A friend's '98 ML 320 (75K miles) lost the harmonic balancer, which subsequently damaged the timing cover, oil pan and serpentine belt. The dealer's service advisor denied knowledge of any problem with these balancers but offered to waive the parts' cost and charge only labor. The labor total came to over $2200, at $75/hr.

Just how many hours are required to renew the front timing cover and oil pan on this vehicle?