels suspended and use the 4 P's; Push, Pull, Pry and Prod on all the suspension members and replace the loose ones, then do a four wheel alignment. Replacing dogbones that are still tight is money wasted.

Good luck,