Ol' Turbo was in dire need of new front tires. The tread wear was slightly uneven, but not enough for me to splurge on an alignment.

I chose this shop because they stock the same bridgestones to match the other tires that I've been satisfied with during my ownership. The desk supervisors seemed competent enough, so I handed over the keys and caught up on the details of Bernie Mac's death and presidential candidate Edward's shocking adultery in the customer lounge. I grew tired of celebrity gossip about 15 minutes later and deceided to stretch my legs; much to my dismay, Ol Turbo was still on the ground with the hood up.

I immediately approach the desk supervisor:

Me: Why is the hood up? I just need tires.
Super: We're just doing a free checkup to make sure your car doesn't need any service, fluids topped off, and such.
Me: I don't want the checkup, and don't like people getting under the hood of my car without permission. Just change the tires.
Super: okay.. (goes back to service area...comes back with list in hand) I told him to stop, but he did find a few things. Your battery tested a bit low and your oil is really black.
Me: (laugh) Don't worry about it.
Super: One of my techs is really excited to see your car; he says he drives one just like yours.

This is where it really gets interesting... The technician comes back from the service bay to introduce himself, and showers me with a wealth of misinformation about 300d's that I did not need or want.

Here is some of the wisdom from the 'Tires Plus' Mercedes Diesel Specialist imparted to me during our conversation.


"Driving during the winter snow and salty roads won't do a thing to your 300d. They're indestructable, like when these Taxis in New York or something went a million miles."

"You only need a new timing chain when the car starts smoking alot at idle. That's how I knew."

"There's something wrong with my turbo. It doesn't kick in until about 1500 rpms or so."

" I got about 8 grand in mine and all she needed was a couple hundred bucks to get repainted, until I got rearended in a hit and run. I want to paint it black." (its a white car)


When I finally got Ol' Turbo back I drove around to look at his 300d... Oh my...just wait until I get home and post the pictures.

They over-aired the tires about 5 psi, btw.

__________________
1985 500SL Euro w/ AMG bits 130k
1984 300SD Turbodiesel 192k
1980 240D Stick China 188k
2001 CLK55 AMG 101k
2007 S600 Biturbo 149k Overheated Project, IT'S ALIVE!!!