DMITRY,

Stick to your guns, and hang in there.

Good luck,

------------------
Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles

I have replaced most of the parts on my 91-300E with the 103 engine. The only item I have not replaced was the dist cap. The price sound about right, you may find the high price item such as the O2 sensor or the belt tensionor to be cheaper. Even at the dealership, the repair department charges 15% above list. I don't think a good repair shop will let you bring in parts for repair.

The main problem I see here is, they did not get you approval, and you are down $1500.00.

Take it back, Do something that you have control, call your bank to put a stop payment on your check. The worst case is the shop not release your car.

Good luck, jack

I don't know about Pennsylvania, but in California it's ILLEGAL to procede with work on a car without authorization (and has been for decades!!). I give my mechanic a letter (drop it off "early bird") telling him what it's in for... and tell him to CALL ME if you find anything else. They typically make me sign an acknowledgement as to the repairs that have been authorized.

You might check with your local / state authorities (the ones who would oversee automotive repair facilities) as to what your remedies are.



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Jay Yambrovich
1989 300 E
1992 190-E 2.3

this one,s for Larry bible how do you know that your o2 sensor is bad if the light doesn,t come on.

If I took my car into the shop for a problem, and they did a buncha work on it without my authorization, They would not get one cent from me, and They would not be allowed to keep my car either.

I'd have my attorney down there so fast, the shop wouldn't know what hit em except a big fat lawsuit and a visit from OSHA....

If they didnt call or have previous authorization to get the work authorized then they are liable to take a loss for the repairs done, as far as I see it.

Sounds to me like they didn't diagnose the problem properly. Are you sure the work was done at all? Perhaps they just reset the computer? I'd definately have a second opinion done by another mechanic if possible, and I'd definately look for proof of the work that was done.

I have heard many stories of mechanics who charged for parts they never installed. This is why its so hard to trust mechanics nowadays.

I'm glad I have always used good mechanics like the people who post here and frequent this board. It really sucks to see that you have spent a big wad of cash for a problem that has not gone away. I definately would not pay one cent more for any repairs to fix that problem especially if everything else you did had no effect.

Damn I wish you lived in LA Benzmac... you'd be the one doing any repairs for my car, my dads sl600, and my brothers 380sl..

I really hope everything works out for you, there is nothing worse than knowing your beautiful car is sick.


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'92 300CE
Metallic Black (Blue Flaked) on Creme
Clear Corners
Black Grille Insert
78k Miles

Future Upgrades:
Sportline Suspension
17" AMG Monoblocks or EVO II's
94-95 Tail Lights
Euro Headlights
Chip
AMG Exhaust
http://home.earthlink.net/~asherson/mycar.jpg
Click here to Go To My 300CE Page

I am in LA and I have great MB mechanic...
Boulevard Auto Repair
14857 Burbank Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA
(818) 989-6028

The owners name is Vargues and his son is Nelson. It is a family business...all trained MB mechanics..that's all they do...MBZ!!

I have had them do a lot of work on my 124 and they are honest and knowledgable.

Hope this helps...

Dmitry, Dmitry,

The unauthorized work and $1400 bill is a real horror story. The fact that the Check Engine light is on again makes it all the worse. My feeling is that you should take your car to a dealer (maybe M-B of Doylestown) or independent shop that will fix your car right the 1st time, rather than taking your car back to the old shop. Further dealings with them may just cause more headaches and more money down the drain. Would you kindly let me know the name of the shop you went to, as I certainly want to be aware of it (or should I say "beware of it"). You might want to e-mail me directly. I can send you the business card of an independent shop in Norristown, PA, that might be of interest to you. I've not had any work done there (my car is still under warranty), but I've met the shop owner at local MBCA Tech Sessions, and have been impressed with his knowledge and integrity.

Mike
1995 S420

Can you spell BBB?

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J.H.
'86 300E

If not the BBB, sounds like we need the B.A.R.

Although I would NOT resort to the B.A.R., it sure is tempting sometimes.

There was a question to me about the Oxygen Sensor. I think someone confused someone elses post for mine. I have not commented on Oxygen Sensors.

I have heard before that Oxygen Sensors should be replaced as a preventive maintenance item, but I've never done it. The suggestion I read was concerning my Corvette. I don't remember such a reccomendation for a Benz.

Anyone know of such an O2 sensor PM replacement reccomendation?

Good luck,

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Larry Bible
'01 C Class, Six Speed
'84 Euro 240D, manual, 533K miles
'88 300E 5 Speed
'81 300D Daughter's Car
Over 800,000 miles in
Mercedes automobiles