I am a consumate shopper. I always look for the best deal, and it doesn't always come from an independent mechanic or parts house. I trust Mercedes dealers to give me a valid and accurate appraisial of the vehicle, as well as having the ability to pull up the service and warranty records through their computer system that an indy won't have.

I wouldn't send a mod to the dealer if I didn't honestly think it were the best source for info. The Indy's often have an axe to grind, or will over estimate repairs to cover their 6 for liability reasons. One of my local garages actually refuses to do PPI's anymore. They just don't want the headache of dealing with the party that doesn't like their evaluation of the vehicle.

I took my 300 SD to an indy and he told me I needed 6K worth of repairs (I haven't done any of the suggested repairs aside from a valve adjust, and new glowplugs, and the car runs out sweet), broke my upper coolant inlet to my radiator, discharged my refrigerant, and ruined my climate control system. Of course, he cliaimed that the systems that failed while the car was in his care were due to the AGE of the vehicle...

Go to the dealer, it's my best advice to you, especially on a '91 Mercedes. The cost is the same, and the resources they can offer you will be more than an indy can give you.

My apologies to the many fine independent Mercedes mechanics and garage owners who contribute their knowledge and experience these forums, but failing the opportunity to use one of you, I have to suggest the dealer. Just like in L.A., there are too many shady MB shops in the SF Bay Area.

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Scott Longston
Northern California Wine Country...
"Turbos whistle, grapes wine..."