PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

d.delano · #8 03-03-2010, 03:18 PM

I'm assuming your mechanic is not an MB-specific independent. I can't stress enough the importance of taking your car to an MB-specific independent mechanic. And I mean a good one. If you don't have any in your area, then do the next best thing and go to an established indy that specializes in German cars, and has a good reputation for doing so. Do NOT go to the dealer, they do NOT always know what the hell they are doing. Also, dealer labor and parts will kill your wallet. Dead. The dealer only wants to make the money, and quite truthfully doesn't care about anything else, reputation included.
It's hard for me to believe that there are no good indy MB mechs in the Northeast. That's where all the rich folk live after all!
$3k for a head gasket, for my part, had better damn well include everything else on your list of fixits. Yes, that's overpriced, and offensively so. It's not a space shuttle.
Now- for the parts involved, you WILL want to use the dealer. You want dealer parts for those jobs. However- not all dealers will charge you $1k for a wiring harness. Just depends.
Maybe you join the MB club for $40 to get the discounts, take the parts to a good indy, and declare victory.
Of course if you get discouraged let me know and I'll take the car off your hands. I'd love me some w124 E320 wagon right about now. Fine car don't part with it or you'll likely have some major regret to deal with.