I had my 1992 500SL into the dealer today for the 105,000 mile service.

Two problems I knew that I had. First, the blower on the climate control system has quit. The tech's suggestion was to special order a $500 blower regulator, install it and see if that cures the problem. Here is my first question: isn't there a way to check the regulator before ordering and installing? He says no.

The second problem that I knew of was an underbody rattling sound that just seemed like something was loose. The tech said: strut bushings. Replace for $500.

Then there were two problems that I was not aware of. First, I need a belt tensioner to cure a high pitched whine that is noticeable when the transmission shifts gears. $500 plus labor. Second, I need new rotors on all four wheels. (The brake pad dash light has been flashing for about a week.) Roughly $1,000 plus labor. I have replaced these before, but cannot remember when. What is the reasonable life on rotors?

I have no reason to doubt the dealers honesty, but does this sound reasonable?
Thanks, JR

I don't know about the blower regulator, but the rotors on your car will wear entirely acording to your driving habits. If you drive mostly in the city and accelerate hard from each light and hit the brakes hard to stop you for the next light (in that car who would blame you) your brakes will wear 10 times faster than if you drive entirely on the highway. I would say that 50,000 miles is a rough estimate of wear. It also depends on your dealer's idea of enough wear to justify replacement. Some places want to replace your brakes when you have 50% of the rotor left, other's will let it go 25-30%. In your high performance car, I would want all the stopping power I could get, and to be honest $1000 for new rotors all around on that beautiful peice of machinery you pilot sounds fair.

Replacing the strut bushings will also be worth it. Many people underestimate the importance of these parts.



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Jason Priest
1986 420SEL

The blower regulator is a common failure on both 129 & 140 chassis.I would guess that is most likely the problem.

There is a test sequence on the blower motor. The rattle from the suspension could be the bushings, but be sure the lower stiffening rods are properly tensioned. This is a part of the service that many forget. Also, the belt tensioner could be faulty, but I don't think that they are 500+labor, but the dealers could be higher than us.?.

You may want to get a GOOD indpendent to look at it for a second opinion.

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Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
1991 GMC Syclone
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