I am not an expirenced DIYe...yet. I do in fact change my oil and fuel filters....not much, but a 100% improvement from 2 months ago when I bought the car (my first diesel).

I just brought the car into a local independent for the repair of a fuel line leak. All of you were correct, it was a fuel line, actually 2.

I want to get your feedback on the following $$ estimates:

Replace Front and rear pads (I also assume sensors)- $200
Adjust valve and check timing chain- $80

Is this reasonable...I know I can DIY these for a fraction of the cost, and I will. But for now, I need to pay a Pro.

Anthony

__________________
'83 240D (W123) 321K miles
250KM Mileage Award
500KM Mileage Award

'84 300TD (W123) 215k miles
250K mileage award pending

It sounds pretty reasonable to me, especially compared to what the dealer usually charges for those services.

__________________
LRG
1987 300D Turbo 175K
2006 Toyota Prius, efficent but no soul
1985 300 TDT(130K miles of trouble free motoring)now sold

I alos know that I need to do more stuff myself....

__________________
'83 240D (W123) 321K miles
250KM Mileage Award
500KM Mileage Award

'84 300TD (W123) 215k miles
250K mileage award pending

If you're saying that he is going to check and adjust ALL the valves AND check the timing chain for $80... I would JUMP on that. Provided, naturally, that it was done RIGHT!

Pete

both jobs sound very reasonable $ to me.

__________________
1984 300D Turbo - 231k....totalled 11/30/07 RIP

I had gone to Affordable imports last month. In the tunk of the SD they had (Great body condition) was a treasure chest of parts. I picked up two unopened boxes of front and rear brakes. I also bought a complete power antenna for $52 and i asked him how much for the "brake sets?" He told me to just take them!

The brakes are like an oil change, anyone can do it. Just remove the wheel and there are two friction pins that are removed with a small punch, pull out the old brake pads, use a large flat screwdriver to lever the pistons back into the caliper, put in the new brakes, install the anti-rattle spring and hammer in the pins. Easy half hour job!

I would do the break pads your self, it's not a hard job and it will save you a $120 you can spend on a nice meal at a fancy restaurant with your partner.

__________________
1979 Black on Black, 300CD (sold), 1990 Black 300SE, Silver 1989 Volvo 780, 1988 300CE (vanished by the hands of a girlfriend), 1992 300CE (Rescue).

Acastell,
It would be helpful if you told us in what part of the country you reside. That would be a bargain in New York City or San Francisco.

The $80 for a valve adjustment and timing chain check is reasonable (should have included the valve cover gasket too). I pay less than that here in So CA from a "one man band" with 30 years of experience, but it is still reasonable.

The brakes are also resonable.

Keep in mind that the rest of the tune-up you can do yourself if you didn't want to spend the $ for the wrenches and learn how to do it from a pro. Buying your parts from Fastlane or the other sources would save you lots of money on the easy to do stuff like the air filter, fuel filters and other items go with a standard diesel tuneup.

Keep in mind independents also have to make a living and they are generally more interested in doing the whole job. If your guy will work with you, thats great.

From my Nichols/Chilton Labor guide....
Valve Clearance adjust, ALL except ( only gas moodels listed)
1.7 hours

Brake Pads, Replace
front .9 hrs
rear .9 hours
Drake disc, replace both 240D, 300CD, 300D, 300TD 4.2 hours


Hope this helps

I'd like to get my valves adjusted. I don't feel competent enough to try that myself. Where can I get that done for uner $80 Eric?

__________________
RT


1984 300D---Sold
1995 E420 - 106K - Brilliant Silver Metallic/Orion Gray --- Sold
1984 300SD - 151K Manganese Brown Metallic/Mostly Black --- Sold
1982 240D - 79K - Manila Beige/Palomino---Sold

Thank you all, MS FOWLER0 great info!

I am in the San Francisco Bay Area...good to hear he is competitive!

Anthony

__________________
'83 240D (W123) 321K miles
250KM Mileage Award
500KM Mileage Award

'84 300TD (W123) 215k miles
250K mileage award pending

Way too long. 4.2 hours for a W123? I did all four wheels in 30 minutes with only 1 floor jack and basic hand tools. Any for my first time! I could do it faster now that I know the steps needed.

Before doing anything I suggest buying a Haynes Manual and READ READ READ.