So the car was out of service from May 04 to Jan 05? Eight months or so. How much of that time was you versus them? Have you thought about asking for rental car reimbursement?

Does anyone know when the problem was allegedly fixed?

I don't think pcalt is an alias to slowmoe.

My mistake.

My est was around 1K
 

Brandon,
My initial estimate was around 1000. I don't know the code used though. I'll look for the paperwork tomorrow.

Have a good one.

i'm not slomoe
 

deanyl,
I'm not slowmo....

I was on a trip. My car broke down on a monday. I was 3 hours from home. I got a rental car. The car wasn't done by Friday. My schedule took me further away the next week, so I was unable to pick up the car. It was done when I picked it up on the 14th day. I do not know when it was actually complete.

have a good one.

S'aright. Happens to me quite often. ;)

PCalt,

That would be great ! Thanks for your help !!

999 code give
 

Brandon,
My paperwork indicated thusly:

code:999 Sublet to xxxxx Autobody N/C


So, not much help.

Sorry.

To add me 2 cents, I've seen this a few times also, always E300 Diesels, maybe more stress on the perch? Except once it was an E420 210 chassis, ditto the comment about more stress due to a big heavy engine.
I've also seen the front wheel bearings seize up on 210 Diesels, to the point where the steering knuckle and hub had to be replaced because the bearing welded itself to the spindle.
Gilly

Has anyone seen this happen on an E430?

I wonder why it would only happen on the diesels and on the E420, unless MB changed how they rust proofed the car...

Heavier engine is my theory........

Gilly

Yes, but both the 4.2 liter and 4.3 liter engines are all aluminum engines.

Why would the 4.2 liter engine be heavier, and if so, buy how much?

Well, you pressed me for answers, by golly you got answers, buddy.
Weights as follows, all weights include driver, calculated evenly at 68kg, baggage 7kg, and tank 90% full.
E300 non turbo 1560 kg
E320 (V6) 1580 kg
E320 (M104) 1600 kg
E300 Turbodiesel 1630 kg
E420 and E430 both 1690 kg

Gilly

Thanks, Gilly, you are the man!

Since E420's and E430's weight the same, I wonder why this problem hasn't happened to E430's.

I'm asking this because I'm thinking of buying a '97 E420 this Saturday (gulp).

Gilly, please tell me that E420's are nice cars.... :o

You'll think I'm kidding, but if I were looking for a MB right now, it'd probably BE a E420 210 chassis. Just LOVE those cars. Just drive one, you'll see why. I really don't have an answer, it could be a simple coincidence too. One thing I think I remember is a reinforcement bar being added to the upper spring perch on the 210 4Matics. You could, for your own piece of mind have one of these added to your purchase, or at least have the insulation scraped off (which in my mind hides any existing corrosion) and have the welds redone and see if I am right about a reinforcement bar and have that added. You could also consider having the wheel bearings packed, assuming they are serviceable. You'd need new grease seals for the inner bearings. This could also be done the first time you need rotors, save a little in labor.

Gilly

Gilly