Ben's Workshop Austin, Texas
 

I had a C36 that I took there for service...this place is a total rip off. Charged me $576.56 for a new fuel press. regulator($60.00) and vac. hoses.($5.00) DONT GO HERE!!! THEY WILL BEND YOU OVER AND NO VASOLINE!!

I've been to Ben's. He's honest, but expensive and he wants to make the car perfect each time. He's suggested $700 repairs on items "that may fail in the future".

I've been to Phoenix. We had some miscommunication with them, including replacing a steering box that we asked them NOT to replace. They ended-up charging us cost on the part and zero or 1/2 of the labor (can't remember), but for a variety of other reasons we were not comfortable.

Which lead us to Tower on Lamar (@9th). David is honest and good. He's taken great care of us. He tells us the pros and cons of repairs and tells us what he would do if it was his car. He's worked on both the 560SL and the E420 with good results. His prices are reasonable. He charged us $0 last visit as he could not locate/replicate the noise we heard.

Bens
 

Ben's worked on my 300SD in 2004. Good work but came in at 40% above estimate and that was after I went though the invoice and removed the items that were not accomplished or asked for.

Ben's Workshop
 

Ben does good work. Yes, he's very expensive. He won't BS you around either. He'll tell you like it is, especially if you have a "neglected" automobile. If it's and older model, expect higher cost. I had great luck with him.

German Star Motors at 904 McPhaul in Austin is very good and inexpensive. Ask for Alan.

512-873-0586

If you've got a diesel MB, I couldn't recommend any shop besides Austin ********. Robert (the owner) knows Mercedes and especially knows diesels. When I was at Ben's, I saw nothing but gassers (except for the 300TD I was test driving) and one of the guys working there told me they try to *avoid* working on diesels.

Austin ******** is highly recommended!

Part of the problem with Ben's is the location. His property taxes are extremely high in that area, especially for a shop that large. He's got to pass that cost along to his customers.

My BMW salesman (I also drive a Z3) turned me on to a guy named Abdu at 9711 Gray Blvd that does good work (512) 873-8787. His hourly rate is the same as Ben's but he usually accomplishes the work in far less time than Ben's. It's not a convenient location and Abdu's thick accent can make communication difficult at times but he's honest and competent.

Bill

You should check out Austin Mobile Mechanics, Patrick is great and cheap.