Illinois - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

earossi · #31 11-01-2002, 05:42 PM

Call Manfred at Manfred's Import Auto. The shop is in Cary, but Manfred was the service manager for many years at Auto Werks in Barrington. Best shop I have ever dealt with.........and honest. Have never missed a diagnosis. Phone is 847-462-2100

earossi · #32 11-01-2002, 05:44 PM

I live in Naperville, Illinois, and would like to locate a competent and honest mechanic for my two MB's. Have used a mechanic for years in Cary, but that is over 50 miles away. Would like to find someone within 5 to 10 miles of Naperville. Any suggestions.

GermanStar · #33 11-01-2002, 06:47 PM

Try Drago in Clarendon Hills (630-920-8882) if that's not too far.

Ron

GermanStar · #34 11-01-2002, 06:52 PM

I don't know -- I've dealt with Manfred Schmidt for years, and found him to be an incredible (almost legendary) jerk. Frankly, I'm surprised to hear he's still in business (I guess his shop didn't make it in Barrington, tho)... He is knowlegeable, but he's also very moody, humorless, and rather arrogant.

Ron

GermanStar · #35 11-01-2002, 06:56 PM

There's a very good shop in Wilmette (a little south of Waukegan) called Europa Imports. Ask for John (847-446-9500).

Ron

#36 11-01-2002, 09:16 PM

Thanks for the advice....

How are these folks with using aftermarket (non-MBZ) parts ??

I'd like to try a few... mostly things like:
- better brake pads (lower dust, better bite)
- possibly some suspension changes (camber adjustment kit, etc)

Thanks -- Manuel

BlueBabyBenz · #37 11-02-2002, 03:59 AM

Drago is right on Ogden, west of Route 83. Maybe 15 minutes from Naperville.

Also, across the road, Helmut and Vito.

Also, Ray's Towing. Believe it or not, he knows Mercedes. I think he's on Ogden near Aurora Ave.

#38 11-03-2002, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BlueBabyBenz
Drago is right on Ogden, west of Route 83. Maybe 15 minutes from Naperville.

Also, across the road, Helmut and Vito.

I heard about these folks awhile back when I was test-driving cars to buy.

- What are they good at ? (specifc models/years, specific services)
- anyone have any contact info ??

Thanks -- Manuel

#39 11-03-2002, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GermanStar
He is knowlegeable, but he's also very moody, humorless, and rather arrogant.

I've only dealt with him via email, and have not had any problems yet...

Personality description above sounds a lot like a German car

BlueBabyBenz · #40 11-03-2002, 03:43 PM

To be fair, I never had work done by Helmut, or Vito for that matter.

I stopped in one day to look at a 300E, and got talking to Helmut.

I mentioned a problem that I had with my Becker radio (previous owner had disconnected power while alarm was armed, radio goes kaput!).

Helmut directed me to a good shop just north of the airport, whom he assured me could fix the radio.

I don't remember the name, but here are the directions...

Head north on I294, take I90West.

Exit north on Lee street, just past the toll plaza, and you will almost immediately come to Touhy.

go west (left) on Touhy. You will pass under I90.

A bit further (5 minutes, or less) along, you will come to South Mount Prospect Road.

Turn north (right) on South Mount Prospect, and just before you pass under I90 again, (It's going diagonally NW at this point) there is a shop on the right hand side.

Damn, I wish I could remember the name.

Anyways, I had phoned ahead. Dave came out, reset the radio for no charge, less than 2 minutes. Any time that happens to a new customer at a MB indie, that is an indication that attitude is not a problem.

While I was there, I looked around the shop.

Very clean and organized. All cars seemed in good condition, which I take as an indication that picky owners go here.

They may be able to work on modded suspensions, etc.

Manuel, if you have a little time, and feel like spending it just driving, it might be worth checking out.

I'll see if I can find the card I got from them. If I can, I'll post it.

GermanStar · #41 11-03-2002, 04:12 PM

Helmut & Vito's is a decent shop, but more of a general German auto repair outfit than a true Mercedes specialist like Drago. There is a third player in the same neighborhood, as well -- True Imports. Of the 3, Drago would be my first choice, and Helmut & Vito my third.

Ron

BlueBabyBenz · #42 11-03-2002, 04:21 PM

Where is True Imports located?

earossi · #43 11-04-2002, 08:22 AM

Thanks for all the replies. I would caution posters about one of the shops mentioned: Helmut and Vito's. Helmut had been recommended to me by Manfred (my favorite shop in Cary), but he did not know anything about Vito (this may fall into the category of "If you don't know anything nice to say about someone, don't say anything!"). So, as a trial, I took in my Porsche 944 which was having electrical problems. Unfortunately, it was Vito who took care of me. In my humble opinion, he did not do what I asked. He called to say that I needed a lot of other, non related work (pully, belts, etc). He also diagnosed the electrical problem as a bad computer, for which he had a used unit. His labor charges were high, and you guessed it, after about $450 worth of work.........my electrical problem was still there.

But, Helmut was the recommended guy.........so if you do take a car into them........specifically ask for Helmut. I have very little faith in Vito, technically or ethically.

Sorry for such a negative post.

GermanStar · #44 11-04-2002, 10:58 AM

True Imports is right across the street from Laurel Motors (the local Mercedes dealer).

Ron

#45 11-11-2002, 01:24 PM

Hi,

My 2 cents:

Called Carmine at Burdi's Motorworks in Schiller Park for some assistance in wiring my radio and antenna. They were recommended by Midwest Electronics.

Arrived at 8:00 am Saturday morning and was greeted by Carmine, Jr. His father drove up a few minutes later and went right to work on my car.

In a nutshell, Carmine got everything sorted and all that remained was for me to run the wire from the trunk to the radio. Carmine showed me what to do.

He then took me on a little tour and showed me MB diagnosis unit which was an education in and of itself.

He spent 5 or 6 years at an MB dealership in Germany as an apprentice. Then to Italy for anther 5 years as I recall. Came to US and ultimately worked for 20 years at Loeber Motors in downtown Chicago.

Very pleased that he took the time to educate me and he gave me a few pointers for my 300E. It looks like he'll be doing the little bit of body work that I want done as well.

Very reasonable cost as well.

So, my thoughts are that he's well worth checking out and I'll be back.

His phone is 847-678-4801.

Regards,

chicago124