We are discussing "stevebfl", and crew.
My most profound doubt goes to the person who REFUSED the work.
I have run into these people = they are responsible for NOTHING; it is all your fault..
You can spend hours explaining, have graphic displays, show them another customers engine blown to pieces....
IT IS STILL ALL YOUR FAULT........

Ask "Bill" = webmaster@peachparts.com
Ask "Phil" = philip@peachparts.com
Ask any person running a business.......
These people exist...

I am new to this forum however I did belong to other car forums.

I must qualify this because I have no relation or anything to gain by making my statement.

I know of a number of mechanics (Professional and otherwise) that volunteers their expertise to these forums because of their love of the marquee, helping spirit, longing to teach those that wish to learn and also thirst for additional knowledge.

I can only provide the benefit of the doubt to a contributor to this forum with numerous postings that assist "knowledge challenged owners" such as myself without compensation.

I understand the distrust of the independent shop owner (as well as the dealership) when it comes to big ticket repairs however boards such as these provide the idiot owner/operator of these fine cars a baseline level of knowledge to ask intelligent questions or attempt the repairs themselves. This is why I joined my first car board.

Unfortunately, the actions of a few on both sides (consumer and shop owner) have created a situation of distrust that is more and more common in our society overall. Hopefully the common love and interest in Mercedes Benz that we share here on the board can be an example of how people can work together and respectfully disagree without being disagreeable.

Volvo Owners Manuals state that the timing belt MUST be replaced at specified intervals. Not "should be" but MUST BE.

If she cannot READ the Owners Manual, was advised that the belt is required by her warranty and suffers the cost of engine head replacement (if not the entire engine since a used 850 mill is cheaper than R&R on the damaged one) then she deserves what she created for herself.

Typical post 80's syndrome of "I am not responsable for my actions because no one told me I was wrong"...

I work as an Engineer. I deal daily with contractors, builders, government officials and other engineers, the majority of demonstrate an absolute minimum of competency in their jobs.

Read the plans and specs? Me? why I am a Project manager for a Major Construction Management firm and WE DON'T HAVE TIME FOR THAT! YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD US IT WAS IMPORTANT TO READ THE PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS! (Actual direct quote from a PM for a CM who built a structure to only 50% of specified strength and it had to be torn down.)

When I started in the business, you bid the plans and specs and worked out all the unknowns. Now you bid the plans and specs and sue for all the unknowns.

The last project meeting I went to, I was the only one in the room on the white collar side who had a degree in anything other than CM or MBA. the rest of the flock of seagulls were more intent on programming their iPhones and Blackberrys than solving the problems that have plagued this "fast build" project from day one.

The smartest guy on the job is the GC's super who didn;t even graduate from High School but has 45 years experience in the business.

First thing I learned is RTFM.
2nd thing I learned is LISTEN then ASK then COMMENT.
3rd thing was to TAKE RESPONSABILITY FOR ONES ACTIONS.

But then I am "Old School" aren't I?

Amen !!

__________________
Palangi

2004 C240 Wagon 203.261 Baby Benz
2008 ML320 CDI Highway Cruiser
2006 Toyota Prius, Saving the Planet @ 48 mpg
2000 F-150, Destroying the Planet @ 20 mpg



TRUMP .......... WHITEHOUSE
HILLARY .........JAILHOUSE
BERNIE .......... NUTHOUSE
0BAMA .......... OUTHOUSE

i'm also an engineer & also a newbie to this forum (entrenched DIYer, car hobbier & lover of funky older European cars).....and, very much concur with the implications above as to what really constitutes "intelligence"...FWIW, reading this thread it occurs to me there is a HUGE difference between a legal/ethical responsibility to explain the consequences of ignoring brake problems, missing lug nuts & the like. People can get hurt. As far as a timing belt, in a way it's no more significant than explaining the consequences of hitting curbs, hacking up interiors & wiring to install stereos, spilling food all over the car, letting the kids climb on the roof or whatever else....people do that stuff all the time - and lose money because they render their cars worthless. So, just 'cause they didn't notice doesn't mean they probably trash away as much value abusing their cars as they would employing their favorite mechanic to repair a head.

I've thought about going to law school too, but it'd be tough to get past my lawyer prejudice

It isn't just mechanics and customers! Personnally, I think it is the "No fee if no recovery" business practice of many attorneys. I recently sold a house and showed a specific problem on the listing contract. The buyer later sued me because I didn't explain it in enough detail. The buyer didn't ask me, my realtor, his realtor, or anyone else. My attorney said I could fight it, most likely win the case, and sue for recovery of attorney fees, but I would lose. It was cheaper to settle the suit than fight it, especially since I had moved hundreds of miles away.

Like the man said (I don't remember who) "We have the best government money can buy." and it really show during an election year.

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Better, Faster, Cheaper, pick two.

I think those four words together should send shivers down any guy's spine. It certainly does it for me.

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Question Authority before it Questions you.

You know, there exists a list of "bad customers" for doctors, which I think has something to do with malpractice claims...

I've always been in a "business support" role, close to, but not on, the front lines. I've learned over the years that you do NOT want every customer that you can get.

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86 560SL
With homebrew first gear start!
85 380SL
Daily Driver Project

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