PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - 300SDL--Going Through Service Records--OUCH!!!

Lance Allison · #11 05-07-2004, 06:56 PM

The sunroof was "fixed" the first time by replacing a few parts and installing a cable. Most of that job was labor. The second time, a few years later, it stopped moving on the left side. The solution was to replace the entire assembly. Again, it was mostly labor. If you can believe it, the roof now leaks when I powerwash the car and the estimate is $500 to fix. These jobs were done at the local MB dealer.

Trans had some vacuum issues addressed, then it leaked and was resealed...both times at the dealer. It started shifting poorly again. I took it to a trusted indy who ended up replacing it with a new trans and torque converter.

Trailering arm was first replaced on the rear driver's side (MB dealer). Now, the rear passenger side is needed. When the driver's side was fixed, the repair order noted the passenger side was starting to rust from the inside out, but at the time, it was still structurally sound. Not sure where I'm going to have it fixed.

My independent has retired and both nearby MB dealers have been less than straightforward on several instances. See some of my previous posts if you so desire.

The problem is I'm pretty much smack dab in the middle of several larger cities. But each one is 75-100 miles from town. The closest MB dealer is 40 miles and the next closest is 55 miles. There are no independents nearby (within say 75 miles) that are familiar with MBs.

In fact, I'm seriously thinking of taking the SDL over to the shop in Pontiac Michigan for the trailering arm install. One of their techs is a frequent poster here. That's now hard up I am for a good independent mechanic.