more bad news from mechanic - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

cmp21 · #1 06-20-2007, 01:00 PM

I just heard that i need a new water pump, blower motor and a/c condesor for my '88 560 sl. Prices he gave seem crazy. $350 for water pump, $190 for lower radiator hose, $600 for blower motor...and that doesn't include labor. My question is this...since I only planning on driving my sl in the summer, with the top down...can I get by without the blower motor and condensor?

Secondly, my mechanic told me the blower box was completely rusted out. I have been leaking water through the firewall whenever it rains...is it possible this is the source? If so, will simply sealing up the box solve the problem? Thanks

MattBelliveau · #2 06-20-2007, 01:52 PM

? Uhhh, $190 for a lrh? WTF? I need to go pro! I'll do it for $150...including labor.

dugald · #3 06-20-2007, 03:09 PM

If you don't use the AC why repair it?
Neither of my SLs have had working AC. They are summer top-down cars, so who cares.

JFawcett · #4 06-20-2007, 04:11 PM

Parts sound a way high.
Blower Motor is $445.
Water pump is $161.
Can't imagine a radiator hose costing $190.
It is possible that the blower box is rusted out.....as they do get water in them if the seal under the hood is bad.
Take it somewhere else.

BDBENZ · #5 06-20-2007, 04:41 PM

The water pump only comes as a rebuilt from MB dealer and is approximately $160 - $200 dollars plus your core. There are aftermarket units, but the repair is so labor intensive that I would only use the MB unit. The dealer will charge around 1000.00 - 1200.00 for the total repair. I did mine in a weekend with the help of the forum members. I have pictures that I could email you. The repair does call for you to remove the harmonic balancer pulley to get to some of the water pump bolts. It is pretty much by the numbers after that. As far as the heater box goes, rust is a common problem on those. Mine was salvageable with some sanding and paint, and it has held up well. The lower hose is rather pricey because it is two hoses molded together. Good luck on your decisions.

Bill

Roncallo · #6 06-21-2007, 01:06 AM

The prices quoted are not unusual. They are retail prices that most independents sell parts for. Yes they are more expensive than parts purchased here at Fastlane, but you cant expect an Indy to purchase parts here and not mark them up. It just goes to show you how much you can save by working on the car yourself. The blower motor is very easy to change and used ones are all over E-bay for under $300. But again an Indy is not going to E-bay.

John Roncallo