I took a free oil change offer from what looks like a reputable "German autos only" independent shop. They ran a 14 point "honest" evaluation of the car.

My car supposedly needs these items fixed:
1. fan clutch bracket & belt shock - $400
2. engine mounts - $350
3. idler arm & steering shock - $200
4. engine service for rough idle and economy needle not at full left at PARK, bad mileage, possible oxygen sensor - $300-500 possibly more?
5. Front shock mounts - $250

Anyway I can check these items to see if they actually warrant these repairs? Are the quotes fair?

Thanks
Michael Chan
1989 190E 2.6 - 87,000mi

all that wrong on a low milage engine sounds kind of fishy


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1985 euro 500sel 220k
1981 300sd 278k sold
1989 chrysler
leabaron 130k
1990 320sl (hopefully)

Cheeman:


What place was this???

Couple of questions:

1. How does the car run?
2. Do you have a shop who routinely does your service? You are coming up on your 90kmi major service anyway, which means lots of more charges in scheduled maintenance.
3. The O2 sensor (and the techs will correct me if I am wrong) on a 190E probably should have already been replaced, since the O2 sensor lamp is tied into the odometer and needs changing at 60kmi...at which time the bulb is removed. Has this been done?

Any more info on the car and how it has been maintained. The pricing described seems like an outrageous amount to spend at this point in the car's life.

- John


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John J. Meadows
'83 300D 260k mi.
'85 190E 2.3L 99k mi.

The place is called Rheinland Motors in Long Island City in NY.

Let's say all these things need repair...do they sound like normal quotes?

Thx
Michael Chan

Darius,

I purchased the car in 1998 with 75,000mi. I brought it to a MB dealer for 60,000mi service which they recommended since there was no prior maintenance record.

I am looking at the 60,000 service invoice and do not see O2 sensor being replaced. Is that a special item or should that have been done automatically?

The only major work since is a new water pump in Feb 2000.

The car is running fine, I get anywhere from 17-22MPG mixed highway and city driving. Oil loss is about a quart every 3000mi.

If you need more specific info let me know.

Thx
Michael Chan

Try to get a second opinion !
You could probably replace engine mounts for $200 in Brooklyn. (I know a MB shop)
Steering dampner ( shock ) is arownd $20 in the parts shop and can be replaced on the street in 10-15 minutes. In any case , defenately shope arownd before comiting to thise guys

Dmitry

90' 300CE

I have an '86 300E with 165K and the economy gauge is not at the end on idle, but the car is fine. I replaced the motor mounts my self a few months ago, no biggie. Just need the right tools. I don't know about prices but you could ask them for the rates book and their hourly rate and go from there.

Gook luck



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'86 300E
'87 300SDL
'92 190E 2.6

Cheeman,

It sounds to me like the free oil change was to get you in to see if they could soak you for high prices for all this other stuff.

Like a previous suggestion, get a second opinion, and don't spend a dime with these guys until you've had some very good references about them.

If a shop is good and reputable in this day and time, they don't need to run free oil change specials to stay buisy.

I would proceed very cautiously.

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'84 Euro 240D, 523K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

Thanks to everyone for the concern and advice. I can see now that its best for me to wait for the 90,000mi service. I'll double-check with the MB dealer service dept if I have the same symptoms.

Since I don't drive that much, it might be a few months before I reach 90,000. If anyone is interested in the rest of this saga and what MB will say please e-mail me and I will oblige.

Thx and have a good w/e
Michael Chan

Beware, no one gives away oil changes. This is a clear example of bait marketing. Keep in mind. If it looks to good to be true, then it porbably isn't. Just the O2 sensor alone should give it away.

BEWARE BEWARE BEWARE.

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Jeff Lawrence
1987 300e
1989 300e
1987 BMW 325