Quote:
Originally Posted by Carleton Hughes
Thanks fellas. Funny thing is I have no dealer,never bought a new car nor a used one from one.
I've simply done practically all my own maintenance,repairs,etc, and only have gone to the dealer for certain parts so I really have no relationship with one{not entirely a BAD thing}.
Suppose that puts me in an unenviable position,huh?
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Unfortunately if you want MBUSA to get involved they are going to tell you to bring the car to the nearest dealer for an inspection, so you will have to develop a relationship now if you want them to be involved. The cost of the part is trivial...on the order of $25, it is the labor involved that is costly. I have heard on average $600 to $1,200 per side. More if the main rail is badly rusted (the part to which the perch is attached).
I'd stop by the dealer, talk to the service advisor and gauge their reaction. What have you got to lose? Every dealer knows about this problem, they will not be surprised to hear you have trouble...just see what they offer. They can also tell you if they have been repairing them in-house or sending them out. If they send them out then go directly to the shop they use and see what they charge directly for the cost. I suspect those who pay the top prices are paying for the dealer's markup on an outside shop's work, much like the dealers charge for windshield replacements (that almost none of them do themselves).