A quick update to this one that I nearly forgot all about...

In the end I had Henry's Towing (also recommended) take the 560SEL into


Taliaferro Imports, Inc.
GenuineSaab.com
525 North Prince Lane
Springfield, MO 65802
Phone 417.831.SAAB
Fax 417.831.4722
Toll Free 866.499.1068


Whom I can recommend.


First of all, I must say the quality of the work that they did was absolutely top-notch with a very clean and professional installation done with an obvious eye to quality and a detailed, methodical approach to the task at hand. The techs and staff there do know their stuff and have a passion for the work they do and it shows. The curt and to the point matriarch of the outfit, Linda Taliaferro, also knows her stuff in and out as did the gentleman who did the work on my 560 (sorry, I don't remember his name) who has had quite a bit of experience with MBs up to and including rebuilding a 4.5 M117 in a W116 450SEL.


If there was a downside, it was in the total – $560.00 for 7 hours labor (vs 6 book) @ $80.00 per hour with all materials supplied by me. I felt to be a bit high for an independent, very nearly approaching dealership pricing in my mind.


Be that as it may, Taliaferro Imports is the ONLY place in Springfield that I would consider taking my cars to for any work - not having heard a single good or kind word about any of the other independents down there who specialize in foreign cars.


Which, of course, is exactly why around here in Mid-Mo Dennis McDonald will always be my number-one go to as he unimpeachably on the level, irritated in exactly the same way that I am by the “it is good enough” mentality all too many have these days, and has a perfectionist's approach and eye for detail in all the work he does all at a fair price which leaves a fellow feeling that he received honest value along with excellent service.