PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

BENZ-LGB · #19 11-04-2005, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itsreen

I bought a 1989 300E (187,000 miles on it now) from my sister in December '04. She had the car serviced only at MBZ dealerships, never missed an oil change, etc...so I know the car has been properly maintained. I drive a lot more and am a little rougher on my car and I also live on a much tighter budget than she, but I found a mechanic that retired from a MBZ dealership that seemed ok. He did some minor repairs on a couple occasions and was nice enough to let me pay later-which I did as agreed!! I was satisfied with the work but annoyed by personal questions he was asking (I'm a female). I expressed that he was being too nosy and paid him the balance of what I owed. I took the car in yesterday because it runs hot in traffic but not on the freeway. I just had it repaired for the same problem 6 months ago. He said it was the thermostat back then (I paid $200 )-now he said it's the water pump and he said my "tensioner" needs to be fixed or tightened (or whatever you do to a tensioner). He gave me a quote of $330 for the water pump, $200 and change for labor and $35 for the repair of the tensioner and some other stuff . It came up to over $600 when he added it all up. His attitude is not as friendly anymore and said he was looking for a car for his daughter and would "take the car off my hands" for $300 The car can't be in that bad of shape because it has been perfectly maintained in the past. I was insulted by that comment and left the garage. I want to know if the quotes he gave me are even in ball park range of what the norm is. I feel like he is being indifferent now because I wouldn't disclose my personal business to him. Any input will be appreciated

I have daughters (and a wife) and I take care of all their car issues for the exact same reason that you indicated above. One service advisor at a dealer tried to sell my wife needless service and I've had to step in and set him straight. He toldher that the water pump was leaking and it needed a new one. Wehave driven her Yukon over 5K miles, including trips through the Mojave Desert and the H2O pump still works just fine!

I don't know why is it that some men feel compelled to hit on women who obviously don't want the attention. But that is an entirely different issue.

If your sister had the car serviced regularly, then ask her for copies of all services records to see what has been done. The W124 from your model year sometimes tend to run hot in stop and go traffic. How hot is it getting? Do a search here and find possible cures that you could do at home (even if you are not mechanically inclined).

Belt tensioners and H2O pumps are normal wear and tear items. I had that done to our 1989 300TE. I will check the records to see how much I paid.

Where are you located? Maybe you can find an indie mechanic who is more trustworthy and relaible (nad not trying to scam you)