I just wanted to get some feedback about my recent encounter with Park Place Mercedes in Bedford, Texas.

I took my 1986 420 SEL to them to replace the rear main seal due to it was leaking. I asked them to please change the transmission front seal since they had it dropped.

I got the car back and the next day noticed a lot of transmission fluid on the floor - NEVER LEAKED BEFORE!!

I took it back and they fixed it....now three months later I had a worse OIL leak than when I originally took it in. So they said it would cost me $64 to check and see what was leaking and if it was indeed the rear main seal again that would be covered under warranty.

So while they had it they told me about valve cover leaks and another plug on the side of engine above the oil pan that was also leaking - about $300 to fix!!! I said no. So late yesterday (02/23/2005) afternoon they had still not completed the car - found out they replaced the rear main seal again!! Said the car would be ready today!! I got a call and said when they started the engine they heard a noise and immediately turned it off - sounded like the timing chain slipped....said they would have to pull the valve cover to check. They did and found the guide had broken and they bent ? valves...I am to be given an estimate tomorrow.

Now, if this is all true would I have noticed something previously and seems strange to happen when the engine has been running sound - only 104000 miles with oil changes ever 3000 miles (I know it is not required). I would appreciate any feedback on this type of event and experiences with dealerships in this type of matter.....thanks for listening!!! If they forgot to put the engine oil back in could that prevent any tensors from tightening the cain?

Mark