You must be joking. It's a good excuse to go buy new tools. When one is a multi-Benz owner, these tools pay for themselves over time. Especially when somebody is always coming to your house to work on their Benz too.

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No matter how many times you explain it to me, I'm still right.....Surf-n-Turf

I agree, but with a big caveat. If you have 5 MB's that you intend to keep forever and like projects like suspension bushings, then it makes sense. It also makes sense if you just like buying expensive new tools.

The original poster has exactly one MB. The economics are different.

Everyone's situation is different. Personally, I chose to pay the shop for things that are either very nasty, beyond my skill level, require expensive one time use tools, or finally very complex projects where a screw up is $$$$.

My opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Steve

Well, Im not quite a multi Benz owner (yet) but this is something I do agree with.

But, I am not too excited about purchasing a tool that I will use only one in a car's lifetime though, however, who's to say I won't replace the springs someday.....

And, softconsult, as far as a 'margin', there is a difference between a 'margin ' and blatant highway robbery. As a college student with limited means, 500-750 is pretty much 2 months rent and food. (or 1/3 of my semester loans) Hmmmmm. food and shelter vs. buying a powerboat and alcohol for a greasy dishonest mechanic. Yeah. easy descision. The economics are different and I truly appreciate your ability to see that.
I have yet to find a descent mechanic who dosent try to outright rob me, on this or any other vehicle, which is why I am on this forum.
I too will farm out job that I cannot undertake, or those that will take up too much time or a screw up will be more costly that taking it to a mechanic.
I guess that I am just frustrated because no mechanic wants to just do the job honestly and walk away.
Still, my problem isn't solved.

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1984 300D

while i do agree this is a high price there are other things you have to consider... part cost on these cars are very high... not only do they have to pay for the part but they also have to be aware of the risk associated with a screw up and the cost incurred by this screw up. in my industry we call this risk a handling charge and it is a flat percentage of the part cost. so in this sense the high part cost gets considered twice. so take the part cost, double it and add a little (maybe 15-20%) for the owner to make a living and see what you get. if the parts are $50-100 then $500-$600 is unreasonable, on the other hand if the parts are $200 to $250 then i would say this is not out of line. if the guy does Mercedes night and day he should eat a little more of the risk. all in all we are a market economy, if there was a huge need for Mercedes suspension rebuilds the guy down the street would beat his price, sounds like we as Mercedes owners are the victim of high part cost and low demand

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1982 300CD Turbo (Otis, "ups & downs") parts for sale
2003 TJ with Hemi (to go anywhere, quickly) sold
2001 Excursion Powerstroke (to go dependably)
1970 Mustang 428SCJ (to go fast)
1962 Corvette LS1 (to go in style)
2001 Schwinn Grape Krate 10spd (if all else fails)

I'll pitch in for the next new tool.anything for an OBK brother. Did you get that ball joint press situated yet?