Well, I too my car to Mitch Auto in Kensington..by the way..very very good guys..Unfortunately, they won't cover warranty work..I needed a new water pump and tensioner (1080.00 cost). Being the smart one, I had bought an after market warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles for my 1994 E320 coupe..Took it to ASC. The final tally was 1984.00!!! with the warranty company replacing the radiator and water pump...but none of the peripheral(hoses, tensioner belt, etc) that is included...They of course negotiated their cost to 900.00..so in the end I paid more than Mitch's quote anyway..
best way around this is to find a cheaper shop that covers after market warranties...or be prepared to pay more...
any one else with a different take?

__________________
"Paps was right. Wish I had listened."