PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

aklim · #26 12-26-2010, 10:24 AM

I have used indies with good and bad results. R&R of the engine fan clutch, for instance. I noticed the indie mashed the fins while the last time I used a MB shop, they didn't. MB shop has the correct tools, indie doesn't always. When they don't, they will try to muddle thru and get it close. I don't like close.

My problem is I don't have WIS because I have Win 7 running and my copy of WIS doesn't play nice. That means I have no way to see what the procedure is and what the tools are. Therefore, I have to rely on trust. I was treated very well by my dealership. They let me watch and talk to the techs. One of their techs left and went to an indie shop that specializes in MB. He was my tech of choice so if he said they had the tool, I am willing to go on that. Since he has left and they don't let me watch, I become very skeptical.

My experience has been that it doesn't matter if it is indie or MB shop. It is dependent on the tech working on the car. If the indie is $15 cheaper than an MB shop, would I drive several hours out to the middle of BFE if all things are equal? Not a chance. My time is worth something. Should there be a failure, and it happens to all sooner or later, what are my options? Drive back there to resolve it? What if the car is not drivable? Tow it 325 miles for a resolution? I wouldn't unless there was SIGNIFICANT money involved. If he charged $1000 and the MB shop wanted $5000, maybe. Otherwise, I can't see how the math works out.

I have used quite a few indies because my Powerstroke and Vette are so far from stock, dealerships don't want to work on them and I can't blame them. I have also seen indies try to gouge me so I can't say they are any better. Besides, they are run by people and they have to make money to keep the lights on so the too can do the same stupid things as a dealership. I have found that the best way is to find a tech you can work with. In my case, it has to be a mod friendly tech.